Ask Honest John

Most recently answered short journeys questions
I'm a delivery drive. Could you recommend a medium-size van with an automatic gearbox, please?
Our 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is tired and we fancy a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 3.0. We're wary of diesels because we only do trips of about 10 miles. Should we be wary? If so, what's a good petrol alternative?
I have a 2015 Vauxhall Insignia. I’ve only had the car just over a year, but a couple of weeks ago it broke down with white smoke belting out the back of the exhaust. The car is now at Arnold Clark. I...
I have a great Mitsubishi L200 pickup, which is pre-DPF. I'm now looking to change it, but I only do 5000 - 6000 miles per year, which are mostly short journeys so I don't want a diesel with a DPF. Is...
I read in a recent 4x4 review that the engine oil is quickly contaminated by the DPF. Is this the case on all diesel engines with a DPF, and can it affect the life of the engine?
What should I look out for when buying a 2006 Volkswagen T5 Caravelle?
I have a Peugeot 2008 1.6-litre BlueHDI. I'm aware that travelling very short journeys is not good for diesel cars. However, occasionally it is unavoidable to undertake such journeys. Is it beneficial...
I've been reading some of the problems Mazda 6 owners have with DPFs. My Mazda 6 now has 93,000 miles on the clock, it had 90,000 when I bought it. I mostly do short runs (less than 15 miles). What should...
Although I really like my diesel Mazda 6, I had no knowledge regarding the DPF i.e. short runs not doing it any good. Are there any other cars with as good a spec as the Mazda 6, which are less complicated?...
My Kia Sportage oil level reads at well over the max mark when the engine has been running. I've been to Kia and they can't find a problem. What do you think it is?
 

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