Van running costs LPG vs 50 + MPG diesel

[triangularmonkey]

Just toying with an idea here. Having tried (and so far failed) to get hold of a decent NV200, I've been considering other vans, namely the new iteration of the Scudo/Dispatch/Expert in LPG format.

So Imagine the two vans, diesel does over 50 mpg, the other is a lower efficiency LPG/petrol hybrid closer to the typical 35ish MPG of a medium sized petrol van. Also, bear in mind the diesel is a only £140 VED vs £220 for the gas guzzler. And insurance being perhaps couple of hundred quid a year cheaper as well on the diesel.

Any thoughts on what will be cheaper to run? Say 6000 miles a year. I'm slightly concerned that LPG is still slightly harder to come by, and that the conversion likely needs extra maintenance. Diesel isn't nearly as expensive as it used to be either.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

I'd say 6000 miles per year does not justify LPG. Not even close.

[Axionknight]

6,000 miles a year, 35mpg, costing 53p/litre or £2.40 a gallon (4.54 litres/gallon, obviously slightly out but meh), 171.42 gallons x £2.40 = £411.40 in fuel

6,000 miles a year, 50mpg, costing £1.08/litre or £4.90 a gallon, 120 gallons x £4.90 = £588 in fuel

Associated costs such as insurance and tax will offset the higher fueling costs of course. Buy the diesel.

[gazza285]

I've had both a diesel and a petrol/LPG Berlingo, I'd go for a diesel. LPG might make sense in a big engined cruiser, but fuelling a puny van engine it isn't nice. Mine had a toroidal tank, so the spare was in the back, with a range of 220 miles. I didn't notice any cost savings.

I was glad when the head gasket went, I bought a diesel Scudo. That was great, apart from the duff injectors, melted sensors, chaffing wires and engine management failure.