Should I buy a petrol or diesel Alfa Romeo 159, Volvo S40 or Saab 9-3 for short trips?

I have a 10-year-old petrol Volkswagen Passat which I'd like to replace with something newer, no more than six years old. I have been looking at diesel Alfa Romeos, Volvos and Saabs but I'm beginning to wonder whether I should be considering another petrol engine. I am an estate agent with a five-mile commute to work in traffic, followed by numerous short trips during the day. I have read that diesel engines are not really suited to this kind of motoring but I am keen to improve my fuel economy. I have about £7000-£8000 to spend. Should I go for a petrol or diesel? What gets your vote, the Alfa 159, the Volvo S40 or the Saab 9-3?

Asked on 19 July 2010 by Slugger

Answered by David Ross

Diesel engines aren't really suited to lots of short trips and you won't see much difference in economy between a modern petrol and diesel engine in the type of driving you're doing. We'd avoid the Saab 9-3 as it's an old design - either the 159 or S40 would be better bets. Alfa reliability is better than it was but still not faultless, so the S40 is perhaps a better bet in this respect, but the 159 is much more stylish and better to drive. There are some good petrol engines available in it too and it's good value for money, so we'd suggest considering the 159.

Tags: short journeys petrol or diesel? commuting reliability

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