Your non-diagnostic vehicle-related problems solved by Steve Rothwell
GENERAL
Q Rather than the usual problem issues with cars which your readers ask – I wonder if you could please give me some mechanical/reliability guidance for our next ‘forever’ planned car?
I’ve driven and fixed older cars for years, but as I age my enthusiasm for and physical ability for this stuff is declining. We want to buy either one new or one almost new car to replace both our elderly cars for hopefully long-term hassle-free driving – and as we will both be retired we don’t need two cars anymore. I’m approaching 68 years of age, and whilst my wife is slightly younger, this new car will probably be our last. So, I want it to last for as long as possible as I want to totally avoid the electric car trend – for well-published reasons (forever!) – without mechanical and other problems as long as I reasonably can.
But I’m unsure how to select our single last long-lasting replacement car. Here’s some suggestions/comments I’ve thought off:
New Toyota Corolla self-charging Hybrid Estate (new model). 1.8 indirect injection Atkinson cycle petrol engine – LPG compatible and cheaper than the more powerful direct and indirect gasoline and LPG incompatible engine. Would buy and have the indirect engine converted to run on LPG (currently £0.799ppl). Which can be set to work with the hybrid Stop-Start system. I’m comfortable with LPG as I’ve used it on my Lexus LS430 for five years/35,000 miles with no issue – other than financial savings!
I understand the implications an LPG conversion will have on the Toyota warranty but I’m not worried that a correct conversion will cause any engine issues.
I have a local expert whom I use here in NI who knows what he’s doing.
New Mercedes-Benz B-Class with 2.0 OM 654 Diesel engine and 8-speed DCT transmission. Obviously, diesel only – not hybrid. Questions: have Mercedes fixed the rocker shaft bearing issue and is the SCR/DPF emission control system reliable long-term? What about the 8-speed DCT transmission – reliable and easily rebuildable – after high mileage – plus driveability comments?
Does Mercedes use a steel piston liner installed in each bore on the OM654 engine or does the engine simply use a spray antiwear coating on the cast and machined aluminium cylinder walls? If it does have this coating, is there any information relating to its resistance to early wear? I couldn’t figure out this info from MB online sales stuff. Your comments welcome please!
Skoda Superb 2.0 diesel 150PS DCT. Similar comments to above.
I’d also welcome suggestions on any other super-reliable long-life car going forward. Any other suggestions/welcome!
General observations:
Not going to tow (no caravans but possibly light trailer to take stuff to the dump only). Resistance to rust
