Is buying a diesel safe?

I currently drive a BMW 3 Series ('99), but due to a new job am considering buying a diesel (2004 1.7CDTI Vauxhall Astra) - mainly due to the difference in cost betwen petrol and diesel. I currently do approximately 30-35 miles per gallon combined and would hope to double that with a diesel? I have about a 20 mile round trip commute, but often have to go out during the day a number of times. Some daytime journeys can be as short as 2-3 miles but normally in the 10-20 mile region - will these daytime journey's be long enough not to clog the diesel particulate filter?

Asked on 1 December 2011 by L Skinner

Answered by Honest John

A 1994 GM diesel is old enough to avoid problems like DPFs and the 1.7 could be very economical.

Tags: buying diesels used cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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