How do you rate the Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163ps against the 140ps version?

How do you rate the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163PS compared with the 2.0 TDCI 140PS version as regards reliability, value for money, known problems, maintenance, DPF reliability, etc.?

When should I change the timing belt / chain in our Ford S-Max?

We drive a RHD 2009 Ford S-Max that we bought new when we lived in UK. It has now completed 73,500 miles. When should I have the cam belt/chain (not sure which) changed? We really like this car for its...

If I buy a modern diesel-engined vehicle, will I need to be mindful of allowing the DPF filter to clear?

I have always preferred to use diesel engined vehicles due to their simplicity and reliability. However, now they are a mass-market product I am not sure if this is still the case. I have noticed a number...

Should we change our 2010 Kia Rio diesel for something more suitable for short journeys?

We have a Kia Rio 1 CRDi, which we bought new in March 2010, and have had no problems at all with it and really like the car. We have now done about 15,000 miles and do not really want to change it. Our...

Which small, economical car could we replace our Volvo S40 with?

I own a Volvo S40 2-litre diesel, which is eight years old. My wife and I are both in our seventies and I think that it is now time to replace the car, as our average annual mileage is only 5000 and we...

Do you have any opinions on the new Renault Scenic 1.5 and 1.6 diesels?

We are now considering a diesel, using a Scenic for longer journeys and our Yaris for shorter ones. Have you driven the Scenic 1.5 or 1.6 diesels? Also I have noticed that the real MPG for these is extremely...

Would you recommend the Vauxhall Astra hatchback or the Hyundai i30 diesel hatchback?

I have to make a choice between a new Vauxhall Astra diesel hatchback 1.7 CDTI 16v (130PS) Ecoflex Exclusiv 5 door SS and a new Hyundai i30 diesel hatchback 1.6 CRDi (110PS) Blue Drive Active 5 door, and...

Does the KIA Soul have a DPF?

I will check whether the 2011 KIA Soul diesel automatic we are looking at has a DPF. It seems it will be a bonus if it has. We have looked at the Venga but don't find it very attractive. There's something...

How can we tell the difference between petrol and diesel?

We have two fuel containers for emergency use in our cars, my husband’s being petrol and mine diesel. Is there any way of knowing which is which? We think they have been switched over after cleaning the...

Which small car to replace my Fabia which doesn't have a DPF?

I am thinking of replacing my 89,000 mile 2004 Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI with a similar car. I do about 9000 miles a year, mostly short runs. In view of your warnings about DPFs can you tell me at what point...