Should I buy a large capacity diesel for short journeys?

I am considering buying a 2008 Range Rover TDV8, a 2010 Audi A8 TDI or a 2010 Jaguar XJ 3-litre diesel. Although I drive some long distance trips, predominately my journeys are under five miles. Do I...

Has Ford overcome the DPF problem by using an additive in its diesel engines?

I have followed with interest your comments on DPF problems. I have not experienced these with my own 2009 Volkswagen 2.0-litre turbodiesel, although at 8000 per year I still avoid too many short runs....

Should we buy a RAV4 or an XC60?

My husband and I have now retired at the age of 70 and would like your opinion on these two used vehicles, either of which will be the last we purchase: the Toyota RAV4 petrol or the Volvo XC60 Volvo petrol....

Why are modern diesels bad for short journeys?

I would be grateful for information on cars using diesel. I have been told that this is a good feature if you are doing a lot of distance driving, but not a good choice if the running is mostly local....

Would you recommend the Ford Wildtrack as a family car?

I am considering buying a 2009 Ford pick-up, double cab, Wildtrack 3.0 TDCI 4WD. It has 30,646 miles and is £11,991 plus VAT. It will effectively be the family car as I need the load space to cater for...

Should I sell my 2007 Octavia Scout before the DPF fails?

I bought a secondhand 2007 Octavia Scout TDI 1,968cc with 76,000 miles on the clock in May last year. It is my second diesel Octavia but the first with a DPF, something I had not heard of before I bought...

Our postal vans keep breaking down with DPF faults - do you have any comment?

As a keen reader of your columns in the Saturday Telegraph, I am well aware of the pitfalls of operating a modern diesel for short journeys. Our local postmen have been subjected to new "modern" work methods,...

My BMW 635d smells unpleasant - is this the DPF regenerating?

My 3-year-old BMW 635d occasionally produces an unpleasant smell from underneath. This can best be described as being like 'burning rubber' or 'dead mouse'. It is the only problem with an otherwise perfect...

Which 4WD vehicle for accessing tracks and green lanes?

I live half a mile off tarmac along forestry track and green lane. I have managed for 35 years with 2WD but the pattern of recent winters and regular snow seems to be set to last. Presently, I make do...

Which small family car with a diesel engine?

We have a 2-year-old and another on the way, so are looking to purchase a diesel (used mostly as a family runabout with the odd commute) for less than £4000. But it'll be the wife driving most of the time,...