Annual mileage dropped, sell a diesel to buy petrol?
Discussion
Scenario:
1.5 years ago I picked up a 60k mile 2003 Passat TDI. I've 40k miles on it but a change in circumstance means the annual mileage has dropped to 6-8k. This will be mostly short journeys with the very occasional 500 mile round trip.
The Passat will need 4 new tyres, a new alternator, exhaust and the gearbox is getting stiff. New slave cylinder didn't help - it's a new clutch or gearbox I would imagine. I think the car is entering it's expensive to repair stage of it's life.
Options:
A: Run it into the ground, spend the required £1k+ for the above repairs
B: Sell it and trade up to a petrol. I've been offered £2.5k for it against a £6k Merc C200K, 2006 with 45k miles. Enjoy a car with (hopefully) no big bills for the next few years. Enjoy a diesel free life.
Thoughts?
1.5 years ago I picked up a 60k mile 2003 Passat TDI. I've 40k miles on it but a change in circumstance means the annual mileage has dropped to 6-8k. This will be mostly short journeys with the very occasional 500 mile round trip.
The Passat will need 4 new tyres, a new alternator, exhaust and the gearbox is getting stiff. New slave cylinder didn't help - it's a new clutch or gearbox I would imagine. I think the car is entering it's expensive to repair stage of it's life.
Options:
A: Run it into the ground, spend the required £1k+ for the above repairs
B: Sell it and trade up to a petrol. I've been offered £2.5k for it against a £6k Merc C200K, 2006 with 45k miles. Enjoy a car with (hopefully) no big bills for the next few years. Enjoy a diesel free life.
Thoughts?
I've done this. Sold the 2.0 diesel as I was only using it for getting to work and back. It only came in useful on the 200 mile round trip when visiting my parents every 4-6 weeks.
Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
mnkiboy said:
I've done this. Sold the 2.0 diesel as I was only using it for getting to work and back. It only came in useful on the 200 mile round trip when visiting my parents every 4-6 weeks.
Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
You're doing it wrong!Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
Similar dilemma to this myself - bought a diesel last summer to do an anticipated 15k of commuting per year but this now looks like it will drop to about 3-4k. Think I'd miss the torque of the diesel so the only sensible option is another V8 in the garage.....
In short, I'll be changing to a petrol and so should you!
In short, I'll be changing to a petrol and so should you!
I think you're sensible to change it, however the px value sounds high, I guess the garage taking it in have no idea what it needs and are just giving you book px value? If this is the case then rip their arm off!
It makes sense anyway, but avoiding all that work makes it double attractive.
It makes sense anyway, but avoiding all that work makes it double attractive.
V88Dicky said:
Fair enough.
What's your realistic budget allowing for, say £2k or so for the Passat?
£4-6k cash on top of part ex. The lower the better What's your realistic budget allowing for, say £2k or so for the Passat?
Merc C-class is the right size so looking favourite at the moment. 3 series is too small, 5 is too expensive and too much of a compromise on age/mileage. Other alternatives are a vRS and possibly a Legacy.
RobCrezz said:
mnkiboy said:
I've done this. Sold the 2.0 diesel as I was only using it for getting to work and back. It only came in useful on the 200 mile round trip when visiting my parents every 4-6 weeks.
Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
You're doing it wrong!Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
mnkiboy said:
RobCrezz said:
mnkiboy said:
I've done this. Sold the 2.0 diesel as I was only using it for getting to work and back. It only came in useful on the 200 mile round trip when visiting my parents every 4-6 weeks.
Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
You're doing it wrong!Now just run a 1.6 petrol. No worries of having to replace a turbo or injectors. Car warms up quicker, is smoother and quieter and gives similar mpg on the short run to work and back. Also, the fuel is 6-7 ppl cheaper.
Yeah I can appreciate that, currently finishing saving for a deposit. Im lucky that I dont commute in my car so it keeps running costs low.
I made the swap from diesel to petrol in late 2010. Would really struggle to go back now for any other reason other than longer commutes.
Of course, you notice the fuel indicator moves quicker in a petrol than a diesel, and you notice the less economical consumption on the odd longer run. You also miss the turbo sometimes and the torque of the diesel engine. But overall, I prefer the petrol. If my plans come to fruition I may be enjoying a turbo again sometime soon but in a petrol engine.
Petrol is obviously cheaper at the moment too.
Of course, you notice the fuel indicator moves quicker in a petrol than a diesel, and you notice the less economical consumption on the odd longer run. You also miss the turbo sometimes and the torque of the diesel engine. But overall, I prefer the petrol. If my plans come to fruition I may be enjoying a turbo again sometime soon but in a petrol engine.
Petrol is obviously cheaper at the moment too.
Rob P said:
£4-6k cash on top of part ex. The lower the better
Merc C-class is the right size so looking favourite at the moment. 3 series is too small, 5 is too expensive and too much of a compromise on age/mileage. Other alternatives are a vRS and possibly a Legacy.
Something like an Octavia VRS might keep you a little happier? Turbo torque and plenty of room/practicality.Merc C-class is the right size so looking favourite at the moment. 3 series is too small, 5 is too expensive and too much of a compromise on age/mileage. Other alternatives are a vRS and possibly a Legacy.
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