Buying a small family car, automatic, with good fuel economy for under £10k. What would you suggest?

I have up to £10,000 to spend on a used car. My wife, who will do most of the driving, can only use automatics. We will do less than 8000 miles per year, but fuel economy (both urban and motorway) is very...

Which Avensis to go for?

I would like to get a new-shape Toyota Avensis 09-reg. What diesel engine should I go for: 2.2 or 2.0?

Question in respect of DPFs in new Freelander 2

I have read your general advice. Can you advise how the regeneration of the DPF in a Freelander 2 works? Does it regenerate anyway when one goes on a long drive or will it wait until it is partly clogged...

Money saving on motorway miles

I live in Coventry and my partner lives in Reading. We do 1000 plus miles each month on the M40. Our three current vehicles are: a 1987 V8 Landrover station wagon (LPG) which is great for carrying us,...

Peugeot 306 HDi starting problems

I have a Peugeot 306 HDi and am having problems starting it. It takes long to start when cold and warm but it's not as bad when warm and once started it ticks over fine.

How are DPFs damaged by repeated short journeys? Our 2000 BMW 320d has done 180,000 miles without fault.

Regarding latest EU emission regulations for diesel engines, could you please give us more information on the subject of the particulate filters being adversely affected by repeated short journeys? I have...

Should I use diesel fuel that has been stored for four years?

I always keep a couple of gallons of diesel as a stand by, but have not used it for about four years. Can I use it now or is there a limited time before it deteriorates?

Why does our Volkswagen Polo diesel hold its revs when I lift my foot off the accelerator?

In January this year we bought a new 3-door Polo SEL 1.6 TDI, downsizing from our long-lived, and immensely practical, Saab. In most respects the Polo fits our present needs very well indeed and we have...

What do you think of plug-in diesel upgrades to improve fuel economy?

What is your opinion of plug-in diesel upgrades kits for increased mpg? Bearing in mind the high cost of diesel, are they worthwhile? How many miles would it take to recoup the initial layout cost? If...

How should I proceed with the garage that sold me a BMW 118i with a faulty battery?

I bought a 2-year-old BMW 118d last May from the local BMW dealer. It is a fantastic car, but the stop-start function didn't work from day one. I reported it and waited until now to make sure there were...