Hi all,

I have noticed that there is an issue with some diesel engines sooting up due to not being used for long trips and things like valves and EGRs costing mega bucks.

Now. I am starting to look for another mota. to replace the large petrol estate that I have currently, And I was thinking of the SDI engine as it is stupidly low in car tax. If you get the right year.

So the question I have is: Should I find an SDI or in fact a TDI, what are the worrying signs I should look for?

If I do get hold of one, Are there any additives that I should use etc to stop the engine from sooting up?

I have seen a vast number of diesel cars at the moment still for sale, and the answers I get back from some people is that they are selling and going back to petrol as they dont do the mileage and are not seeing the benefit. Together with repairs costing a fortune.

Is there a particular amount of mileage I should be doing in order to keep the engine in good condition?

Otherwise I might just look at the 1.6 Octavia.

There's a lot of difference between the Fabia SDI and the TDI (s) - a turbo for a start which gives better performance but added complications. The SDI is a rock and whilst not quick can motor along at a good speed and mpg is great. Short journeys are bad for any car and unless very short sooting up is no more likely with a diesel than a petrol. One disadvantage of a diesel, especially the TDI is that the heater doesn't warm up for ages and the engines run cool so they do need a run to get really hot occasionally. No need for additives, just give it a blast (Italian tune-up) now and again to clear out any muck. Compared to a petrol, you'll notice more engine noise, especially with the SDI, but it isn't really bad.

Time for a few test drives :sun: :sun: