Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Petrol or diesel?

Petrol or diesel?

My parents want to replace their ageing (2003) Mercedes C220 CDi. They cover 12,000 miles a year and are getting different opinions from every dealer over whether to buy a petrol or diesel. They're looking at BMW 3 Series Touring or Mercedes C Class Estate. Which would be the most suitable fuel choice?

Asked on 26 April 2013 by Mark Harvey

Answered by Honest John
If they regularly make very short runs from cold, less than 3 miles, then has to be petrol. If they regularly drive 10 miles or more, diesel fine.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
We live in a rural location and occasionally have to contend with snow. Would you recommend the xDrive version of the BMW 320d Touring, or are winter tyres good enough with the standard 320d?
Thinking of retiring and buying a new 328i Tourer or XF Jaguar. Mileage likely to be less than 10,000 PA Which is best and what about residuals after 3-5 years? Is petrol the best option ?
Should I get the optional Dynamic Handling Package for the C-Class Estate? I'm in the process of buying the latest model - working in NZ but will be back home in the UK for delivery.
Related models
Neatly styled estate. Very comfortable and refined. Impressive CDI diesels are economical. Good sized useable boot space.
More grown-up 3 Series. Fine balance on the road. Fantastic diesel engines.