Is the Qashqai 1.6DCI suitable for 12,000 miles a year, and if not can you recommend a petrol alternative?

One of the cars you have suggested is the Qashqai 1.6DCI, which I understand has a good diesel engine. However, as I stated in my query, I only do 12,000 miles a year and I have read (only yesterday in...

Is my driving style responsible for the high mileage I have got out of my Mondeo's dual mass flywheel?

In your response to a WM of Kendal, you quoted 50,000-100,000 for a dual mass flywheel. My experience is different. I am driving my third Ford Mondeo Estate, a 2-litre manual diesel. I have replaced only...

Is my Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion diesel likely to suffer DPF problems, and what could I replace it with?

11 months ago I bought a new Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion diesel, which I am delighted with. However I am so worried about your comments about the risk of expensive failure of low emission diesels that I...

Does my Nissan X-Trail have a DPF and dual mass flywheel, and is it likely to give problems?

I have an 2005 2.2 DCI Nissan X-Trail, 50,000 miles. Does it have the potentially ruinous components of a diesel particulate filter and a dual mass flywheel? Having read your column I am thinking of selling...

How can I protect the coating on my Ford Focus Ghia's alloy wheels from damage?

My 2006 Focus Ghia is fitted with highly polished alloy wheels that are protected by a thick transparent plastic coating. Unfortunately, this coating is easily damaged during routine serving or kerbing....

Juddering Modus

Car judders in first when taking off. I can aleviate this by using higher revs than normal and slipping the clutch. Reverse smooth as silk and once rolling no problems in any other gears. Could it...

Is my DMF on its way out?

I have a 59 reg old shape Subaru Legacy Boxer diesel, the 5 speed model. It's done 80,000 miles but has started, when cold, shuddering when moving off in first gear. It also is a bit jerky and shudders...

Volvo V50 reliability after three years

In your summary of the Volvo V50 you state as a 'bad point' that diesels are expensive after 3 years. I have a 40 month old Volvo V50 2.0 diesel with 22k miles and and no problems so far. I need to decide...

Should I buy a petrol or diesel Grand C-Max for short commutes with longer weekend drives?

I'm interested in purchasing either a brand-new 1.6 petrol Ecoboost Grand C-Max or a nearly new 1.6 diesel Grand C-Max. Both are the same price at £16,500. I can't decide which one to go for. I know that...

Is the 1.6-litre Ford Focus turbo petrol a solution to the DPF and DMF problems of diesel cars?

Your warnings on the failure costs of turbos, DMFs and DPFs mean that the very features that reduce fuel usage and emissions raise the risks of high repair costs. I note the Fiesta Econetic does not have...