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Buying a 4x4 for the school run - diesel or petrol?
We are looking to buy a 4x4 for our two mile school run. We are keen on a BMW X3, but have heard that short trips are not good for diesels due to the DPF blocking. Is two miles too short a journey for a diesel engine? If so, which other makes and models would you recommend?
Asked on 8 September 2013 by drdes

Get a small petrol engined car for the school run: a used Citroen C1, for example (free VED from 2012 model year). Or find a longer way beck from the school of six - 10 miles.
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