Peugeot Problems

A SECOND-HAND car will be a better model and have more equipment than a new car for the same price, but you are buying a car that has done quite some mileage in the hands of someone you don't know. There are risks buying a used car because you don't how previous owners have treated it. If you're prepared to take them, buy a car with a known service history and have it thoroughly checked by a specialist in that brand.

FROM what you say it doesn't seem it has been caused by abnormal use or abuse, but rather a quality problem that should be covered by the warranty. I'd approach Peugeot direct and ask it to fix the problem by replacing the foam padding or the seat itself. Ph: (02) 8737 7900.

I AM inclined to think it is a problem with your car. When a windscreen cracks like this, particularly more than once, I'd look for added stress such as a poor fit or a misshapen opening. If it's a used car, I'd suspect it has had a crash and the repairs haven't been done properly. If you bought it new, go back to Peugeot. You will have to negotiate a settlement, which may involve legal proceedings.

A PEUGEOT spokesman told us they had not heard of low-sulphur fuel causing problems. The company's technical manager said low-sulphur fuel would not damage diesel pumps. On the contrary, sulphur had corrosive properties and its removal would slightly increase the lubricating ability of the diesel. He also said he hadn't heard of high temperatures causing pump failure.

RENAULT doesn't market a diesel engine here, so rule that out. You could consider a VW Golf diesel. Both the Peugeot and VW diesels are well built, reliable and economical so that would probably be the best overall option.

STRAIGHT back to your dealer, according to Peugeot, because there is a fix available. There is a software download available that Peugeot claims will rectify your problem simply. The company is dismayed that your dealer was unaware of the fix and would like to take it up with him.

When the sulphur content of our diesel is reduced you will see better diesels from Europe coming into the country. Their performance is almost on a par with petrol engines, so they will be worth considering. As for petrol, a car developed for regular unleaded, as are the Falcon and Commodore, is unlikely to be able to fully realise the benefits of using PULP, but will happily run on the higher-octane fuel.