What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks
What's the better choice - petrol or diesel?
I am 64 and want to buy my final car. I can’t make my mind up between petrol and diesel but would like a car with top spec used up to £20k. Will diesel will get hammered both in price difference, fuel cost and heavier tax?
Asked on 31 July 2019 by Jon O’Brien
Answered by
Andrew Brady
It depends on the kind of driving you do. Petrols are best suited to short journeys, low annual mileages and driving in urban areas. Diesels are better for regular long-distance driving, high annual mileages and towing. If you cover more than 12,000 miles a year and regularly drive at motorway speeds for extended periods, a diesel might be a good option. If not, stick with a petrol or hybrid model.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Similar questions
We now live in town and rarely use the car during the week, only every second weekend and holidays go to a cottage 100 miles away on mainly open roads - so probably only about 8000 miles a year. We are...
I bought my diesel Toyota Yaris new in 2011. I’m 70 next year and may be doing more short journeys than long ones - not so good for a diesel engine plus diesel is now more expensive than petrol. Should...
Diesel seems to be receiving bad press recently and diesel is more expensive than petrol. I intend to buy a nearly new MPV in the near future (probably a Citroen Grand C4 Picasso) and was hoping for your...
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
