Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class SE diesel suitable for lots of short journeys?

I often read your positive comments about the Mercedes-Benz C200CDI Classic SE base model, and your thoughts that this is a solid car probably good for 1,000,000 miles. I am also aware that it is not advisable to buy a car with a diesel engine if the driver was going to do a lot of short journeys.

Asked on 8 November 2010 by TL, via email

Answered by Honest John
Short runs are killers of cars with internal combustion engines. The engines fill with condensation which is never driven out by heat and consequently they cannot lubricate properly. This has been made worse by the amount of antipollution equipment that a modern engine is saddled with. So my recommendation for a car that I think would be capable of 1,000,000 miles over 10 years does not apply to a car bought for short runs. Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and Renault Fluence EV are most suitable for this sort of use, but still expensive.
Similar questions
I'm a bit of a novice and don't know much about DPFs and diesel engines (or...well... cars in general). Normal small family car use, so mostly shop trips, longer 20min+ drives at weekends and a few longer...
I currently have a BMW 1 Series diesel that has a DPF fitted. I drive two daily trips of 15 miles with quite a bit of traffic. Over six years of ownership, I have not currently had any DPF issues but am...
I was interested to see that you think the Qashqai 1.6DCI would be suitable for an annual mileage of 8500 with only two 20 minute regular journeys per week. I am thinking of replacing my X-Trail with a...
Related models
A big improvement on the previous C-Class. Feels well built and robust. Very comfortable and refined. High quality ride. Good CDI diesels.
An affordable mainstream electric car, practical and well-equipped, range extended to 155 miles with optional 30kWh battery from September 2015.