To buy Diesel (pre 2005) or not?

[james26695]

Hi all, i need some advice, I need to buy a car and i am tempted to buy an Audi a3 2.0 tdi -think its 2004 /05. Its well priced...i like diesels for the economic mileage along with the pretty good performance.
So my question is ..should i be worried to buy this kind of car now? Ive seen a bit about proposed changes in the near future (hearing things such as big city centres will charge older diesel cars to enter - (10 pounds per day!) and i dont know - maybe the annual car tax for diesels will go up to very silly money? Who knows if diesel fuel might get very expensive?
Its all a bit confusing ...so just wondered anybodys thoughts on weather i should or shouldnt go for this kind of car right now?
If buying an older diesel like this is a problem what about something newer say 2009?
Any thoughts much appreciated!

[bearman68]

Older is better (more reliable IMO, and less to go wrong), Increased RFL is not going to happen. If you travel in London alot, may be more reason to think, but otherwise, if the car suits you, go for it.

[valiant]

RFL has never been retrospectively changed so no worries there.

Unless you're buying a euro6 diesel, you will be liable for any future emissions zones that may or may not spring up. Euro6 is from around 2014ish so buying a 2009 model won't change anything.

Diesel costs are highly unlikely to spiral out of control as virtually everything is delivered by lorries,vans and even trains who'd simply pass the cost onto the consumer who'd scream bloody murder let alone things like increasing inflation and reducing demand which the government doesn't like.

So unless you'll be driving into London often and the car's a good 'un then go for it.