Modern diesels and short commutes?

[crazy about cars]

Uncertainty at work means that I'll have to start looking at downsizing my one and only love (after the family ofc) which is my car...

I'm thinking of going for the newest car possible so something registered in 2014. The mk7 Golf GTD DSG is currently the top of my list. However I mostly do urban and sometimes rather short commutes (10 miles/day). Will diesels be a bad choice in the long run?

Logic dictates I should just get something like VW UP but I also want something I can still enjoy driving...even how little.

[Rich_W]

Uncertainly at work means you go and get a brand new car on finance

[Puddenchucker]

For 10 miles a day buy a petrol.

It will have a lower purchase price compared to the equivalent diesel, be more fun to drive and won't suffer from DPF 'issues.'

The slight increase in fuel costs will be offset by the lower price and cheaper maintenance.

[crazy about cars]

Rich_W said:

Uncertainly at work means you go and get a brand new car on finance

No used. I'll be trading in my current car (M3) for it. Want something new for the warranty.

[Spare tyre]

Buy something simple like a micra / mx5 or jimmy until you know what's going on with your job etc

[crazy about cars]

Puddenchucker said:

For 10 miles a day buy a petrol.

It will have a lower purchase price compared to the equivalent diesel, be more fun to drive and won't suffer from DPF 'issues.'

The slight increase in fuel costs will be offset by the lower price and cheaper maintenance.

Yes true... I was hoping DPF won't be a problem on newer diesels. The low end torque compared to small capacity petrols is one of the main reason why I was thinking about going diesel route.

Golf R would be nice but unfortunately they are 35k+...

[crazy about cars]

Spare tyre said:

Buy something simple like a micra / mx5 or jimmy until you know what's going on with your job etc

Yes, I will have to consider selling my current car privately but was hoping to first explore options of p/x with a dealer.

[crazy about cars]

Does anyone here run a fairly new diesel car which is used for mostly short commuting or around city/urban? I've heard the servicing intervals are far longer now for diesels so servicing/maintenance costs shouldn't be that high?

[Atmospheric]

Buy a Aygo for the commute. Seriously. Don't commit to finance with an uncertain job and such a short commute. You could also cycle (if possible). Buy something simple for the commute, and you won't need the warranty.

Or maybe have missed your point; You want to be seen in a Golf GTD don't you?

[Bradgate]

I drive a diesel BMW, so I'm not anti-diesel, but I definitely wouldn't consider a modern diesel for such a low mileage. Why would you? The fuel savings will be negligible, and ongoing dpf issues are very likely.

[crazy about cars]

Atmospheric said:

Buy a Aygo for the commute. Seriously. Don't commit to finance with an uncertain job and such a short commute. You could also cycle (if possible). Buy something simple for the commute, and you won't need the warranty.

Or maybe have missed your point; You want to be seen in a Golf GTD don't you?

I am hoping I can use the car for weekend drives too - so something bit fun. Golf GTD is what stands out to me at the moment.

I'm not thinking of financing but using the equity from my current car as p/x.

Do appreciate all the kind advice here though - my mind is just a mess of late. Not just work but also personal matters at home.

[nickfrog]

I don't really get the low end torque argument with diesel. They have none until 1600rpm or so. My N52 pulls cleanly from 1000 rpm.
And then traction becomes the weakest link surely.

[Urban Sports]

Rich_W said:

Uncertainly at work means you go and get a brand new car on finance

I can't see any mention of finance

[A500leroy]

Try a fiesta ecoboost 125,
Seriously just test drive one!

[Clivey]

OP, is your current car the GT-R, and is the Q7 the "family bus"?

[daemon]

crazy about cars said:

Spare tyre said:

Buy something simple like a micra / mx5 or jimmy until you know what's going on with your job etc

Yes, I will have to consider selling my current car privately but was hoping to first explore options of p/x with a dealer.

It would be unlikely that a dealer who is retailing a 2014 GTD is going to want to stock your M3 - so he'll ring round his trade contacts for a bid.

I would be selling it privately OR finding a specialist trader to buy it

[crazy about cars]

Clivey said:

OP, is your current car the GT-R, and is the Q7 the "family bus"?

No it's the E92 M3. Q7 is the missus car.

[Osinjak]

Rich_W said:

Uncertainly at work means you go and get a brand new car on finance

Where does it say he would use finance?

[daemon]

Osinjak said:

Rich_W said:

Uncertainly at work means you go and get a brand new car on finance

Where does it say he would use finance?

Standard Pistonhead deduction - buying a brand car, therefore must be on finance, therefore cant afford it.

[Clivey]

crazy about cars said:

No it's the E92 M3. Q7 is the missus car.

Sorry, missed that.

If the M3 is a particularly uncommon spec. and you think you might possibly later regret selling, my advice is don't be too hasty...and I certainly wouldn't pay any more than the bare minimum for a shopping car like a diesel Golf (not "special" enough to be worth buying new IMO - you're paying for the warranty in depreciation).

I've done the whole new diesel commuter thing and I had to get rid of it after I moved closer to work (commute reduced to under 10 miles). Even though it had no DPF, I still got problems with carbon building-up and had to pay-out to get it sorted. An old, cheap petrol 3-Series now does the job without the worries. - Yes, it costs more in fuel but it's much more pleasant to drive and hasn't produced any big bills in the 2.5 years we've had it. I concur with the previous posters when they say "don't buy a diesel".

The next question: What do you need from your commuter? If you already have a Q7, do you need 5 seats and a big hatch boot or will something less practical but more fun & interesting do?