Buying a used Audi A3 - which engine is best?

I am well aware of the problems of certain Volkswagen engines, but I like the old A3 5 door body shape as visibility out is good. Which is the best, most reliable and quietest diesel engine in the range...

Rav4 water pump - when should I replace it?

I've had my Toyota RAV4 diesel from new. It is well looked after and fully service. It has 118,000 plus miles and no obvious problems. As this is chain driven what should I do about water pump?

DMF failure on BMW 5 Seriesi - is this a common fault?

I purchased a used BMW 520d (F10, 2011 model) five months ago with 58k miles on the clock. Mileage is now 63k and have been advised that the dual mass flywheel is failing. The mileage appears to be low...

Mazda 6 diesel - keep or sell?

You have answered a couple of questions for me before, regarding the Mazda 6. I use one for business and cover 20,000 miles a year. I have heard of oil issues with the Mazda 6 diesel engine, exceeding...

Peugeot 508 SW cam shaft failure

The cam shaft snapped on my Peugeot 1.6 diesel 508 SW - catastrophic engine failure. The car is less than five years old, fully serviced, 78k miles, levels all good, no warning lights. A new engine around...

DPF problems with BMW 1 Series

I have a 59 plate BMW 1 Series 118d. For the past few weeks the DPF light has been coming on after about 10 mins after driving. My local garage says the DPF is block and needs replacing. I asked if they...

Stop start technology - what are the mechanical long term effects?

What are your views on the mechanical long term effects of stop start technology ? Not with standing modern engine oils being better, and environmental benefits ( at least on paper ) surely constant stop...

Audi Q3 - hesitation under acceleration

My two year old Audi Q3 (quattro) has developed a slight hesitation when accelerating, just as the turbo begins to take effect - 2200/2400 rpm. This only seems to happen when its been standing for a...

DPF problems with Yaris - should the warranty cover the repairs?

I am a driving instructor and run a 2013 Toyota Yaris 1.4 diesel, with 50,000 miles on the clock. The car had a new DPF fitted six months ago with new software and a manual update. The filter has clogged...

Transit Connect making strange noise when accelerating

I've noticed a strange noise on my Ford Transit Connect when accelerating. It's only between certain revs and sounds a bit like a gurgle noise. I'm sure it's coming from under the bonnet. It's most noisy...