How can we tell the difference between petrol and diesel?

We have two fuel containers for emergency use in our cars, my husband’s being petrol and mine diesel. Is there any way of knowing which is which? We think they have been switched over after cleaning the...

My Jaguar XF averages 42mpg - is this unusual?

I have a 2008 Jaguar XF 2.7 diesel I bought with 50,000 miles on the clock. I am averaging 42mpg. I pride myself on getting every mile from a tankful and arriving on time at my destination.

Which SUV do you recommend?

I have a RAV4 T180 and hung on for the new RAV4, as my current car has been great, but I’m not keen on the replacement. I looked at most of the competition and think we might prefer an auto this time....

Is a diesel Land Rover Evoque inappropriate for short urban journeys?

We are considering buying a new Evoque, but virtually all are diesels and we are concerned about the particulate filters. We do many short local journeys in built up areas, and only occasionally and mainly...

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...