Are there any known problems with the SEAT Altea's turbocharger?

My husband is looking at buying a SEAT Altea TDI. I've read a few comments on the internet about the turbo blowing and costing a fortune to repair. Is this a common fault? We had a Ford C-Max TDCI a year...

Should I remove the DPF from my Mazda 5?

The DPF light is showing on my 2008 Mazda 5 diesel. Some say it is the better option (and legal) is to remove the filter altogether. Any suggestions?

What do you think about the new generation of diesel engines which use reduced compression ratio to improve fuel consumption?

There is an article in a recent ‘Economist’ magazine on a new generation of diesel engines. These apparently achieve better fuel consumption by reducing the compression ratios, enabling lighter faster...

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...

Should I keep my boring, reliable Volkswagen Lupo or buy something more fun?

I own a Volkswagen Lupo 2002 1.7 SDI, which is now coming up to 100,000 miles. The diesel engine has been incredibly reliable and I've driven since 34,000 with no problems. I now commute by train, so in...

What should my daughter replace her Mazda Premacy with?

My daughter and son-in-law intend changing their 10-year-old, 59,000 mile Mazda Premacy 1.8 petrol GXi. It has given excellent service, is in first class order and has a full Mazda service history. I am...

Am I asking for DPF problems if I buy a Jaguar XF or BMW 3 Series diesel?

As a mature motorist looking for a little late in life luxury I have been looking at the Jaguar XF Sport or Luxury 2.2 diesel. As I will not be doing more than about 6000 miles a year am I asking for Diesel...

What's causing a burning smell from my son's Mercedes-Benz C220?

My son purchased a Mercedes-Benz C220 eight months ago. After driving approximately seven miles there is a strong smell similar to overheating or very hot rubber at the rear of the car. The engine is switched...

Can we stop our neighbour warming up his Ford Transit van and filling our house with fumes?

We have a next-door neighbour who backs his Ford Transit Connect diesel up to his house. In the morning at about 6:30am to 7:00am he wakes us up starting the engine and then leaves it running for half...

Should a DPF fault on my Lexus 220D have been noticed during a service?

My 2009 Lexus 220D went into limp mode 100 miles from home when I was on my way to France on holiday. It was the DPF filter. This was after a major service a few days before and I wonder if the filter...