Crystal ball time- my 8 mile commute and DPFs.
Discussion
I need some advice.
It's time for a new car and after 7 years of driving a diesel I find my current commute has reduced from 25 miles on the motorway to 8 miles on free flowing 30mph - 40mph roads.
So I'd like a VW CC with the 2.0 TSi engine . There are only half a dozen ever available on AT compared to hundreds of diesels.
The EA888 TSi hasn't exactly showered itself in glory when it comes to reliability with timing chain tensioners failing, inlet valves coking up, inlet manifolds failing and PCV valves conking out. So it's not like the petrol is the clear choice when it comes to long term reliability.
I can't ignore the fact that the 2.0 TDI is about £3k cheaper to buy in a comparable spec and will do 50mpg instead of 30mpg. They are certainly easier to find too and overall they seem to be a more reliable engine these days. The only thing to put me off is the DPF which isn't fitted to my current diesel car as it's too old.
So back to my reason for this post. Is a 30/40mph drive over 8 miles in light traffic conditions going to kill a DPF after a short while? I only do about 5k miles a year and it will do a monthly motorway run but is that enough to avoid problems? I've never had a car with a DPF so don't know what to expect. I really wanted a petrol car this time but the £3k saving can't be ignored. I do tend to keep cars a while so resale value isn't a big issue.
It's time for a new car and after 7 years of driving a diesel I find my current commute has reduced from 25 miles on the motorway to 8 miles on free flowing 30mph - 40mph roads.
So I'd like a VW CC with the 2.0 TSi engine . There are only half a dozen ever available on AT compared to hundreds of diesels.
The EA888 TSi hasn't exactly showered itself in glory when it comes to reliability with timing chain tensioners failing, inlet valves coking up, inlet manifolds failing and PCV valves conking out. So it's not like the petrol is the clear choice when it comes to long term reliability.
I can't ignore the fact that the 2.0 TDI is about £3k cheaper to buy in a comparable spec and will do 50mpg instead of 30mpg. They are certainly easier to find too and overall they seem to be a more reliable engine these days. The only thing to put me off is the DPF which isn't fitted to my current diesel car as it's too old.
So back to my reason for this post. Is a 30/40mph drive over 8 miles in light traffic conditions going to kill a DPF after a short while? I only do about 5k miles a year and it will do a monthly motorway run but is that enough to avoid problems? I've never had a car with a DPF so don't know what to expect. I really wanted a petrol car this time but the £3k saving can't be ignored. I do tend to keep cars a while so resale value isn't a big issue.
Edited by Sensibleboy on Sunday 7th May 19:55
Sensibleboy said:
What could a bike help with? I have 3 already and don't need another.
Normally, the number of bicycles or motorcycles a man needs is the number he has + 1.Anyway, have you tried commuting on a bike? Depending on the commute it may be quicker, but the weather can play havoc with your journey times. If you have a decent bike and level of fitness it may be a winner.
8 miles a day, 30-40 mph roads, I'd be going for something small and petrol. i10, fiesta, micra... MX5 (hoorah), focus and keep the change for a toy or big cruiser at weekends (Seven, 4x4, Jaaag, MX5 (hoorah) or just pop the savings in your pension.
You don't give many clues, family? OH with a big car?
My commute is going to change similarly fairly shortly. The MX5 will get daily use, and the BMW will get chopped in for possibly a 4x4 or van or just kept for long journies at the weekend.
You don't give many clues, family? OH with a big car?
My commute is going to change similarly fairly shortly. The MX5 will get daily use, and the BMW will get chopped in for possibly a 4x4 or van or just kept for long journies at the weekend.
I'm not convinced about this fear of DPF's and short trips with modrn diesel cars.
Speaking from experience the wife had a modern diesel (Chevrolet Captiva 07 plate) and did really short commutes for 2 years and never had a problem. I have a year old car (Kia Sportage) I have had from new, diesel and has done 7k in the year with the vast majority short commutes and no problems. I have a 3 year old MPV (Citroen Dispatch 63 plate) that has been owned for 2 years and does short commutes to pick up people, stop start stuff too - no problems.
Speaking from experience the wife had a modern diesel (Chevrolet Captiva 07 plate) and did really short commutes for 2 years and never had a problem. I have a year old car (Kia Sportage) I have had from new, diesel and has done 7k in the year with the vast majority short commutes and no problems. I have a 3 year old MPV (Citroen Dispatch 63 plate) that has been owned for 2 years and does short commutes to pick up people, stop start stuff too - no problems.
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