The price of diesels

I own a 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso with the 1.6HDi engine (about 110bhp I think) with the DPF. However it seems that it is essential for these engines to be run with C2 grade engine oil (low sulphur and ash...

Pop idle

What is the technical reason for suggesting that turbos are allowed to idle for a couple of minutes before switch-off, and does this apply only after a motorway-type drive? What effect does it have on...

Expat advised

I’m an expat living in Cape Town. I’m thinking about buying a Ford Ranger 3-litre TDCI manual but have concerns about the Turbo and Dual Mass Flywheel. The vehicle would be a 2008/09, would you know if...

Idle moments

I read with interest (as I always do) your piece in the Saturday Telegraph, this week particularly your comment regarding the BMW 530d turbo overheating problem. I am considering changing my Peugeot 4007...

Privileged customer

I own a 2005 Renault Grand Scenic 1.9CDi Privilege that has done 52,000 miles. I bought it used a year ago. We were travelling back down the A9 from Dornoch, just coming to Blair Atholl when the engine...

Trailer of destruction

I’m thinking of buying a used Nissan X-Trail 2.2 diesel 2006 – 2007 to tow my caravan but I have read a lot about failing turbos and a replacement cost of around £2,000. Are you able to say if this is...

Fresh fried turbo

I am currently having my TDI serviced today at the Audi dealers. I had previously reverted to the fixed 10,000 ml service routine at 24,000 at last service in July 08, latest mileage now 34,000 and was...

Costa blanker

I purchased a 55 plate Seat Altea from CarGiant on 7th of June 2009 with 83,075 miles (verified) on the clock. It seems to have been and still drives as if it is trouble free, however when carrying out...

Per turboed

I now own my third BMW, a 525TD 2002 E39. Lovely car, the nicest I have owned and bought nine months ago at 38,000 miles, I am the second owner. I initially had a Full BMW service carried out and have...

Carbon lies?

I have a 1996 SAAB 900SE 2.3 turbo convertible with only 56,000 miles from new and serviced once every year by a SAAB dealer or SAAB specialist. A report on the latest service this week says that a common...