The fact that diesels rev at lower speeds should make it a preferable car in any circumstances from the point of view of wear, as there are fewer passes per minute of each piston.
Ultimately, engines are designed to operate best at optimum pressure, temperature etc, so you should rally be looking at a car that warms up quickly so that a larger proportion of the journey is carried out with the engine at optimum running conditions.
Also, you need to consider the effect of short runs on the gearbox, clutch etc.
Well that's my two penny worth.
Hugo
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The fact that diesels rev at lower speeds should make it a preferable car in any circumstances from the point of view of wear, as there are fewer passes per minute of each piston.
Doesn't the loading on the piston and bearings affect the wear too? We are often told it's better to let an engine rev freely and lightly rather than slog it in high gear.
For a car that is being bought specifically with short trips in mind, I'd say 1) LPG ? 2) Engine pre-heater 3) Halve the recomended oil-change interval 4) One good run per week 5) Preferably garaged, to let brakes dry off.
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also consider that petrol engines run with a rich mixture when cold whereas diesels do not; once started a diesel runs on its normal "mixture". Diesel will be much better for short runs than petrol, both for engine wear and fuel consumption.
If the vehicle is only used for short journeys, as mentioned by others, consider changing the oil more often, and make sure that you give the car an occasional long journey.
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Most LPG fitted cars start on petrol and then change over.
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much sound advice there (as usual), for which many thanks to all postees. Reckon I'll go for diesel when car-change time comes...and (now I'm semi retired) spend more time visiting friends/places not too close to home! When the Lexus goes and I have an oil burner under my bonnet, at least I'll have the pleasure of keeping down my enforced contribution to Gordon Brown's coffers.
EH
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