Diesel V Petrol

[mummytofour]

I am looking at getting a bigger car as currently we only have a little car so cant all go out together.


I am looking at a T reg 2l 806 75k on the clock and MOT until July diesel which according to what car does 33 mpg in town. I do about 200 miles per week and mostly town driving. I have in the past owned an 806 which I loved BUT cost way too much for me to run fuel wise and did about 23 mpg in town. I love the size of the 806 and its so practical but being a poor student mum of 5 is it worth looking at this 806 or should I wait for something else?

I currently drive a 1.1 roller skate which cost very little to run but means we cant all go out together :-( But do like the fact it cost so little to run!

Any words of wisdom would be fabby, many thanks.

[credit crunch victim]

diesel engine's take a bit longer to warm up so you will not achive your best mpg doing short journey's
i would say that is quite low miles for a 99 diesel 806 and just make sure it was not used as a taxi and been clocked etc

[LandyAndy]

How much is being asked for it?

[drivebyargument]

I do about 200 miles per week and mostly town driving.


= Petrol.

Wouldn't consider a diesel at under 18k.

[LandyAndy]

= Petrol.

Wouldn't consider a diesel at under 18k.

Totally meaningless post without more info from the OP:cool: .

Remember 2nd hand diesels cost exactly the same as petrols, it's just that they are probably older;) . So if you could buy, say, a 6 year old petrol vehicle for £5k or a 7 year old diesel for the same price, buy the diesel and enjoy the reduced running costs. Depreciation will be similar. Servicing costs will be similar. A diesel engine will last a lot longer.

I you are buying new mileage is a consideration because of the high depreciation. If you are buying second hand, particularly if it is over 5 years old, direct running costs are more important

[mummytofour]

Asking £1500 which is what I paid a couple of years ago for a 97 petrol 806, which came with 90k on the clock.

The other option is a 1.6 zafira petrol, which will be a lot smaller ( I would love to have the bigger car as there are 7 of us) But running costs really are my main worry, so I guess throwing that into the mix would make things more complicated..

[jeferey]

The other option is a 1.6 zafira petrol, which will be a lot smaller ( I would love to have the bigger car as there are 7 of us) But running costs really are my main worry, so I guess throwing that into the mix would make things more complicated..
Do you need much of a boot? - I had the diesel Zafira and it's great for 5 + luggage. OK for 6 + luggage, If you've got 7 then you'll only get a few shopping bags in the back it's tiny (150 litres I think). Otherwise, it's a great car for the money. It's the most reliable Vauxhall in the range and I sold mine to my next door neighbour who's had it 3 years without a blip.

[mummytofour]

I dont need a boot I could get a roof box for holidays, but am wondering about the rear two seats of the zafira as my kids are getting bigger they are 11,9,7,4 and 2. In all honesty I think its all down to money money money. In 18 months my mileage will be cut by 100 a week and I have decided then I will get an 806./7, so its just a case of what to go for now? Ahhhhhhhh this is far to complicated!

[credit crunch victim]

not sure how big the rear seats are but at my local auction this week 55 plate ex mobility renault scenic's were selling for 2800-3000 amazing value for a 55 plate 7 seater

[jeferey]

... am wondering about the rear two seats of the zafira as my kids are getting bigger they are 11,9,7,4 and 2.
The rearmost seats are actually pretty spacious - your 11 year old shouldn't have a problem put it that way. I'm 6' 1" and I have sat in the back (was a bit squished though!!!)

[JonathanA]

At 200 miles per week, the difference in cost of fuel may only be £7 / 8 depending on the price differential between petrol and diesel where you live. (I would think that you'd use about £27 diesel each week, or £34 petrol, give or take). In terms of the cars, if you regularly use all the seats, then for me it would be the 806 hands down, no contest. The Zafira is a good car, but I would say that the rearmost seats are not that big and access isn't as good as in the 806.

The petrol / diesel debate really only becomes an issue if you can find an equivalent 806 petrol that you are interested in. If the 806 diesel has been reasobably well maintained, I'd go for that - it will meet all your requirements.

The question is, how much do you pay for petrol now and is the increase worth it to be able to transport all of you at once/