Should I buy a large capacity diesel for short journeys?

I am considering buying a 2008 Range Rover TDV8, a 2010 Audi A8 TDI or a 2010 Jaguar XJ 3-litre diesel. Although I drive some long distance trips, predominately my journeys are under five miles. Do I need to be concerned about the diesel implications?

Asked on 23 March 2013 by GB, Fishbourne

Answered by Honest John

Definitely. You are highly likely to have DPF and EGR problems. These are big engines that create a lot of soot from unburned hydrocarbons on start up. The DPF collects this soot to be burned off at high temperatures later in the vehicle's journey. If there is no "later" the DPF does not get hot enough for this to happen and eventually becomes choked with unburned hydrocarbon soot.

Tags: dpf diesels

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