Talk diesel to me!

[EsmesRedPetticoat]

Looking at replacing my ancient Ford Focus with a slightly less ancient ford focus. Looking for something with a nice big boot and I’ve seen a reasonably priced one that ticks all the boxes buuut... it’s a diesel which I have no experience of at all. It will mostly be used for commuting and the yearly family holiday. Is it worth it just for the extra boot space?

had 4 diesels, and apart from my ridiculously old banger which is still going strong, I would not touch a second hand one with a barge poll now. Most diesel engines are spewing out stinking half burnt fuel. 3 of my diesels have had no end of expensive engine problems. EGR valves, Maf sensors, Turbos, injectors.........

I am so glad we are back to a petrol car.

They are tightening up on the emissions on MOTs which again could be more difficult to get a diesel through.

Diesels are in the brink of being banned in various city centres (London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester). When that happens the bottom will fall out of the second-hand prices. So don’t buy a diesel if you think you might sell it again in future or if you live in a big city.

DD bought a diesel vauxhall astra. Not one word from the salesman about what mileage she did. Within a month, it went into recovery mode.... basically wouldn't go over 25/30 miles per hour and had to go into the garage to be reset. Cost her around £120. This happened every 2 months. The mechanic told her she wasn't doing the mileage to clear the particle filters, so they kept clogging. Having a car suddenly crawl to a stop on the motorway with her 3 tiny kids was enough for her to get rid of it. It was horrific. She's now got a petrol again.

DH has got a diesel but he does a 30 minute run each way into work and back so he's never had a problem. Mine's a petrol though as I don't do a lot of miles.