29-01-2025
Ask the expert: How can I avoid diesel engine problems if I don't do many miles?
Dear Alex,
After a garage ruined my Alfa Romeo 147 Twin Spark, I owned a VW Golf and a Peugeot, but neither have moved me. I've now seen an Alfa Romeo Giulietta for sale at a nearby garage and am very tempted. However,
– JE
Dear JE,
If you don't drive very many miles, the general advice is: don't own a diesel. This is largely down to the well-documented problems associated with
So while I accept you've found a car you like the look of, the best advice I can offer is to keep looking. If it's a Giulietta you specifically want, there are twice as many petrol examples for sale at the time of writing, so while you might have to travel a bit farther afield, I can't imagine you'll have too much trouble finding one you like.
Besides, the Giulietta is a car best served with the punchy 1.4- and 1.75-litre petrol turbo engines, which suit its sparky character far better than the diesel.
But if you're set on the diesel example. I suggest you take it for a good, long run now and again.
Doing so roughly every 250-odd miles should be enough to allow the particulate filter to regenerate; at least 30 minutes at motorway speeds should get the exhaust nice and warm, providing the correct conditions for it to commence regeneration.
Keep in mind that these diesel Giuliettas can suffer with coolant leaks from their exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers. The housing for the cooler can crack, which results in the leak. If not dealt with quickly, the loss of coolant can result in overheating and engine damage.
Other Giulietta-specific faults, even on petrol models, include wear to the boot wiring harness – not an expensive job to fix, but a frequent complaint; some owners have had it happen repeatedly. It can cause all sorts of odd behaviour of the boot lid electrics.
Sticking heater fans (and blown heater pack resistors) are another common fault. And treat the internal door handles with care, as they can snap off relatively easily.
Having spent brief periods in the motor trade and renting out cars, Alex decided to try writing about them instead and has done so ever since. He's been reviewing new cars for more than 10 years, has written extensively about used and classic cars and, ever the glutton for punishment, has now owned more than 50 motors of his own, with varying degrees of success.
In our regular Ask the expert series, Alex weighs in on your car dilemmas to save you money and make your driving life easier.
