Should I buy a diesel Citroen DS3 for short journeys?

I am thinking of replacing my Peugeot 206 with a Citroen DS3 and had been intending to purchase a petrol model. However, the salesman is recommending a diesel on the basis that fuel consumption is more economical and it would be in the nil band for annual tax. I drive about 6000 miles a year, a mix of short journeys and occasional motorway driving. I had not considered a diesel, as I understood short journeys damaged the particulate filter, but the salesman tells me that the filter can be easily cleared by an occasional fast burst. Is he right and, if so, would you recommend diesel rather than petrol?

Asked on 19 October 2013 by EW, Whyteleafe, Surrey

Answered by Honest John

The only DS3 to buy is the 1.6THP 155 Sport. It's huge fun, and despite the performance still gives around 45mpg. A diesel engine is simply wrong for the car. And, assuming you get 55mpg from it, the saving over 6000 miles a year will not overcome all the potentially expensive problem areas of a diesel. That said, if you get rid of it while still less than three years old they should be covered by warranty.

Test and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/citroen/citroen-ds.../ and test of the DS3 cabrio: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/citroen/citroen-ds.../

Tags: warranties short journeys dpf diesels

Similar questions

I've had no DPF problems with my Nissan Qashqai diesel over 20,000 miles, despite using it for short trips.

I owned a Nissan Qashqai Acenta 2.0 DCI Turbo for 31 months during which time it covered 20,000 miles. It averaged 40mpg (according to the computer). At no time did I have any issues with the DPF. At each...

Should I sell my Audi A3 diesel as I'm not covering the mileage I expected to?

I bought our 2007 Audi A3 diesel new when I anticipated an annual mileage of 10-15,000. This has not materialised and we currently do approximately 7000. Having already done 25,000 miles, should I trade...

I need to replace my Peugeot 306 with another car for short trips and occasional longer journeys - petrol or diesel?

I have owned diesel Peugeots (309/306) for around 25 years and found them brilliant, doing 18-20,000 miles a year. Having now retired, my mileage is down to about 6000 a year, most of which are 20-30 mile...