If I buy a modern diesel-engined vehicle, will I need to be mindful of allowing the DPF filter to clear?

I have always preferred to use diesel engined vehicles due to their simplicity and reliability. However, now they are a mass-market product I am not sure if this is still the case. I have noticed a number...

Buying a small used diesel - any recommendations?

I'm looking for a small and reliable diesel car. It must be second hand and economical. I'm considering a Toyota Yaris 1.4, Ford Fiesta 1.3 and a Vauxhall Corsa 1.3. I drive about 300 miles a week mainly...

What caused the fuel filters on my Skoda Superb Estate diesel to repeatedly clog up?

Over the past few months my Skoda Superb Estate has been performing worse and worse from cold starts, with what appeared to be misfires or fuel starvation until it had begun to warm up. At its third variable...

Under what circumstances should I allow my Mondeo's turbocharger to cool as it spools down?

I have queries on two issues on which you have advised several times. Firstly you have warned that a turbocharged engine should be left idling before switching off to enable the turbo bearings to cool....

Turbo tube problems with Land Rover Defender 90

Land Rover recalled my Defender 90 in February to replace the tube connecting the turbo - up to that time I had no problems. Since then the tube has blown off under relatively normal driving, which the...

Fuel pump failure with ultra-low-sulfur diesel

My distributor type fuel pump on my Renault Kangoo van has failed at 98,000 miles. The fault has been put down to ultra-low-sulfur diesel - apparently it lacks the lubricity these pumps need. Unlike...

Are small diesel engines suitable for short commutes on a daily basis?

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2010 SEAT Ibiza 1.2 or 1.4 diesel for a five mile daily commute. Is this a sensible choice or should I consider a petrol engine instead?

Which cars use the Volvo 5-cylinder diesel engine?

I recently test-drove a Volvo V40 with the 5-cylinder diesel engine. It was great, but just a bit small for us. Could you tell me which other cars of any make use this 5-cylinder engine, which I found...

Is the Fiat diesel engine fitted to the Suzuki Swift reliable?

Pleased to hear the Suzuki Swift 1.3 diesel has a chain driven camshaft. Apart from the DPF issue would you say the Fiat engine built in India is a reliable one? As good as a Mercedes-Benz diesel? I currently...

DPF problems - on all cars?

You often point out the problems of failing DPFs on higher mileage diesels, especially in Volkswagen models. Does the same apply across all manufacturers - my daughter is looking to buy a large second...