Should I change my car?

I have a Sept 2007 Mazda 6 2.0 diesel, which has been totally reliable and trouble free for 3.5 years. I have read your advice that diesels start costing money in years 4-6. What is likely to need doing...

Why is my Volkswagen Polo's engine cutting out whilst I'm driving it?

I bought a new Volkswagen Polo SEL 1.6 CR/DPF 90PS 5-speed manual in November 2010. It now has 1,500 miles on the clock. It stalled at a junction soon after I bought it, then a few months later the engine...

Comment on diesel particulate filters

There are vast numbers of diesel cars on the roads and many models are now only available with diesel engines. Not all of these vehicles can be being driven under 'ideal conditions.' If there were continuing...

Buying a new SUV

I've had a VW Sharan for 10 years and it's regularly starting to breakdown, so it's time for a new one. The kids are getting older so there is no need for an MPV anymore, but we prefer to sit up high,...

Keeping my DPF healthy

I am not a high mileage driver. How do I prevent problems with the diesel particulate filter on this vehicle?

My Citroen C5 estate's DPF system needed replacing after 92,000 miles - I'm quite satisfied with that.

I thought that you might find my experience to be a vaguely interesting contribution to the DPF discussion. I agree that, on the whole, they are probably an expensive invention of the Devil but sometimes...

Why has Shell's 'fuel saver' diesel increased my Chevrolet Cruze's consumption from 29.4mpg to 27.86mpg?

I have now run a Chevrolet Cruze diesel auto for over one year. Since Shell introduced "Fuel saver" diesel, my consumption has increased to 27.86 mpg average over the past 1,138 miles i.e. five tankfuls,...

You might find this extract from an interview with a US fleet manager interesting with regards to DPF faults.

I often read comments in your Saturday column referring to problems with particulate filters on diesel-engined road vehicles. In view of your obvious knowledge of these problems, I would guess you would...

TIming belt or chain on a Civic?

I've just bought a Honda Civic diesel 2.2-litre 57-plate ES model. Is this car timing belt or chain and has it got a DPF?

Can you explain how a diesel particulate filter works?

Can you give us any information on where I can find a proper explanation of the function and potential limitations of a diesel particulate filter?