Would you still buy a diesel car?
30 December 2016, 11:21 AM
#1
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Would you still buy a diesel car?
Hi
I'm looking to replace my family car with something a bit more sensible. I must admit I'm not a big fan of diesel cars, I've only owned one and never really gelled with it. I also don't do that many miles ie less than 5,000 a year and so the greater vehicle purchase price and cost of diesel fuel doesn't make financial sense.
The problem is that some of the cars I'm looking at only have diesel engines ie VW Passat estate and others only make one puny petrol in the range.
My biggest concern is whether diesels will get banned from City centres in the near future or be slapped with some punitive retrospective tax. Is this a real possibility?
I'm looking to replace my family car with something a bit more sensible. I must admit I'm not a big fan of diesel cars, I've only owned one and never really gelled with it. I also don't do that many miles ie less than 5,000 a year and so the greater vehicle purchase price and cost of diesel fuel doesn't make financial sense.
The problem is that some of the cars I'm looking at only have diesel engines ie VW Passat estate and others only make one puny petrol in the range.
My biggest concern is whether diesels will get banned from City centres in the near future or be slapped with some punitive retrospective tax. Is this a real possibility?
30 December 2016, 11:35 AM
#2
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I was in the same position looking for something at least 5 series sized, doing less than 5000 a year in what this car was replacing. I found very limited choice of petrol engines (except for high performance versions) and ended up buying a 3.0 TDI. It was OK, but I kept it 6 months and bought the petrol version instead and that was good enough to replace my performance car too.
I was happy enough with a smooth six cylinder diesel, but wouldn't want the fours which were just plain nasty.
Whilst I was doing low mileage, the journeys were usually 15 miles each time so less worry about DPF.
For a dude like you, choose your engine then your vehicle, even for your family car
I was happy enough with a smooth six cylinder diesel, but wouldn't want the fours which were just plain nasty.
Whilst I was doing low mileage, the journeys were usually 15 miles each time so less worry about DPF.
For a dude like you, choose your engine then your vehicle, even for your family car
30 December 2016, 02:55 PM
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No.
Even though the Mrs does 15k pa I'd still get another thirsty petrol engine.
Struggling to come up with an alternative to the M3 that isn't a Merc or Audi, that has a large capacity petrol engine.
Even though the Mrs does 15k pa I'd still get another thirsty petrol engine.
Struggling to come up with an alternative to the M3 that isn't a Merc or Audi, that has a large capacity petrol engine.
Last edited by zip106; 30 December 2016 at 02:57 PM.
30 December 2016, 09:24 PM
#7
No
Only bought it for fuel economy and petrols seem on a par if not better now.
We were well and truly stitched up by the car companies,government and the fuel companies as far as diesel goes.A right flipping turn around
Only bought it for fuel economy and petrols seem on a par if not better now.
We were well and truly stitched up by the car companies,government and the fuel companies as far as diesel goes.A right flipping turn around
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30 December 2016, 11:11 PM
#14
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I was in the same position looking for something at least 5 series sized, doing less than 5000 a year in what this car was replacing. I found very limited choice of petrol engines (except for high performance versions) and ended up buying a 3.0 TDI. It was OK, but I kept it 6 months and bought the petrol version instead and that was good enough to replace my performance car too.
I was happy enough with a smooth six cylinder diesel, but wouldn't want the fours which were just plain nasty.
Whilst I was doing low mileage, the journeys were usually 15 miles each time so less worry about DPF.
For a dude like you, choose your engine then your vehicle, even for your family car
I was happy enough with a smooth six cylinder diesel, but wouldn't want the fours which were just plain nasty.
Whilst I was doing low mileage, the journeys were usually 15 miles each time so less worry about DPF.
For a dude like you, choose your engine then your vehicle, even for your family car
Lol @ the last comment. Its not the fuel economy that I'm so bothered about, I just don't want two cars that have high insurance/road tax/maintenance/tracker subscriptions etc.
By the way, the car you changed from diesel to petrol, was that the Audi A8?
30 December 2016, 11:17 PM
#17
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So from this small sample it seems people agree with me ie a diesel makes no sense. The problem is that trying to buy anything other than a diesel is a bit of a mission. There are the high powered petrol variants but thats not what I'm after.
I've just had a quick look through the approved used Audi A4 Avant and it seems 90% are diesel. BMW 3 series touring (though I've sworn never to buy a car with run flats again) is a similar story.
VW passat doesn't even have a petrol variant.
I've just had a quick look through the approved used Audi A4 Avant and it seems 90% are diesel. BMW 3 series touring (though I've sworn never to buy a car with run flats again) is a similar story.
VW passat doesn't even have a petrol variant.
30 December 2016, 11:18 PM
#18
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31 December 2016, 04:21 AM
#20
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No IMO.
For me if I want something cheap to run I'd probably get a cheap to run petrol maybe even a Prius... But if your doing so few miles it makes no difference and the low down power of dervs can make them easier to drive.
I've had a fair few diesels and they have been ok, but only because I really had to take care of them. I.e. frequent oil changes, intake manifold cleaning, egr blocking etc etc. Nothing with a DPF. But generally I found diesels if they go wrong and they do i.e. turbo, injectors, DMF flywheel/clutch etc etc. When one thing goes that's your mpg benefit gone. Not what you asked I know but I thought it was interesting none the less.
For me if I want something cheap to run I'd probably get a cheap to run petrol maybe even a Prius... But if your doing so few miles it makes no difference and the low down power of dervs can make them easier to drive.
I've had a fair few diesels and they have been ok, but only because I really had to take care of them. I.e. frequent oil changes, intake manifold cleaning, egr blocking etc etc. Nothing with a DPF. But generally I found diesels if they go wrong and they do i.e. turbo, injectors, DMF flywheel/clutch etc etc. When one thing goes that's your mpg benefit gone. Not what you asked I know but I thought it was interesting none the less.
31 December 2016, 08:21 AM
#21
I used to have one of the first vrs octavias (1.8T).Great fun,but my wife had Fabia vrs 1.9tdi.We used to fight over the keys for the Fabia.Even though the octavia was quicker,Fabia felt so much more fun.
Rubbed my hands together when picked up one of the new vrs octavia with the tdi
Great car,but doesn't feel in any way quick or have that oomph.Just didn't recreate the fun we had with the fabia.
I just feel like I've bought a motorway rep mobile now.Should have gone petrol ( although I note the arguments above about the 2.0 tsi.lol )
Rubbed my hands together when picked up one of the new vrs octavia with the tdi
Great car,but doesn't feel in any way quick or have that oomph.Just didn't recreate the fun we had with the fabia.
I just feel like I've bought a motorway rep mobile now.Should have gone petrol ( although I note the arguments above about the 2.0 tsi.lol )
31 December 2016, 08:57 AM
#22
You may lol, but I've had mine for over 3 years, not a single problem touch wood.
Best family car I've had and is no slouch, the drivetrain is pretty awesome and I think it's my best family car I've had to date, pretty hard for me to replace tbh.
2010 mate, the Torsen Quattro is awesome, proper Quattro, not like the haldex which is part time.
A cdnc engine found on b8s and stronic/dsg mapped up can give most sports cars a run.
Best family car I've had and is no slouch, the drivetrain is pretty awesome and I think it's my best family car I've had to date, pretty hard for me to replace tbh.
2010 mate, the Torsen Quattro is awesome, proper Quattro, not like the haldex which is part time.
A cdnc engine found on b8s and stronic/dsg mapped up can give most sports cars a run.
31 December 2016, 09:05 AM
#23
So from this small sample it seems people agree with me ie a diesel makes no sense. The problem is that trying to buy anything other than a diesel is a bit of a mission. There are the high powered petrol variants but thats not what I'm after.
I've just had a quick look through the approved used Audi A4 Avant and it seems 90% are diesel. BMW 3 series touring (though I've sworn never to buy a car with run flats again) is a similar story.
VW passat doesn't even have a petrol variant.
I've just had a quick look through the approved used Audi A4 Avant and it seems 90% are diesel. BMW 3 series touring (though I've sworn never to buy a car with run flats again) is a similar story.
VW passat doesn't even have a petrol variant.
Find the type of engine you want and then wait patiently for right car to crop up.
They do the Passat in the R36 still rare car again.
I wanted the BMW tbh but the Audi got it because 4wd and that's what swayed my decision.
31 December 2016, 10:09 AM
#25
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You may lol, but I've had mine for over 3 years, not a single problem touch wood.
Best family car I've had and is no slouch, the drivetrain is pretty awesome and I think it's my best family car I've had to date, pretty hard for me to replace tbh.
2010 mate, the Torsen Quattro is awesome, proper Quattro, not like the haldex which is part time.
A cdnc engine found on b8s and stronic/dsg mapped up can give most sports cars a run.
Best family car I've had and is no slouch, the drivetrain is pretty awesome and I think it's my best family car I've had to date, pretty hard for me to replace tbh.
2010 mate, the Torsen Quattro is awesome, proper Quattro, not like the haldex which is part time.
A cdnc engine found on b8s and stronic/dsg mapped up can give most sports cars a run.
although mine is a 06 plate - so a B7? - it does not suffer the Oil consumption problem
but when looking at any new car, all seem to have horror stories attached
31 December 2016, 10:48 AM
#26
I replaced a 2.5TDi Quattro with a 2.0T tfsi Quattro (Avant) - and agree they are great cars, with a proper 4x4 drivetrain, and look fantastic too
although mine is a 06 plate - so a B7? - it does not suffer the Oil consumption problem
but when looking at any new car, all seem to have horror stories attached
although mine is a 06 plate - so a B7? - it does not suffer the Oil consumption problem
but when looking at any new car, all seem to have horror stories attached
Again you have the nightmare engine as said by jdmstig above with its host of issues and the major of all the chain timing belt snappping and ruining engine.
Luckily hope yours is good but just something to be wary of.
Agree, you can find common faults with all cars if you look hard, it's just down to what you are willing to live with and repair etc as more faults get revised parts that avoid it going wrong again etc.
I really do find mine hard to beat in terms of replacing for a like for like or better as in , running costs, power, handling, practically, comfort, luxury, 4wd, price etc.
I did think about a s4 but I think would be a little much for daily fuel running costs etc for that extra power lol
31 December 2016, 03:32 PM
#27
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I must say the new A4 Avant could be a contender. Looks good with a fantastic interior and gadgets. It's had good reviews even though most say it's not as 'sharp' to drive as the comparable BMW.
My own experience is that any BMW with 17 inch or bigger wheels, run flats and M sport suspension has the most shockingly bad dynamics imaginable.
I'm going to have a drive of the a4 in the new year. Going back to the original topic of this thread....the problem will be finding a 252 ps petrol model. So far I've only found one nationally at my budget level.
Perhaps I'll have to consider the 218 PS V6 diesel model
My own experience is that any BMW with 17 inch or bigger wheels, run flats and M sport suspension has the most shockingly bad dynamics imaginable.
I'm going to have a drive of the a4 in the new year. Going back to the original topic of this thread....the problem will be finding a 252 ps petrol model. So far I've only found one nationally at my budget level.
Perhaps I'll have to consider the 218 PS V6 diesel model
Last edited by Dingdongler; 31 December 2016 at 03:40 PM.
31 December 2016, 05:13 PM
#28
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19" run flats, M sport fixed suspension on wife's car. Nice on dry and smooth surface. In Scotland on a bumpy two way road in winter it feels like you need both sides.
31 December 2016, 08:17 PM
#30
I must say the new A4 Avant could be a contender. Looks good with a fantastic interior and gadgets. It's had good reviews even though most say it's not as 'sharp' to drive as the comparable BMW.
My own experience is that any BMW with 17 inch or bigger wheels, run flats and M sport suspension has the most shockingly bad dynamics imaginable.
I'm going to have a drive of the a4 in the new year. Going back to the original topic of this thread....the problem will be finding a 252 ps petrol model. So far I've only found one nationally at my budget level.
Perhaps I'll have to consider the 218 PS V6 diesel model
My own experience is that any BMW with 17 inch or bigger wheels, run flats and M sport suspension has the most shockingly bad dynamics imaginable.
I'm going to have a drive of the a4 in the new year. Going back to the original topic of this thread....the problem will be finding a 252 ps petrol model. So far I've only found one nationally at my budget level.
Perhaps I'll have to consider the 218 PS V6 diesel model
Surprisingly, I have the 19" wheels on mine and the sline suspension absorbs it nicely as I thought it would be harsher. The se has softer higher suspension.