2010 Mercedes-Benz E250 or 2010 Jaguar XF?

I have been looking at buying a 2010 ex-demonstrator Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI or a 2010 ex-demonstrator Jaguar XF 3.00 D Luxury. The latter gets a good write-up, but I fear Jaguar's residuals. The Mercedes-Benz...

Are DPFs covered by warranties, and how best can I store winter tyres when not being used?

Are DPFs covered under manufacturers' warranties? Would they be covered under wear and tear cover from third party warranties? Also, do you know of any wheel nuts that don't rust? I thought tyres needed...

Can DPF filters be removed or bypassed?

In view of the problems with DPF filters is there any reason why they cannot be bypassed or disconnected? I appreciate that this would lead to a failure at MOT time.

My Peugeot 307 HDi lost power and started smoking - does the exhaust need to be removed?

I have a Peugeot 307 HDi Quicksilver 05 plate (1.6). I was coming home on the M4 last week and all was fine, but after paying the bridge tolls, as I pulled away, there was no power. With my foot flat to...

Fan heater

I bought a VW Tiguan about nine months ago and I regularly drive just under 1,000 miles per month. At times, when the engine is switched off, a fan in the engine compartment starts. This normally runs...

Miles per gullible

I have a Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI DSG bought new in 2005. Fault-free so far but a bit too noisy - especially road roar at speed and engine noise in town. I am thinking of changing and want a Golf sized car...

Obsessed with smutt

I understand you have recently written on the subject of DPFs. My particular experience of the current X-Trail diesel (and my ongoing quarrel with Nissan) is that the first time the warning light came...

Regeneration game

How can I tell when my diesel particulate filter needs its 'automatic regeneration process' "supporting"? I don't wish to unnecessarily drive in lower gears and raise my fuel consumption. I typically...

I need to buy a reliable estate car for 7000 miles per year - should I consider a diesel?

I need an estate car with good reliability, and I want an automatic with reasonable economy. I have about £10,000 plus my trade-in. I am thinking of a used Passat, Mazda 6 or Volvo V70 and I know from...

Why does my Peugeot 406 suffer an anti-pollution fault when towing in fourth gear?

I have a Peugeot 406 2.0 HDI and an anti-pollution error is causing my car to stall, and then when restarting it goes to limp mode. It has occurred twice, both times when towing and both times when in...