Diesel v petrol car. Which should I buy?

twohooter_2

I would really appreciate some advice on whether or not it would be sensible for me to buy a diesel car given that I only drive about 8,000 miles per year - mainly short trips. I have seen a 2 litre diesel Astra I really, really like and it is at a good price so I am very tempted. I also like the fact that it is an eco flex so the fuel consumption is very good and the road tax is only £30 per year. I am so tempted to buy this car but am worried about reports I have heard which say that unless you do a lot of miles in a diesel car you can harm the engine by clogging up the pipes. Is there any truth in this? Given the small number of miles I do, should I look for a petrol model instead?

JonathanA

How old is the Astra? If there is no diesel particulate filter or dual mass flywheel then I'd probably go for it. My wife runs a 5 year old CMAX diesel which has covered 44,000 miles in that time, we've never had any issues at all, but my older Mondeo had a new EGR valve and dual mass flywheel / clutch at 110,000 miles. I don't know how that was driven before I bought it though and I cover 15,000 miles a year.

The converse of that is we had a Zafira 1.9 CDTI and that was problematic from day one of us buying it (at 2yrs, 20k miles). Constantly regenerating the DPF, despite the miles and a host of other issues meant we sold it fairly quickly.

If you're having doubts, go for petrol, the cost to buy is probably cheaper than the amount you'll save on fuel / tax.

twohooter_2

The astra is only 1 year old. The more research I do the more conflicting reports I come across regarding the filter issues. I am starting to think sticking with petrol would be a safer bet despite the temptation of this particular diesel astra.

worried_jim

twohooter wrote: »

The astra is only 1 year old. The more research I do the more conflicting reports I come across regarding the filter issues. I am starting to think sticking with petrol would be a safer bet despite the temptation of this particular diesel astra.

This car is not for you then unless you do a motorway run every week you could face problems.

neysavibau

Cold Diesel engines consume more fuel. So if much of your distance traveled is with a cold engine, better get a petrol engine.

spacey2012

Cold starting a diesel is like pouring half a gallon away every time, taxi drivers find it is cheaper to leave them ticking over than let the engine go cold.
So for short runs, the cold start guzzle soon ofsets any advantage over a small petrol engine, plus diesel is more expensive.

They only really work out if you crunch the miles on continuous journeys.

twohooter_2

Thank you both for your helpful advice. I think I shall play safe and look for a suitable petrol version. The thought of filter problems and potential hefty repair bills doesn't appeal and I have to accept that my mileage will not be sufficient to protect against these issues.

jcb208

I have one of these and there not as fuel efficient as the figures suggest.Summer time , about 51mpg on longish commute , now colder weather is here its down to about 47mpg.I think short trips you will end up in the high 30's and they do take a long time to get to normal temp
They also have a DPF but not had a problem with mine

CC-Warrior

Modern petrol engines are pretty economical these days. See how it drives though, for me the 'eco' cars have destroyed the driving experience, if that's important to you.

OddballJamie

Have a look at the 1.4 turbo petrol Astra instead, should return better fuel economy than the NA versions.

twohooter_2

Funnily enough OdballJamie I also had a test drive in a 1.4 turbo last week and am seriously considering that as an alternative. Although mpg are not as good as the diesel it is a lovely car to drive and I think may be better suited to my circumstances. Your post was therefore most welcome and encouraging! Thank you..