Can I expect DPF problems if I buy a Jaguar XF or XJ?

I am considering the purchase of a secondhand Jaguar XF or XJ about 3-4 years old, but from reading your various concerns about particulate filters, I am also concerned. My annual mileage is no more than...

I have just exceeded 150,000 miles in my 2006 Skoda Octavia diesel with no major problems.

My 2006 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI PD Estate has just completed 150,000 miles, 145,000 miles in my ownership plus 5000 as the dealer’s demonstration car. The only major expense I have incurred was for a dual...

I'd like to buy a Golf, but should I go for petrol or diesel and are the DSG automatics reliable?

I want to change my 10-year-old BMW for a hatchback with automatic transmission such as the Golf or Focus. The Volkswagen dealer is trying to sell me a 2.0-litre diesel, but I would prefer the 1.4 TSI...

As a petrochemist I concur with your comments on the effects of driving habits on DPFs and EGR valves.

As a petrochemist specialising in engine lubrication I have to agree with your comments entirely. It's not commonly known that driving habits have an effect on vehicle reliability, and short journey "shopping...

Disabling EGR valves?

Several companies advertise products that modify diesel cars to disable the EGR valve. This is acheived either by means of a software update or a blanking plate. In the case of the latter, I believe there...

Problems with Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi SRI

I'm looking for some advice in regards to my wife's 2008 Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi SRI. Seven days ago the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve was replaced by my local Vauxhall dealer after the emissions...

What's causing a misfire on our Ford C-Max?

I have a Ford C-Max 2.0 diesel (80,000 miles, around 53/54mpg), which has always been main dealer serviced by the book. It suits us well and goes very well except that, for over a year, it has suffered...

Could this 'surging' be from a sticky EGR valve?

I bought a Nissan Qashqai five weeks ago from a main dealer and have felt the car surging from time to time. I am told by a friend that it is probably a sticking EGR valve. The car is ex Motorbility and...

My Ford Focus broke down due to blocked EGR valves - am I entitled to goodwill from Ford?

On Monday 1 April 2013 my Ford Focus Titanium broke down and showed the message "Engine malfunction". The AA was unable to fix the problem and towed the car to the dealership from which I purchased it....

Should I change the oil in my Freelander 2 before embarking on a 2000-mile trip round Europe?

We own an 18-month-old 150PS Land Rover Freelander 2, which was serviced at 12 months and 10,000 miles. We will shortly be six months on from the first service and 5000 more miles (90 per cent of which...