Not sure whether to buy a petrol or diesel? Here's how I explain it after years working as a mechanic.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
This is probably one of the most common questions I get asked, and honestly there isn't a simple answer because it completely depends on how you use the car.
One thing I've learned after years in the motor trade is that a lot of people buy the wrong fuel type and end up spending thousands of pounds fixing problems that could have been avoided.
My biggest piece of advice is this...
"Don't buy a diesel because someone told you they're economical. Buy the car that suits your driving and the journeys you actually do."
The right fuel type isn't about what your mate drives or what somebody on social media recommends. It's about how you personally use your car every week.
When I'd Recommend A Petrol
For most people nowadays, petrol is the safer option.
If your driving mainly consists of:
- School runs
- Town driving
- Short journeys
- Stop-start traffic
- Less than 10,000 miles per year
Modern petrol engines are generally simpler than modern diesels and don't suffer from as many emissions-related issues.
One of the biggest advantages is you don't have to worry about things like:
- Blocked DPFs
- DPF regeneration issues
- AdBlue system faults
- Many diesel emissions-related problems
I've had a few cars into ALFA MOTORS recently with damaged engines caused by heavily blocked DPFs. Once exhaust back pressure starts building up it can create all sorts of expensive problems that could've been avoided simply by buying the right type of car in the first place.
When I'd Recommend A Diesel
Diesels still make perfect sense for certain drivers.
I'd generally recommend a diesel if you're:
- Driving motorway miles every week
- Travelling long distances regularly
- Covering around 15,000 miles or more each year
- Spending long periods cruising rather than sitting in traffic
Diesel engines are designed to work hard and reach full operating temperature. This allows the DPF to regenerate correctly, helps keep emissions systems working properly and generally gives the engine the type of driving it was designed for.
A well-maintained diesel that's regularly driven on longer journeys can comfortably cover very high mileages and still be an excellent car to own.
The Hidden Costs Of Diesel
One thing people often forget is that buying a diesel isn't just about fuel economy. Modern diesels have more emissions equipment than older cars, and if you don't drive them properly those systems can become expensive.
- DPF blockages
- Repeated regeneration problems
- AdBlue faults
- EGR valve issues
- Turbocharger problems caused by excessive exhaust back pressure
Not every diesel will suffer from these faults, but the chances increase significantly if the vehicle spends its life doing short stop-start journeys.
"Buying the wrong fuel type can easily cost you far more than you'll ever save on fuel."
My Honest Opinion
Long story short, if you aren't regularly doing journeys where the engine gets properly up to temperature and allows the DPF to regenerate, I'd seriously think twice before buying a diesel.
DPF-related repairs can cost an absolute fortune and they're often completely avoidable by simply choosing a petrol car instead.
On the other hand, if you're regularly travelling long distances every week, a well-maintained diesel can still be one of the best choices you can make.
Don't choose your fuel type based purely on economy. Choose the car that genuinely suits your lifestyle, because that's what will save you the most money in the long run.
If you're still unsure whether petrol or diesel is right for you, our Expert Vehicle Review takes your annual mileage, driving habits and budget into account to help you choose the right car before you buy.
Alfie has over 11 years of experience in the motor trade and founded Alfa Prestige to give buyers the insider knowledge that was previously only available to professionals.
