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...

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...

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...

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...

Will the Skoda Octavia TDI's DPF regenerate over a 14-mile run?

I currently have a pre-DPF Skoda Octavia TDI Estate and am very pleased with it. I would like to buy a new one early next year but want to check a few facts about the DPF. The sales brochure says it should...

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...

Can you recommend a medium car for short trips which will avoid DPF problems?

Could you recommend a reliable small to medium car or SUV for an average of 10,000 miles per year, primarily consisting of short journeys for a couple of OAPs? We wish to avoid expenses associated with...

Are diesel DPFs evolving to the point where problems are disappearing?

I was interested to read your recent comments about certain vehicle models appearing to be DPF trouble-free. Is this because they have markedly different systems for regeneration of the filter, or some...