Haven't seen the car since the diagnosis (bf still using it) so will check water and oil in the light tomorrow morning.

Mileage = 100k, servicing, not sure, he hasnt had it for that long so would need to ask him the history.

Thanks for the reply, that's just the kind of advice I'm after - what other things I need to check in order to get a clearer picture of the problem :)

Will update ASAP.

I'm sure we were told it's been regularly serviced and cam belt done or it would've rung alarm bells when we bought it. I'll look through the book later.

It starts absolutely fine and no smoke that I've noticed. Just sounds a bit tractor-like. As long as you keep the revs up it drives pretty much ok, but stuff like moving off in 1st gear is difficult if you allow the revs to drop too much as it bogs down really bad.

Will double check service history and maybe take a vid of it starting and running and post back. Many thanks!

Regarding (diesel) compression testing, all the cylinders should have similar pressures. A material difference is an indication of a fault. Where the cylinders are worn, low compression, which gradually increases as the engine is turned, is the normal pattern. Low compression at the start of the testing, which does not build up, indicates leaking valves or a failed head gasket. If two adjacent cylinders read low, this is an indication that the head gasket has failed between them. Another issue to consider is that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve of the 2.2Dci engine needs to be cleaned out every 18-24 months especially if shorts runs are regular. Typical symptoms of the EGR valve and surrounding area being sooted up are sluggish pulling away after stopping, accompanied by a big puff of black smoke, as power is applied and the revs are increased. Is that description familiar? I think that could be first on my action list from your report. There is also the issue of possible mis-fuelling to consider if the engine is not running smoothly!