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Should we buy a diesel for shorter journeys?

We will be replacing our 2004 Focus 1.8 diesel shortly. The new car will start off as my husband’s car so needs to fit a set of golf clubs and an electric trolley in the boot. He works part-time, his journeys are a minimum of 50 miles each way. I have a company car now (Golf diesel) but when we retire will only have one car between us and will then be doing shorter journeys between 15 and 25 miles each way. Should we buy another diesel and what car would be the best, bearing in mind it won't be garaged and we rarely have any other passengers other than our two Jack Russells?

Asked on 11 May 2013 by CS, St Ives, Cambs

Answered by Honest John
Yes, some diesels are proving to be okay. Those least likely to develop DPF problems are Nissan Qashqai 1.6DCI 130, Renault Scenic 1.6DCI 130, Renault Megane 1.6DCI 130 (station wagon), Honda Civic 1.6iDTEC, BMW 1 Series, BMW 3-Series, BMW X3, Mazda 6 2.2d Skyactiv, Mazda CX-5 2.2d Skyactiv, KIA cee'd 1.6CRDI, Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI, KIA Venga 1.6CRDI, Hyundai ix20 1.6CRDI, KIA Sportage 1.6CRDI, Hyundai ix35 1.7CRDI.

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