What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Should I keep my diesel car if my mileage has dropped?

I own a diesel 2015 BMW 5 Series estate with 51,000 miles - which I love. However, since retiring, my mileage is very low. A pre-owned 5 Series PHEV is frankly too expensive for me now. What would you recommend considering the driving dynamics of the 5? Or should I keep my car?

Asked on 13 October 2020 by

Answered by Andrew Brady
It's likely to get problematic as it gets older if you don't take it for regular runs up the motorway. Lots of short journeys could lead to a blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF). A petrol or hybrid model would be a much better choice. A BMW 520i could be a good replacement, or consider a 3 Series if you don't need a car quite so big. We'd also recommend a Mercedes-Benz C- or E-Class, or a Volvo V90.
Similar questions
I bought a 2010 Honda CR-V last year. This was my first purchase after many years of loaning a car. However, I’m a single mum and only do short school runs and a 20 minute country lane drives to work....
I have a great Mitsubishi L200 pickup, which is pre-DPF. I'm now looking to change it, but I only do 5000 - 6000 miles per year, which are mostly short journeys so I don't want a diesel with a DPF. Is...
I drive 25,000 business miles per year and do not think battery-electric would be suitable for my next vehicle. I recently saw an advert for the advanced technology on an Audi diesel and it frightened...
Related models
Great to drive with a perfect blend of handling and ride comfort, top quality interior, very refined, great engines including very efficient 520d.
More grown-up 3 Series. Fine balance on the road. Fantastic diesel engines.
Much improved interior quality. More refined and better to drive than predecessor. Strong 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines on facelifted cars.
Beautiful cabin design and quality, lovely high-speed refinement, quiet efficient four-cylinder diesel, futuristic equipment and more spacious than ever.
Beautifully finished cabin, high level of standard equipment, extremely impressive safety technology.