Buying an SUV (petrol v diesel?) – what would you recommend?

I have up to £30,000 to spend but have a dilemma - my annual mileage is very low (about 4,000) and includes a lot of very short journeys. I am torn between a used 3 litre diesel X5, which my wife prefers as she is the driver (I am disabled), or a new 2 litre petrol CR-V. My heart says the BMW as it is a better drive but my head says the Honda as it is the 'sensible' choice. I would appreciate your comments.

Asked on 23 February 2013 by Ian Robertson

Answered by Honest John
The new RAV-4 2.0i Valvematic Multidrive S probably makes more sense. Diesels tested Thursday and Friday, but no Petrol models available on the day. Have driven the old model, though, and it works very well: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-rav-.../
Tags: buying
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