petrol vs. diesel

We have a 141 diesel Passat 2.0-litre and we want to change to a petrol VW, either a Tiguan or a Passat, but the engine size in both looks underpowered. What should we do?

Hi,

Just wondering if you have much knowledge or feedback on the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines? We are looking for a good reliable family car, but ideally want to go with petrol based on our mileage and daily driving routes. However, I am slightly nervous that a 1.0-litre might lack power and be very noisy or "revy" on motorway drives when travelling at greater speed. The sales people say these turbo engines feel more like a 1.6-litre. But then they are trying to sell so would be great to get some independent feeling on them in your experience. Any in particular you would recommend as there are not as many petrol options in family cars.

Many thanks, Peter

I am looking at buying a used car. I travel up and down to Drogheda from Dublin each day for work. Would a 2.0-litre diesel be more efficient than a 1.6 petrol? They are both 2007, diesel is a Mazda6 and the 1.6 is a Megane.

Hi there,

We do annual mileage of about 11 or 12k. During the week the daily mileage is only about 20 miles or so and on slower roads so speed only about 80km/h max. We would do bigger mileage some weekends on motorway. My question is, would we run into problems with a diesel car? We currently have petrol but looking to update to a bigger car with a 1.4-1.6-litre range. However, there are very few petrol car options it appears suitable for family size. All the options seem to be diesel, which is fine, but I have heard that there can be mechanical issues if mileage and speed is not sufficient. Is that true?

Any advice much appreciated. What car options would you recommend to look at if going petrol or diesel?

Hi there.

I have a 161 Mazda CX-5 diesel and I am hoping to change it next year. As I don't do much mileage, approx. 12,000km per year,  I was thinking of changing to the petrol model. Do you have any opinion on the CX-5 petrol model good or bad? Or should I stick to the diesel? Apart from anything the petrol is cheaper to buy. I would very much appreciate any advice you could give me.

Many thanks

Gerard. Dundalk, Co. Louth

Toyota Avensis 1.6 petrol v 2.0 diesel? Annual mileage of 9,000 miles and typical journey 5-10 miles. I'm buying new and likely to keep for 5-7 years. My existing car is petrol, driving on country roads. What do you advise?

Living in Dublin and drive under 10,000 miles per annum, does a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol make more sense than a 2.0-litre 150hp diesel? Does a new 181 model make sense versus a circa 161 at €10k less? Seems to be a better selection of 151-162 models in Northern Ireland - is this a good option to pursue?

Thank you

Mike

I am ordering (PCP) a Skoda Kodiaq and want to order the 150hp diesel 4x4. I am seriously concerned, however, about diesel 'issues' and don't want to face any anticipatable difficulties in the short and possibly medium term.

The alternative is the non 4x4 150hp 1.4 petrol version. Have read several of the reviews, see some merits, but fuel economy seems poor and fear the occasions when car might be fully loaded. I appreciate no one can know what stance the government may take on diesel, but do not want equity eroded at end of PCP. I drive about 24k kilometres annually.

Many thanks

Pat

Though diesel cars are more expensive to buy, the trade-in value will also be greater, a point that does not seem to be taken into consideration in the diesel vs. petrol debate. The first question a dealer asks is "is it petrol or diesel?", which is generally followed by a turning up of the nose when the answer is petrol.

Practically all motoring correspondents highlight the benefits of diesel without referring to the fact that diesel engines are designed to be driven on long journeys where the engine reaches its optimum temperature, which does not happen on short runs, thereby increasing the potential for engine damage. Thumbs up to you for your very informative question and answer section. How about a full article on diesel-v-petrol taking into account servicing costs and highlighting the potential of engine damage to diesel engines when used only on short journeys?

I want to buy a new car but I am confused - do I buy petrol or diesel?