Would you recommend the Volvo V40 to replace my 2004 Volkswagen Golf?

We are thinking of changing our 2004 Golf 1.9TDI. We would like something of a similar size although petrol as we do a lot of short and medium trips with a fairly low annual mileage. I note from reading...

Should I buy a diesel Audi A5 Sportback for short journeys?

I am thinking of buying a one-year-old Audi A5 Sportback diesel, but I only drive about 5000 miles a year, most of this in short journeys of about two miles. Am I likely to experience diesel particulate...

What has caused a major engine failure in my Fiat 500 Multijet diesel?

In 2008 I went to a Fiat dealership and, with the help of the car salesman, configured a 500 Multijet diesel to my 'needs' and to a very high spec. Having spent my life savings on the car, I was told it...

Will the Skoda Octavia TDI's DPF regenerate over a 14-mile run?

I currently have a pre-DPF Skoda Octavia TDI Estate and am very pleased with it. I would like to buy a new one early next year but want to check a few facts about the DPF. The sales brochure says it should...

Can you recommend a medium car for short trips which will avoid DPF problems?

Could you recommend a reliable small to medium car or SUV for an average of 10,000 miles per year, primarily consisting of short journeys for a couple of OAPs? We wish to avoid expenses associated with...

I would like to buy a new BMW 520 - should I get a petrol or diesel version?

It is now time to change from my nine-year old BMW 525 diesel. I am retired and do about 4000 miles per year. I do lots of short journeys of around seven miles, with very occasional longer trips. The dealer...

Why did Royal Mail buy Fiat diesel vans with DPFs?

My postman tells me that Royal Mail recently took delivery of new Fiat vans fitted with diesel particulate filters. Now postal workers on suburban stop-start 'walks' are sitting revving the engines to...

Is DPF technology improving in modern diesel cars?

A few days ago the BBC R4 ‘You & Yours’ programme had a feature on DPF problems. It said that the Salvation Army, which apparently runs 700 company cars, had stopped buying diesel models because of DPF...

Is a seven mile journey enough to allow my BMW 320d's DPF to regenerate?

I drive a BMW 320d and was interested in your response to the email from EJ, Market Rasen concerning the burning off of diesel particulates. What do you consider to be a short journey? I travel seven miles...

Will the DPF on our new Qashqai develop problems following 20 minute trips?

Despite planning to buy a new petrol car because of our average annual mileage of 8500, we have chosen the Nissan Qashqai 360 1.6 dCi 130PS + with 'stop-start' system. The most regular journey will be...