Do I need to replace my Mazda 3's DPF?

My 4-year-old Mazda 3 1.6 diesel has done 63,000 trouble-free miles. I live in the country so don't do many short trips (the nearest shop is 7 miles away). I am told by the Mazda dealer that my next service...

Why doesn't my Mercedes-Ben B-Class have a service book?

I recently purchased a Mercedes-Benz 'Approved Used' B180 CDI from a big Mercedes-Benz dealer. On examining the paperwork I found that the service booklet containing the service record was missing. I phoned...

Why do some Volkswagen dealers charge more for servicing than others?

I bought a new Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI in 2009 and the first three years' servicing was covered by a Service Plan. When I called the dealer to book my next service and MoT, I was quoted a price of £429....

I think that older cars can be much better value than newer cars.

Concerning recent correspondence about Jaguar XFs, diesels are more economical but by a very small margin when you consider the cost of fuel and diesel maintenance costs. I get 35mpg on a long run and...

Why aren't Volkswagen customers told about timing belt changes when they buy a Golf or Polo?

I am writing to thank you for the reply you gave to CS of Woodstock recently relating the changing of a camshaft belt on a Volkswagen Golf. My wife owns a Polo which is six years old and has a mileage...

I recommend paying extra for a roof service on Volkswagen's Eos.

After writing to you last year I was concerned about buying my Volkswagen EOS 1.4TSI. However, I am delighted with it and have no regrets. The short-term inconvenience of some winter condensation is more...

Can you recommend a warranty plan for our 3-year-old Skoda Yeti?

We bought our Yeti 1.8TSI 4WD new in September 2010 and have been absolutely delighted with it. We bought a Monthly Service Plan at £15.57 per month to cover the first three services. I requested a schedule...

Does my 2008 Volkswagen Golf have a belt cam or a chain cam, and how should it be maintained?

Several years ago I purchased a 2008 Golf Plus 1.4 TSI. When I purchased the car I was adamant that I wanted a chain cam system as a result of the problems with belt cams. The Volkswagen dealer assured...

I'd like to buy a new Skoda Octavia, but does the cam belt really need changing every four years?

The new Octavia is getting acclaim in all the reviews I have seen, but few have tested or commented on the 1.4 TSI 140PS petrol unit which I am thinking of buying to replace my 2007/57 2.0 Mazda 6. Quizzing...

I suggest that people should use dedicated independent specialist garages for repairs and mechanical work.

JB of Alton, the independent garage owner, is quite wrong in his comments. I can prove my point easily and confirm that what you wrote is right. We have local independent garages who serve the local community...