Hybrids or diesel which is most economical?

almillar

BMW i3, which can be bought as pure electric, or you can pay more for a small electric motor for topping up, looks to have really move hybrids forward a lot. Ampera looks like a nice car, and possibly the best conventional looking hybrid, but BMW are building an entire ecosystem around their electrics. Not a massive boot though. I'll take an i8.

almillar

BMW i3, which can be bought as pure electric, or you can pay more for a small electric motor for topping up, looks to have really move hybrids forward a lot. Ampera looks like a nice car, and possibly the best conventional looking hybrid, but BMW are building an entire ecosystem around their electrics. Not a massive boot though. I'll take an i8.

philgr

How much is op looking to spend? There are some excellent early noughties diesels available with many miles of use left in them for less than £1k. I subscribe to the bangernomics school of motoring and have just bought a 2000 Rover 45 diesel for £750 that was showing less than 100,000 miles. Do not underestimate the running cost known as depreciation. The Rover has plenty of power, no horrible dpf units (which as the car is going on a damn good run each day are less likely to be problematic than is suggested here) and are easily fixable by a competent home mechanic. I would forego a few mpg to save THOUSANDS in depreciation, especially as this useage pattern will end up in a higher than average mileage.

Incidentally the Rover will at a steady 56 mph easily return over 60mpg. Not too bad at all as well as being maintainable on a shoestring with lower technology oils (circa 15+vat /gallon stuff is fine), with filters available from eurocarparts on their regular 50% off sales