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

Should I buy a petrol or a diesel?

I have been driving a diesel-engined car for almost 10 years and, although I don't do high mileage any more, I am still potentially interested in staying with a diesel engine.

Recently you sung the praises of the Honda 1.6 iDTEC engine, so I went to take a look at the current Civic with a view to buying one. I asked the salesman about problems with DPFs. He responded that this was not an issue for Honda vehicles because they have an alternative way of regenerating the filter - and he pointed to a component on the rear quarter panel of the Civic. Is this true or salesman's baloney?

Asked on 15 December 2012 by DW, Knutsford

Answered by Honest John
Only one report so far about DPFs failing on a Civic 2.2 iDTEC and the engine sump filling up with diesel oil. The new 120PS 1.6 iDTEC emits just 94g/km CO2 with the car on 16-inch wheels and is EC certified at 78.5mpg combined. It promises a lot. That little stick-on strip has an important aerodynamic effect that reduce s CO2.
Similar questions
We will be looking for a family SUV around April/May and can spend up to £12,000. Will prices come down after the new reg in March? Also, with the crackdown on diesel, should we be looking at petrol? Our...
I want to buy a secondhand (nearly new, maximum 12 months old) Ford Mondeo Estate. I'm not sure whether to go for petrol or diesel. Annual mileage is approximately 30,000, which would suggest diesel, but...
The emissions fix was done on my 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI in January 2017 and it now drives very differently. The DSG gearbox changes up into seventh gear much earlier than before (at around 40mph)...
Related models
Punchy and efficient diesel engines, class-leading practicality, excellent reliability record.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer