petrol vs. diesel

There is only 33,250km on the clock; am I mad to be thinking of changing the car? I have been driving BMW 520ds for years and I am not very happy going back to petrol. I love the diesel as I have my own tank in the yard and never have to worry about getting fuel when I go on holidays down to Cork or Kerry.

In the market for a new car. Currently driving a 2010 VW Golf TDI and considering a crossover like 2008 or similar. I do about 40,000km per year mostly on the motorway. Would you recommend a petrol or diesel engine?

Changing my car at the end of the year. Going for an Audi. Petrol or diesel? Worried about diesel resale values in three years or so.

Would a 2018 1.0-litre petrol Octavia cost much more in petrol costs than a 1.6 diesel to run in a year, when I will be doing 16,000 miles approx?

I am looking at the 1.2 N Connecta Nissan Qashqai from 2017 and was wondering what you thought of the engine? Is the car relatively big for a smallish engine?

Hi,

I want to know if buying a new car should I go for petrol or diesel ?

Hi,

Is the 1.2 TCe petrol engine in the Renault Kadjar any good? It’s something I’ve been looking at buying (used), but I get the impression from reading various comments and reviews online that it seems rather gutless in terms of power/torque and the economy is just ok. I know the 1.5 dCi is the default choice, but my mileage (roughly 7,000km per year mainly urban) doesn't justify a diesel. Peugeot’s 1.2 on the other hand seems to be excellent and highly regarded. Yet it’s the same size?

Is a 2013 1.2-litre petrol Volkswagen Golf Highline with 105hp the same power as a 1.6 diesel with 105hp?

Hi

I have the impression that on many occasions you can recommend a diesel as being a better option, and I can fully understand why. The problem is, it seems to me, that there is a huge degree of uncertainty over diesels, with widespread negative publicity and many cities proposing to ban them. It doesn't really matter whether this negativity is justified. The "uncertainty" will kill any market. Not only do you have to worry about where you might be allowed to drive, but also whether there will be much demand for diesels in four or five years time, when you go to sell. So economically, diesels might be a better proposition, but it takes a brave person to make that choice.

Philip

Hi there,

I am completely baffled about petrol vs diesel vs hybrid. I am looking to trade in a Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel for a second hand car, but I am being told not to get diesel again as petrol is now being encouraged. I think hybrid looks too expensive and electric does not seem viable at this point. The additional problem is that there seems to be very little choice in a family saloon in petrol with a 2016 or 2017 reg.

Help!

Yours John