Which fuel should you really tip down the neck of your car? If you get it wrong, you’ll either waste money – or potentially even blow up your engine. Here’s how to get it right.

Cars are an expensive consumer purchase – often still the second most expensive thing we buy. The cost of repairs can be very high if something goes wrong. So, extra protection is a good thing, right?

One of the most amazing rip-offs built into the new car buying process is a thing called, innocuously enough, dealer delivery charge. Let’s put that under the microscope.

Last week I had the timing belt replaced on my 2009 Ford Fiesta which has done 163,000km. The car has been serviced by the same Ford dealer since I bought the car new. When I started the engine the morning after the belt change it couldn't maintain idle without throttle and was about to stall. I re-started the car, applied a few revs and all seemed ok. I started out on my 70km morning commute when I noticed the engine malfunction warning light come on. Well, this morning, four days after the belt was replaced the same thing happened - sluggish when started, not maintaining idle, warning light staying lit, etc. I drove it around, came home, re-started it, and no warning light. I will call the service department again this week. What should I be asking them to do/check for? 

I am interested in buying Suzuki S-Cross for general around town shopping , and possibly going on to sandy beaches. I notice that the S-Cross primarily uses front-wheel drive, with the rear wheels only being used when required by driving and engine operating conditions. Just how good is the 4WD system on the S-Cross?

If Luxury Car Tax hit only the richest one per cent, we’d all be okay with that. But it doesn’t. Plenty of ordinary car buyers find themselves kicking the Luxury Car Tax tin. You could easily pay it, next time around. Cars are the only consumer item in Australia, with a levy imposed on their alleged luxury. Luxury Car Tax is out of step, and extortionate. This is what happens when too much fluoride leaches into the water in Parliament House...

I got an e-mail from a lady named Leanne the other day (below), which highlights the false economy of letting your services slide. As a consequence, Leanne is looking down the barrel of a likely $14,000 repair bill on her Holden Cruze - which is still under warranty. Worse still, it looks like Holden is completely justified in its decision not to support the repair.

Here are the top 10 cars you should should absolutely, unequivocally not buy. Under any circumstances. Not in a blue moon, not even when there’s permafrost in Hell.

I am listening to your show on the radio right now and some of your advice from both yourself and your participants is wrong. Under the Australian Road Rules when requested by a Police Officer you are obliged by law to supply the name and place of abode of the driver. You commit a serious offence if you do not supply those details. There are only two acts of parliament in Australia that compel you to supply certain details when requested, Australian Road Rules and The Taxation Act. 

My wife received a speed fine two months ago for 70 in a 60 zone. She paid the fine. In 35 years of driving she has never received a speeding ticket. She has a clean record. After hearing your comments on 2UE I thought I would ask you a question. My wife has resented the fact that her clean record has been tarnished plus the loss of point(s). We did not even know you could apply for a leniency. Is it possible to retrospectively for leniency on that tarnished record? 

I have found a company called Hiclone Air Management Systems. They saying by fitting one or two of their products she could save 10-20 percent on fuel and a boost in performance. Have you heard of this company or products and if yes your thoughts please. They cost around $230 each so are not cheap. 

Five simple steps is all it takes to compare car loans – it could be one of the smartest (and easiest) investments you ever make

Time to separate fact from outright BS. These are the top 10 contemporary motoring myths.

Hi John, I highly respect your opinion on anything relating to cars. A fellow who has an original owner's manual for an EH Holden says it recommends to use an SAE 20 or a 10W30 engine oil. My local auto accessories store owner who has a number of classic and vintage vehicles says 10W30 oils weren't around then so I don't know who to believe. He has suggested I go with Penrite's HPR30 (20W60). Penrite's lube guide recommend the 20W60 oil, Valvoline recommend a 10W30, Castrol recommend a 15W40 or a 20W50, Nulon recommend a 15W40 and Chief Oil recommend a 10W30. Penrite seem to be at odds with the others, it's a very thick oil but it is full zinc. I'd be interested to know your opinion and what way you'd go. Thanks, Chris

Hi John, I have recently driven two Skoda Octavias, the 103kW and the 132kW - both have the 7 speed automatice DSG gearbox. The main criticism is that when you planted the foot the car was sluggish for the first few seconds. I did a little research and it has been explained as an issue with the DSG. In all other respects I enjoy this car but I shouldn't have to manage the gearbox manually from a stop to avoid this 'lag'. Am I overreacting/over critical?

G'day John, my son has just turned 15. We are now preparing him for his path to obtaining his NSW Learners Drivers Licence. We have the Handbook. I wonder John is there a NSW road rules app? Or even better a NSW road rules quizz app? I think an app like this would be great for new drivers like my son and old school drivers who need to refresh and/or sharpen up their knowledge. I would love to know if there is anything like this.

With reference to motorists over the age of 60 allegedly driving dangerous older cars, Mr Cadogan this is age discriminatory and frankly in many instances it is untrue - many more young drivers drive old cars - however to say that new cars are safe is rubbish - because they crumple say you. Mr. Cadogan - I have a hardy 1985 Subaru Leone which because of its build save me from a severe accident. So please be more careful when you use age - it is a reportable discriminatory comment.