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Original poster

Pro & Cons of a diesel car?

27 replies

ThomBat · 31/10/2005 15:43

Trying to order our new car and just been told we might not be able to get the car we want as it's being discontinued. we're buying a new Rav4 Toyota, petrol, manual style. They are discontinuing as new model due out in Feb 06 or sometimeround then.

Could probably get a diesel version now, but wondered what the pros & cons are.

OP posts:
zippitippitoes · 31/10/2005 15:45

can't think of any cons to diesel is it a turbo

teeavee · 31/10/2005 15:50

diesel pollutes more

more miles to the gallon though, + engine lasts longer

crunchie · 31/10/2005 16:00

teevee diesls don't polute more, the emissions on our car were the lowest possible and it means our car tax is cheaper. We have a Picasso HDi 2.0

It is far more economical, the only con is that the diesl is slightly more expensive.

zippitippitoes · 31/10/2005 16:01

I don't think diesel necessarily pollutes more especially if it's a new vehicle eg
Pollution by Diesel and Petrol

gingerbear · 31/10/2005 16:03

shorter interval between services compared to petrol cars - servicing tends to be more pricey too.
Have had diesel cars in the past though. Audi A4 was lovely quiet engine.

Original poster
ThomBat · 31/10/2005 16:04

Yes, it's £500 more, but as iunderstood it and you seem to have conf it's more economical in thelong run.

So far seems no reason not to go for diesel.
Can't wait till the new year as have to get asap so we can get double buggy in boot, currently won't fit in car we have now as a single buggy!

OP posts:
crunchie · 31/10/2005 16:15

gingerbear I was sure mine had LONGER gaps between services!!

zippitippitoes · 31/10/2005 16:18

Mine only has service once a year

gingerbear · 31/10/2005 16:19

Oh, must depend on model then.

gingerbear · 31/10/2005 16:35

Ford Focus petrol is every 12,500km, diesel is 10,000 miles

gingerbear · 31/10/2005 16:35

erm, 12,500 miles I mean

motherinferior · 31/10/2005 16:37

Ours is diesel. I know absolutely bog-all about cars but according to DP this is a Good Thing. Which since he (a) works in the Environment (b) reads car magazines and looks at car websites and watches Top Gear , is probably a fairly considered verdict.

Frankly, I'd find it more reassuring if he collected porn magazines. And you know how cheery I am about porn

Original poster
ThomBat · 31/10/2005 16:38

I'm getting car on mobility scheme as DD is registered disabled and we get the mobility as she's not walking.
So under that scheme we have to have the car serviced once a year anyway apparently, but we don't have to pay for it, not while we get the high rate mobility disability living allowance anyway and we have that till 2008 and it'll be reviewed again then.

OP posts:
zippitippitoes · 31/10/2005 16:41

Basically there have been enormous improvements in diesel engines in relation to emissions, noise,and acceleration

which used to be the main objections

just don't forget to put diesel in it

Original poster
ThomBat · 31/10/2005 17:27

Thanks and yes LOL - good point about the putting the petrol in!

OP posts:
Milge · 31/10/2005 17:55

Cons - makes your clothes smell awful if you splash it during filling up. The engine seizes up if you put unleaded in by mistake. There is always a longer Q at the diesel pumps. Its slightly more expensive than unleaded atm
Pros- more economical. I get about 500m out of my 60 litre tank. Better resale value.

I would hesitate to drive a petrol car after 5 years+ on diesel.

Original poster
ThomBat · 31/10/2005 18:02

Perfect - thanks Milge

OP posts:
Milge · 31/10/2005 18:05

Am v of a new Rav4!I hope you're getting a 4 door so no heaving kids from behind seats while pg! Lottie will be able to climb in on her own soon, just think!

JanH · 31/10/2005 18:09

diesel pollutes differently - less carbon monoxide or dioxide or whatever it is but more "particulates" (???).

Review from yahoo says petrol one is slightly quicker but mpg much better on diesel and although it costs a bit more you make it up in fuel economy. HTH

(We have diesels btw!)

hub2dee · 31/10/2005 18:57

Forget the fuel, TC: Will the RAV4 be electric blue ?

(diesel possibly a tad noisier, might be a tad slower 0-60 - look at tech specs - otherwise with modern engines they're absolutely fine).

BudaBabe · 31/10/2005 19:17

I have a diesel Golf - DH decided and it doesn seem to go forever on a tank.

Had a Rav prior to that and dislike it cos of small boot and not great leg room in back.

Golf much better on both those issues.

You may get your double buggy in but forget your shopping!

And ours was electric blue!!

Skyler · 31/10/2005 20:23

We were trying to decide between the new Honda CRV diesel or petrol and worked out that on cost alone we would have to have the car for 10 years or something to break even on the additional cost of the diesel. In addition it needs more regular servicing but diesel engines do live forever.
In the end we bought a new Honda Jazz and intend to get a second hand big car. I have to agree about the RAV boot too. I think they are small!

Shazzler · 31/10/2005 20:37

Diesels vary HUGELY by manufacturer.

When diesels go wrong the go seriously wrong.
Mainly cos of the far greater pressure that diesel is required to be at to burn. But as long as you stany on top of the servicing it shouldbe ok.

These days the performance of diesels rivals petrol. Check the golf GTITDI - 150+ BHP. That's a lot more than many normal 2.0 petrol cars

Shazzler · 31/10/2005 20:37

Diesels vary HUGELY by manufacturer.

When diesels go wrong the go seriously wrong.
Mainly cos of the far greater pressure that diesel is required to be at to burn. But as long as you stany on top of the servicing it shouldbe ok.

These days the performance of diesels rivals petrol. Check the golf GTITDI - 150+ BHP. That's a lot more than many normal 2.0 petrol cars

Original poster
ThomBat · 31/10/2005 20:41

It's a 5 door and definatley not electric blue! LOL, ewwwwww, no! black only, don't do coloured cars!

Surprised what you say about the boot, seemed massive to me.

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