Ask an expert

I was particularly interested in your recent comment on petrol v diesel.

I have been doing the sums with a view to buying one of the new Ford turbo diesels either Mondeo or Focus.

We are also penalised when registering a diesel, approx. $100-00 more.

The current RUC rates do spoil the economic argument for going diesel but the performance is a strong positive in my view.

Having used a Focus tdci in the UK for a week I am a fan. The power band is very usable due to the high torque and I found it a very enjoyable drive.

Colin

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Thanks for the email and for reminding me about the extra cost of vehicle registration when owning a diesel.

The reason for the higher registration fee is to cover the Accident Compensation Costs (ACC) that are already built into the price of petrol at the pump.

At the end of the day, it does come down to personal choice, and as you have pointed out the driving experience and benefits one type of fuel provides over another.

Motorists need to be careful however, and not automatically assume that diesel is the best option, particularly for smaller vehicles and when travel distances per year are below the average.

Appreciate the feed back.