Should I buy a petrol or a diesel?

I really like the look of the Vauxhall Insignia and have test driven one at my local dealer; however, the salesman has told me about DPFs, which are now fitted to all new diesels. He said with my mileage of 11,000 per year I would have a lot of problems with the DPF, due to the fact it has to build up heat to burn off the soot.

I do a few trips of three miles each way per week and the rest of the driving is 30 miles plus, do you think this would be a problem? How many miles would a car need to do in one trip to build up enough heat for the DPF?

The dealer said all diesels need to have a DPF and I would be better buying a petrol, but the diesels seem to be much more economical.

Asked on 22 December 2012 by SS, via email

Answered by Honest John

Good, honest, trustworthy salesman prepared to lose a sale rather than mislead you. A petrol engine would be better suited to your type of use of the car. Because of potential problems with EGRs, DPFs, DMFs and turbos, diesels now only make sense for seriously high mileage of at least 15,000 miles a year.

Tags: diesel particulate filter buying a new car petrol or diesel?

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