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Choice of new car

I am about to retire having had company vehicles all of my working life. I am budgeting about £15,000 and am tempted towards a new or nearly new car with a long warranty, e.g Kia or Hyundai.

Thinking of Kia Cee'd SW 1.6 Auto petrol as I will probably only do about 8000 miles per year. However the diesel versions seem to offer better in terms of VED. What is your opinion, do advantages and disadvantages balance out?

I would also welcome alternative suggestions as to what vehicle may be suitable.

Asked on 2 January 2011 by clavs

Answered by Honest John
The diesels are better VED, but not as economical as the certification figures suggest, and if buying new will be fitted with a diesel particulate filter that will only cause problems. Better to go for the cheaper price and suffer the poorer fuel economy of the 1.6 petrol. The auto is much longer geared than the manual and should actually be more economical than that on the motorway.
Dear Honest John,

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