Should I get a diesel or petrol van for short journeys?

I have often read in your column of the shortcomings of diesel engines when used for frequent short runs, particularly the huge expense of replacing a DPF. I am in the process of a career change, becoming a freelance gardener, and I need to buy a small van. Unfortunately petrol-engined vans, which would be more suitable for the type of short journeys that I will be making, seem to be very thin on the ground. Do you have any suggestions please?

Asked on 19 January 2013 by IC, Harvel, Kent

Answered by Honest John

Older diesel vans don't have DPFs so are no trouble in that respect. And a friend of mine (who was a gardener until a nasty accident with a hedgetrimmer) used to swear by, rather than at, Renault Trafic FWDs because of their exceptionally low load decks that made it easy to load motor mowers, etc.

Tags: dpf load space petrol or diesel? small vans

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