Ask an expert

what's the latest think re the comparative costs of diesel powered versus petrol powered vehicle. I'm think of buying a Renault Laguna 2.2 Diesel 2003, and am wondering how this will compare to its petrol powered version??

There is very little difference in running costs for the diesel and petrol powered vehicles for the average driver. You need to work out the kilometres you intend on travelling, if you intend on travelling a lot more than 14000km a year, then it swings in favour of the diesel option. You should also consider the intended use, towing with a diesel powered vehicle is better thanks to the increased torque versus the same size petrol engine.

Thanks Donavan - I expect to do more than 30,000Km per year and am now wondering if I should go for a bigger motor than a 2.2 diesel?

Most 2.0 litre or 2.2 litre, turbo diesel engines have a decent amount of torque, and should satisfy most of your needs. The size of the engine you choose would mainly depend on the intended use of the vehicle.

In an earlier post, which I can't locate right now, there was concern expressed over purchasing a diesel vehicle with more than 220000Km. However I notice that the Toyota 4WDs seem to retain their value in spite of their age and high mileage. Is there any particular reason for this? Are their diesel engines superior to others? I have about $13000 to spend but it seems an awkward amount if I want to purchase a reliable vehicle to use for travelling more than 20,000 Km over the next year. Would appreciate your comments.

Toyota 4x4's do have a great reputation and retain their value well. However, there are concerns with all vehicles (not just diesels and not just Toyotas) with high mileage. A vehicle that has travelled 220,000km is high mileage by any standard, and as mileage increases, so does risk.
It's fair to say that Toyota diesles are fairly reliable and long-lasting if they are serviced regularly and treated well.
As you say, $13k is a bit of an in-between budget for a Toyota 4x4, whether it's an SUV or a Ute. You would only be getting a high mileage Prado for that money, but you may find something like a Hilux Surf with lower k's.

Hi
(Just carrying on with this thread)
I'm looking at purchasing an x lease vehicle Ford Mondeo Zetec diesel with approx 125,000Km on the clock. I drive approximately 25,000Km/yr & have never owned a diesel.
Two questions
1/
With driving the amount of Km's, am i better off with a Ford Mondeo diesel, or the 2.2 petrol equivalent Ford Mondeo?
2/
Is 125,000km's considered high mileage to buy a diesel vehicle & at what stage fingers crossed
will it require major mechanical issues?

It's a line ball call, however with a mainstream passenger car, there may not be any real advantage with diesel as generally speaking diesels are more expensive to service.
By contrast, SUVs are much more popular with diesel power, so the depreciation on large petrol SUVs is much greater, therefore if you were talking SUV instead of a passenger car, we'd advise to go for diesel.
Obviously, it's best to go for low mileage if possible and 125,000km is getting high. With the mileage you are doing, the vehicle will have travelled 200,000km in 3 years time, at which point you can definitely expect some expenditure (if not before) so a lower mileage vehicle would be preferable for you.
In reality, a high mileage Mondeo is quite a risky proposition in petrol or diesel.