I've noticed that my 1999 Peugeot 306 HDi has started to accumulate a lot of soot around the exhaust pipe (more than there ever used to be) and the exhaust has an aromatic smell, especially if the engine hasn't got up to full temperature.
The car is 9 years old and has done 130,000 miles.
- The fuel economy is still as good as ever (about 50 mpg UK)
- The performance still feels good (though maybe I wouldn;t notice if it very gradually got worse over the years!)
- The car passed an emissions test a few weeks ago as part of the annual MOT test required for all vehicles in the UK once they reach 3 years old.
- As far as I am aware, the car isn't producing black smoke on acceleration (I can't see any in my rear-view mirror) though it's difficult to be certain without being able to travel in a car behind mine!
Is it something I should worry about or is it to be expected for a car of this age and mileage?