Which engine version of the Dacia Sandero Ambiance would you recommend?

We are looking to replace my wife's 2005 Focus and have been looking at the Dacia Sandero Ambiance. I know that Dacia is owned by Renault, but is this car a credible alternative? It will be mainly used...

Can you recommend a small, fun 5-door car for urban use?

I need your help. Over the last 40 years I have driven two or three door cars which moved when the pedal was pressed, apart from the last two years when I have been driving a 5-door 1.0 litre Corsa given...

Can I buy a diesel automatic crossover without fear of DPF problems?

I am about to retire and looking to buy a crossover, but am put off by all the dealers telling me I have to do at least 15,000 miles per year if I want a diesel. I do 10,000 miles. I also have driven automatics...

How does the DPF work in my Peugeot 3008 diesel?

I am a lady driving a Peugeot 3008 1.6 diesel EGC doing about 10,000 miles a year, mostly on short runs of between 10 and 15 miles with only an occasional longer one. I keep reading about the particulate...

Will Mazda's Skyactiv technology be suitable for 1000 miles a year?

Mazda does not seem to do a petrol auto 4WD like the CR-V auto but say they have this Skyactiv technology in diesel, which bypasses the particulate filter problems with low mileages. I only do 1000 miles...

Mazda 3 suffering DPF issues

My Mazda 3 recently had a refill of the DPF fluid and forced regeneration by a main dealer due to an engine management light coming on, which produced DPF related error codes. The car subsequently ran...

Honda CR-V DPF filter problem

My 2012 Honda CRV has been in the dealership for six weeks now with a DPF emissions filter problem. This has been a recurrent issue with the vehicle since new; we are now told it will be another two weeks...

As a petrochemist I concur with your comments on the effects of driving habits on DPFs and EGR valves.

As a petrochemist specialising in engine lubrication I have to agree with your comments entirely. It's not commonly known that driving habits have an effect on vehicle reliability, and short journey "shopping...

Is the new Skoda 1.6TDI comparable to our 1.9TDI Estate?

We are considering replacing our 2007 Skoda 1.9TDI Estate as it has now done over 100,000 miles. We have been extremely happy with it, mostly using it for 150 miles at a time for motorway driving. We have...

How do you rate the Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163ps against the 140ps version?

How do you rate the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163PS compared with the 2.0 TDCI 140PS version as regards reliability, value for money, known problems, maintenance, DPF reliability, etc.?