Six months of apparent DPF problems with an Astra

I have a 2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 diesel. It started to cut out in March 2013 and became unreliable. Vauxhall assistance (AA) said it was supermarket fuel. Local dealer said not enough miles being done...

How far do I need to drive to regenerate the DPF?

I’m looking to buy a used Skoda Octavia estate. This will be my first diesel and I’ll be driving eight to nine miles a day. Does it make sense to buy a diesel or will I encounter problems with the DPF?...

Buying a used Ford Galaxy diesel – should I change the filters?

We are buying a 2006 Ford Galaxy, which has already been serviced by a local Ford dealer. However, a mechanic has told us that, whatever diesel car we buy, we should change the oil and filters immediately...

Buying a Vauxhall Corsa - which diesel engine is best?

My son wishes to change his 2004 Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi for a newer version. He has seen a Corsa with a 1.3 cdti engine with 95PS which he favours as it is more powerful than his 75PS engine in his current...

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...

Buying a small used diesel - any recommendations?

I'm looking for a small and reliable diesel car. It must be second hand and economical. I'm considering a Toyota Yaris 1.4, Ford Fiesta 1.3 and a Vauxhall Corsa 1.3. I drive about 300 miles a week mainly...

What caused the fuel filters on my Skoda Superb Estate diesel to repeatedly clog up?

Over the past few months my Skoda Superb Estate has been performing worse and worse from cold starts, with what appeared to be misfires or fuel starvation until it had begun to warm up. At its third variable...

Under what circumstances should I allow my Mondeo's turbocharger to cool as it spools down?

I have queries on two issues on which you have advised several times. Firstly you have warned that a turbocharged engine should be left idling before switching off to enable the turbo bearings to cool....

Turbo tube problems with Land Rover Defender 90

Land Rover recalled my Defender 90 in February to replace the tube connecting the turbo - up to that time I had no problems. Since then the tube has blown off under relatively normal driving, which the...

Fuel pump failure with ultra-low-sulfur diesel

My distributor type fuel pump on my Renault Kangoo van has failed at 98,000 miles. The fault has been put down to ultra-low-sulfur diesel - apparently it lacks the lubricity these pumps need. Unlike...