Latest DPFs - fewer problems?

I was helping my father look at a new Fiat Doblo with a 1.6 Diesel engine. I mentioned to the dealer that the car would be used mainly for shorter journeys, say a few miles at a time. I said I had read...

Should I buy a new Avensis or the Mazda 6 Tourer?

The time has come for me to think about changing my present vehicle, a 2009 Toyota Avensis D-4D 2.2 Tourer. Although the Avensis has had a fairly recent facelift I can’t help wondering how long it will...

Is the KIA cee'd Sportswagon suitable for low mileage driving?

I was looking to buy a KIA Sportswagon, but am disappointed to find it is only offered in the UK with a diesel engine. I wanted a petrol fuelled car as I only travel 6000 miles per year. The KIA rep tells...

Should I change the oil in my Freelander 2 before embarking on a 2000-mile trip round Europe?

We own an 18-month-old 150PS Land Rover Freelander 2, which was serviced at 12 months and 10,000 miles. We will shortly be six months on from the first service and 5000 more miles (90 per cent of which...

Is the 2010 Qashqai diesel suitable for short journeys?

I recently bought a secondhand 2010 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel, 14,000 miles and it looks as if I have made a mistake and should have gone for petrol because I only do 12,000 miles a year. The thing we...

Buying a used medium sized diesel - what would you recommend?

I am looking to buy a medium sized diesel without DPF. After reading too many internet forums I am now unable to decide what to plump for given that there seems to be so many diesels that have expensive...

How long does it take to clear a DPF?

Judging by the times Diesel Particulate Filters are mentioned in your columns, your mailbox must clog up with them. My question involves the distance one needs to travel before the DPF sorts itself out....

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....

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...

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...