How successful is cleaning an EGR valve, is it worth doing???? Read more

Having put it off for various reasons, I'm once again thinking about replacing our Mazda MPV 2.0 diesel owned since 2004 (40k on the clock). Have been out of the car market since then but confess to being concerned about the prospect of buying into a whole lot of potential expense when it comes to mid-long term servicing and repairs. I suppose things could change but our annual mileage is under 5k pa and it's mainly easy town miles and the odd motorway trip. Very little stop/start driving in heavy traffic and no towing. When I bought the car there was no choice but to have the diesel and I quite like it but I realise my usage and driving style probably isn't best suited to modern diesels with pesky DPF timebombs etc. waiting to empty the wallet. I like easy, relaxed driving and tend to drive in low revs when I can but like to have a bit of power in reserve for those occasions when we really load up the car for holidays/trips and such like.

For me the holy grail is a reliable car (couldn't car less about badge etc.) a couple of years old c. £15k and devoid of as many of the potentially problematic and hugely expensive to service, replace or repair gizmos as possible e.g. unreliable DPFs, dodgy cam belts, complex clutches, flywheels etc. etc. I also want to avoid those cars and engine variants with a known history of serious faults if possible. Of course opinions vary but based on what I've read (as opposed to my own knowledge/experience) I'm thinking I should probably avoid diesels full stop but this would greatly restrict my choice. I may be wrong but I get the impression that the Ford DPF's are a bit more tolerant of non-motorway/high revs. miles than some others so maybe the diesel option isn't ruled out. Having said that, I believe that many modern petrol engines are heading in the same hugely complicated direction, so they may actually be no better an option for someone like me. My inclination is to avoid anything French too but that's only based on what I've read about general unreliability.... Read more

Hi,

We purchase a car from this used car dealer and since day 1 we complained about problems with the car and enquired about a refund / replacement.... Read more

Headlights not working when on but main beam light on and won't go off + when I indicate thay stay on is it the stork Read more

At what mileage would one expect the water pump to require changing.

Dealer is suggesting we change ours when the cam belt is changed. Car has done approx. 30,000 miles Read more