Is now the time to choose petrol if buying a used car?

I have been a convert to diesel for 10 years on account of economy and torque. I am about to buy either a BMW 320i Touring or a BMW 118i. The reviews consistently place the diesel version as the best in both ranges and I know you sing the praises of ten 320d.

Petrol engines are getting more economical, the Volkswagen scandal has focused attention on NOx and cities are talking about banning or penalty charging diesels. My current mileage is low as I live in Jersey right now but may move back to the UK next year. My instinct is telling me to buy petrol this time, but everyone says the diesels are the best engines and I like the torque.

Do your think my misgivings about the future of diesel are valid? Do you think the petrol engines 'do the business' ?

Asked on 14 October 2015 by Bathdave

Answered by Honest John
A diesel engine would be completely wrong for an island '9 miles by 5'. The DPF will not regenerate properly and you will start to have constant problems.
Tags: buying
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
We are thinking of buying a 1998 Nissan Elgrand 3.2 diesel automatic. It has been converted to a camper which is what we are looking for. (weekends away with our 2 young children) The milage is 93,000....
Do MINI Coopers made in 2001 have a cam belt or a cam chain? I am hearing two different things. I've just bought a 2001 MINI Cooper. I took lots of advice before I bought it, and it has a full service...
I've agreed a price with a private seller for a car I want to buy and am happy to proceed with the sale. They've asked me to pay by bank transfer and I can collect as soon as it's cleared. As the amount...
 

Ask Honest John

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 10% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ10 to save on an ALA policy

See offer