Could I have prevented my Octavia's turbo failure?

I'm a taxi driver and I've got a 2010 Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI. Whenever the DPF regenerates it blows a lot of smoke from the exhaust pipe. I eventually realised that I should let the regen finish before...

How do I run-in my new Porsche Macan 3.0 petrol?

I am about to take delivery of my new Porsche Macan with the 3.0 petrol engine (as recommended by you almost 18 months ago). Within a week of doing so I have to make a three hour journey north, mostly...

Is the gearbox in the 2013 Volkswagen Golf DSG sealed?

I am thinking of buying a 2013 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI DSG. The dealer tells me it is a six-speed wet clutch DSG with a sealed box. Does this description sound correct to you?

Skoda Octavia gas recirculation valve problems - what's the cause?

About 18 months ago I had my Skoda Octavia (2012 model) 1.9 diesel valeted. The firm that did the work also washed the engine, even though I never asked for the work to be done. After this the car experienced...

Mk2 Cavalier convertible - new owner queries

I have just acquired a tidy 1986 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk2 convertible with FSH and one previous owner. it's done 123,000 miles and importantly, the body is very solid and the hood is sound. My understanding...

Should I buy a used van with high mileage?

I am thinking of buying a used van. I’ve seen a 2014 Ford Transit Connect for sale, but it has 101,000 miles on the clock. Is this too many?

Can I fit Sachs dampers to my BMW 320d Touring?

While swapping over to winter tyres on my 2011 BMW 320d Touring I noticed that the rubber bellows on one of the rear shock absorbers was damp and disintegrating. The main dealer wants over £600 for the...

Skoda Yeti diesel performance after emissions fix

Our Skoda Yeti 140PS diesel 4WD six-gear manual was tested on a dynamometer to provide the power and torque output graphs before and after the 'cheat' software upgrade. The Yeti had the same grade supermarket...

Why is my automatic transmission sluggish in the winter months?

I drive a 1998 W208 series Mercedes-Benz 320 CLK that's had oil changes every 9000 miles and has been utterly reliable since new. The 3200cc M112 series engine is as smooth now as when I first got it;...

What's the best method for removing Mondeo heater plugs?

I have a big problem with my Ford Mondeo diesel. The car is now at my local mechanic's workshop for heater plug replacement. Two of the plugs will not come out and my mechanic is concerned they will snap....