My Skoda Octavia has proven to be unreliable - will a Toyota Avensis be an improvement?

I have an '05 reg Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI Estate that has done just over 90,000 miles. Since buying it a couple of years ago I have had to replace the turbo, flywheel, crank sensor, a temperature sensor,...

Can you recommend a family car for four children and up to four adults for under £12,000?

We already have one 2-year-old boy and my wife is pregnant. Just as we were considering trading in the trusty Astra estate for a normal people carrier (thereby also fulfilling my wife's desire to 'sit...

Limping Lexus

My Lexus IS220d (57-plate, 36,000 miles) has a warning light: VSC check engine, EML indicator and ABS warning. It goes into limp mode to protect the engine. I have taken it to a Lexus dealer who has...

Is a diesel-powered campervan likely to be liable for expensive repairs?

My son is looking into the purchase of a campervan for recreation through the year. His mileage is likely to be fairly low. Having looked at a number of vans, the majority would appear to be powered by...

What do you think of the Mazda 5 1.6 diesel?

I was interested to read that you are currently running a Mazda 5 1.6 diesel. I sold my 5-year-old 63,000 mile Mazda 5 1.9d Sport prior to going on a long trip to New Zealand and am now looking to replace...

Will we see any benefit from using the Toyota Yaris Hybrid over long journeys?

We are thinking of trading our Toyota Yaris diesel next year for the new Yaris Hybrid, which is coming soon. However, talking to our mechanic and the Toyota salesperson, we are advised that benefit from...

Do our Jaguar X-Type diesels have DPFs and how do they work?

When my wife's 12-year-old BMW needed replacing she was delighted to acquire an 18-month-old Jaguar X-Type diesel. The car joined my own 9-year-old petrol X-Type, which is still going strong after 120,000...

Particulate particulars

Please explain why Mazda 6 2.2L diesels do not have the same DPF problems as the Mazda 6 2.0L diesel (where the sump can fill up with diesel oil)?

A new mid-sized car

Do you know of any forthcoming changes to VAG diesels, such as chain cam and/or less problematic DPF? Are DMFs used on automatics/DSGs by VAG or Hyundai? Will VAG be introducing the more efficient 7-speed...

Used car for long commute

I am looking to buy a used car for a weekly commute (180 miles each way at the beginning and end of the week). From what I have previously read a diesel still makes the most economical sense due to annual...