Looking for a mid size diesel MPV to replace our Mazda 5 that doesn't have the chronic DPF problems that we have been having.
Got to tow 1200kg at 85%
Got to be 100% reliable.
MPV is a people carrier, SUV is a 4X4 type vehicle.
The Kia vehicles seem to get a fair mention on here, but like all things mechanical, you can have a failure at any time, and Dual-Mass-Flywheels are pretty much standard fitment on diesels these days.
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 24/6/2012Nothing is 100% reliable.
DMF is just part of teh clutch change these days.
I think the OP was referring to the DPF (diesel particulate filter) rather than a DMF (dual mass fly wheel)?
Hard to avoid a DPF if buying a late model diesel as most now have them. They are ok for the most part, but become clogged if the car is not driven in top gear at speed (50mph+) often. Constant city driving usually clogs up the DPF. If the light comes on a blast up a dual carriageway will usually do the trick, but if you ignore the light it's garage time!
If I was looking for a mid sized MPV I'd be looking at Touran & S Max (like the look of them) but there are loads of options in this sector.
I think its just the Mazda from several yrs ago that had a problem with the dpf warning light coming on due to a specific fault. So to answer the op, anything but a Mazda probably or though I'm sure the problem will have been eliminated on later models. A specific recurring fault on a car produced several yrs ago should have been cured on current models.
Does the op car have a full main dealer service history? there is some suggestion that incorrect oil can cause the problem, use of correct oil is critical for modern diesels.
With any other diesel car there should be no problems provided you do a reasonable amount of open road driving. The problem with dpf light coming on usually occurs when a diesel car is used only in town, with no open road drives of several miles at all.
Having received many calls over the past year asking about DPF removals, we have now brought this service in-house.
For our DPF service we retain the original DPF box, minus the DPF brick, and remap the ECU to remove the ECU code. We are backed by one of the leading and most experienced DPF software removal companies and will only take on work for vehicles that have been tried and tested. As with our remaps we do not experiment on customer vehicles!
The result is a vehicle permanently free from DPF issues that particularly arise in low daily mileage usage. Easier breathing improves power and MPG but to maximise the benefits we also offer a free power/MPG remap at the same time that we reprogram the ECU for the removed DPF.
Optionally we can replace the DPF box with a straight through pipe section but, for the sake of standard appearance and costs we'd recommend the retention of the original box, albeit with the brick removed.
Pricing varies according to model of engine so please contact us if you'd like more details. Generally speaking, costs are at least half those of a replacement DPF unit AND you eliminate your DPF problems for good.
In the interest of full information, currently the MOT does not test for DPF installation and operation. As with any engine modifications this could change in the future, although we are not aware of any plans at present.
So the story is.....
We have had Nissan and Mazda petrol cars that have only needed a lightbulb changing apart from normal servicing. So you can get cars that are extremely reliable.
Bought a caravan, got grandkids. Needed an MPV for the kids and diesel for towing. Bought a Mazda 5 - 5 years old 40k miles full main dealer service history. That was 15 months ago. We do a lot of miles so we have had it serviced 3 times since owning it. Lots of motorway miles too.
This is the second time the DPF light has come on. But this time we were ona fast dual carriageway with no laybys for miles no hard shoulder at all and a 3 year old and a 9 week old in the back. No way was I going to pull over in those circumstances. The DPF, the engine management light and the anti-skid lit up. Had to crawl to the next exit and get Green Flag to tow us home.
Took it to the dealer today - it was alredy booked in for a service. Once they have sorted that problem out, the timing belt needs changing at a cost of over £1000 on top of the service.
There is no way I am keeping that car.
So, I want a mid-size MPV that will tow a 1100kg caravan and not have my heart in my mouth every time I have kids in it, and will not cost me a packet to run.
Garage have got back to me. New DPF needed + new ABS unit + cambelt.
Looking at £5000 or more.
I guess we won't be going to Cornwall on Wednesday then.
Quote: Originally posted by alan29 on 25/6/2012
Garage have got back to me. New DPF needed + new ABS unit + cambelt. Looking at £5000 or more. I guess we won't be going to Cornwall on Wednesday then.
I would not use the dealer, it looks like they are about to rip you off, get it taken to another garage, the DPF will only need a forced Regen, or a fluid top up, the abs problem will just be a sensor, £30 at the most, the belt and adjuster can be changed for around £300
Any VAT reg gararge can do any waranty work
Once back on the road get the DPF deleted by the company in my other post
Thatnks for the suggestions. We thought about the S-Max and Touran .......... but I expect a full size spare wheel for my money too.
Have decided to get minimal work done to get it on the road and then part-ex back into the industry.
An absolute dog of a car.
I think we might settle for a 4x4 or an estate - the rest of the family can walk!!!!!