New job... Car change... Any recommendations?

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Isnt the issue with DPF caused by the car doing short journeys and the exhaust not getting hot enough to burn / clear out the detritus from the filter ?

I have heard problems with them on vans which are obviously only ever driven absolutely flat out, so I think they can be troublesome any time

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Isnt the issue with DPF caused by the car doing short journeys and the exhaust not getting hot enough to burn / clear out the detritus from the filter ?

This is correct. A way to avoid it is to take you vehicle for a 30 minute motorway (don't use 6th gear so the revs remain slightly higher than normal) drive every month or 2, this will get the DPF up to temp and clear it.

[rowdy]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Isnt the issue with DPF caused by the car doing short journeys and the exhaust not getting hot enough to burn / clear out the detritus from the filter ?

This is true, but it is not uncommon for it to happen to vehicles that spend enough time running up and down motorways for this supposedly not to happen.

Just stay away from a Mazda diesel, as they are renowned for this.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Steve_God

Ok, I've got a decent list of cars to try now - cheers peeps!
The one thing I've noticed though (as a current owner) is a lack of any mention for Toyota... (or Honda for that matter)

Has anyone had any experience of either the Corolla or Avensis for longer distance driving?

We'll now you mention it, I'm going to suggest a Honda Accord, Luckypants had also suggested it.

We've got several turbo diesels at work, which get lots of abuse and generally mistreated, but they still keep going

I've driven from Felixstowe to Liverpool in one shot, no stops (267 miles) and still arrived relatively ache free

They go like the stuff off a shovel & handle well for a diesel. They are also quiet inside whilst driving which does help with fatigue.

Ours came with all the bells and whistles, cruise control etc etc.

In all the polls, the VAG group aren't anywhere near as reliable as the Jap cars.

If not how about a Mazda 6? Get a diesel one for long journeys, but if its short trips don't.

My next car will be a Toyota, Honda or a Mazda

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by rowdy

This is true, but it is not uncommon for it to happen to vehicles that spend enough time running up and down motorways for this supposedly not to happen.

Just stay away from a Mazda diesel, as they are renowned for this.

I know of that happening with the Mazda 6, it will happen to the similar age mondeo's too. They require the italian tune after a oil change.

One to note with the Ford and Jag diesels from a couple of years ago (2.0l lump) its well known for the Dual mass flywheel parting company and wrecking the gearbox after 100k

[maviczap]

Yes, my former bosses Mazda 6 diesel had big problems with the DPF as it was only doing short journey's

Supposedly if it does lots of motorway miles it shouldn't happen?

I got a focus cmax 2.0tdi, for what it is its amazing. Decent mpg, comfy, practical family wagon and great on the motorway. They do a 1.6, 1.8 and a 2.0 turbo diesel. Well worth checking out.

[rowdy]

As I said, Mazda diesel are renowned for it, stay away.
Not sure if the Mondeo suffers as much to be honest, the thing to remember is the Jag, Ford, Volvo (2.0d) and Mazda (?) all use the same basic PSA Hdi/Ford Tdci engine but with their own components (well, bought in components).
The Mazda seems to suffer dpf issue more than most.

In the end I bought a V50 2.0d. There are many of these that don't have a dpf fitted, which is the main reason I bought the one I did and not the V70 (D5 Volvo own engine).
I would recommend giving any diesel an Italian tune up every now and then, regardless if its got a dpf or not, to clear the egr valve.

On a budget, I'd be getting a mondy.

Had a 2.0 petrol a few years back, very very comfy and great cars!

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by Ben.tattooer

I got a focus cmax 2.0tdi, for what it is its amazing. Decent mpg, comfy, practical family wagon and great on the motorway. They do a 1.6, 1.8 and a 2.0 turbo diesel. Well worth checking out.

stay away from the 1.6. utter carp 30mpg. lovely car to be in and drive though. forgot to say it's a grand c-max family pack.