What sort of journey is sufficient to allow the DPF to clear in a diesel BMW 3 Series?

I was interested to read the question titled "Agriculture club" that concluded "you bought completely the wrong engine for your type of use". I'm currently considering a new, or nearly new, BMW 3 Series...

Which SUV offers good fuel economy and reliability?

I am a tall 60-year-old man who needs something higher off the ground. I have been looking at SUVs, notably diesels, not necessarily new but as a pensioner I want my cake and to eat it. I'd like something...

Which diesel MPV do you recommend for use in Spain?

We have a second home in Spain and are considering buying a Spanish car. Secondhand prices are remarkably high. We like the van-based vehicles such as the Kangoo, and are considering a Dacia Dokker with...

Would you recommend the 2008 BMW 520d SE or the Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI?

I have found two saloon cars for a similar price. Both are 2008 models with full service history and will come with a 2-year warranty. The dealer will take my wife's car as a trade-in. The cars are a BMW...

Is the Ford Powershift automatic transmission likely to cause any problems?

Because of trouble with my left hip and knee I have been finding using the clutch pedal painful and have been looking at small cars with automatic transmissions. I have been offered £8500 trade in on a...

My Passat diesel's fan stays on after I switch off the engine - is this related to the DPF?

I have a Passat Estate diesel and have read your comments regarding the problems of the DPF. On a couple of occasions recently the engine fan has continued to run after a short journey. Since then I have...

What could we buy to replace our 11-year-old Toyota Yaris Verso?

We have an 11-year-old Toyota Yaris Verso. We have never kept a car this long before. In fact, if they were still made, we would probably be on our third by now. With the seats sliding into the floor it...

What is causing my Mercedes-Benz E320 diesel to smoke under acceleration?

I have a 2002 Mercedes E320 diesel automatic estate. It has done 115,000 miles and I now use mainly Shell V-Power or other brand fuel, but I have been guilty of using supermarket diesel in the past. When...

Should I buy a used Skoda Superb diesel?

I am looking for a used Skoda Superb estate as our family car as I am 6-feet 3-inches and my teenage sons are 6-feet 5-inches and 6-feet 1-inch (and growing). We also have two Labradors to transport. The...

Is there an easy way of getting glow plugs out of a Mercedes-Benz E300D?

I have a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E300D, the last without any electronics. It's at 212,000 miles and still going quite well, but I have a problem when my local independent garage has to change a glow plug. They...