Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Buying a diesel - sensible?
What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks

Buying a diesel - sensible?

I am in the market for a 1 year old, small/med diesel estate. I have never owned a diesel before and am concerned about what I read re DMFs. I have narrowed field to Peugeot 308SW, Vauxhall Astra Tourer, Skoda Octavia or Ford Focus with 1.6/1.7 diesel engines. Considering the DMF situation do they all have the same likelihood of problems in this area or have some manufacturers got over or improved the longevity? I am thinking of keeping the car for 6/7 years.

Asked on 26 June 2012 by doron

Answered by Honest John
Have you considered the other long term problems of diesel: DPF failure, EGRs blocked, turbo failure, timing belt replacement. Unless you do mega miles, they no longer make economic sense.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
I have read some cracking reviews online of the 2013 Clio Estate, but understand that Renault won't ever sell it in the UK. Does HJ know if that is a final (albeit barmy) decision from Renault? If so...
I'm looking to get a bigger car, as with now 2 children I have well and truly outgrown my Fiat Panda! I'd prefer a compact estate over an MPV as they tend to have better fuel efficiency and lower tax...
I have a Peugeot 206 SW that offers wide, low loading access. Please can you suggest a similar vehicle that has a similar good rear access?
Related models
Versatile update of 307SW on 308 floorpan. 3 x Isofix sliding, folding centre rear seats. Excellent handling. THP 150 6-speed best.
Well thought of by owners. Huge boot. Spacious and comfortable cabin. Reasonable to drive. Efficient Greenline TDI models.
Good combination of ride quality, steering and safe handling. Strong yet economical 1.4 turbo engine. Frugal CDTi diesels. Neatly styled interior.
Refined and upmarket feel to the cabin. Comfortable and quiet on the move. More efficient petrol and diesel engines. Better ride quality. Excellent £750 Driver Assist Pack.