Should I buy a Volkswagen Polo 1.4GTI?

I am seriously thinking of buying a Volkswagen Polo 1.4GTI DSG and have read a number of articles, none of which have been very forthcoming or informative. However, I was very interested in your comments...

Have you noticed a rising oil level in the Mazda 6 due to a DPF fault?

I notice you were yet to be made aware of any DPF issues with Mazda Skyactiv diesels so I thought you might like see the attached which comes from the May 2013 issue of Diesel Car. Are you seeing any evidence...

Why don't drivers check their oil levels more frequently?

I would suggest oil levels should be checked not only “regularly” but, in the case of new (or newly acquired used) vehicles, “frequently”. This provides the user with what the current norm is for oil consumption...

How can I ensure my Saab 9-3's turbo doesn't blow again after being repaired?

My car is a 10-year-old Saab 9-3 2.2TiD. On a recent journey it suddenly failed to accelerate and large clouds of smoke came out of the exhaust. I called the AA and they told me it looked as though the...

Why is oil so expensive from a dealer for my Volkswagen Scirocco?

Within a standard lube service for my wife’s Scirocco, using 4.3 litres of Castrol Edge, the cost was £90.30 (last year £57.54). For my car’s oil change, I have been quoted £91.42 (last year £40.49) for...

What is this creamy-coloured deposit around our Clio's oil filler?

There is a creamy coloured deposit in the oil filler of my wife's 2008 Clio 1.2TCE (26k miles). The water level and oil level are normal and the oil is a good colour. The car was serviced in December....

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...

Excessive oil consumption with Vauxhall Signum

I have recently bought a 2004 Vauxhall Signum petrol, with 72,000 miles on the clock. Do you know of any issues with this car? It is consuming a litre of oil for every 70 miles it covers.

Toyota Corolla oil consumption issues

I've got a 1999 Toyota Corolla and it has been superbly reliable. I was going to buy a newer model (approx 2005), but have read that the VVT-i engines use large quantities of oil after 40,000 miles. Is...

Buying a Range Rover Sport - what to look out for?

I want to buy a Range Rover Sport 3.0 HSE, and I'm aiming to secure an 11 plate with 12 to 20K miles on the clock. However I have a dilemma and it’s all about the diesel engine - for years I have done...