Low mileage drivers.

[Mike 700]

There have been several articles about the wisdom of low mileage users, which more often than not covers the disabled user, having diesel engined cars rather than petrol engined, mainly due to the fact that the deisel cars are invariably more expensive to buy, and diesel fuel has also been more expensive.

So, do low mileage users benefit from diesel or not, and this question is now even more relevant as diesel prices drop at the pumps,

Any thoughts/comments?

[GreenBrick]

If you do low mileages in a modern diesel (particularly urban driving) then the the particulate filter will clog up and add another 2000-3000 pounds to the already increased cost of diesel ownership. Just google blocked DPF for a lot of scare stories. I used to swear by diesel, but not after two friends have forked out thousands on DPF replacements. Petrol and LPG all the way for me.

[JRS80]

I can't see why having a DPF would put people off buying a diesel? Surely if you are aware of its existence and take steps accordingly to ensure that it functions correctly i.e a longish run every week or so, what is the problem?

[Julianpms]

With respect, I think you're missing the point. Some people simply don't have any reason to do regular long trips by car. That's my father's case, for example: he is retired and uses his (petrol-engined) car for short trips locally, but probably only does a trip of more than 10 miles two or three times a year. He has a trickle charger to keep his car's battery topped up, but a diesel with DPF wouldn't work for him.
I write as a very satisfied D4 owner, having come from another DPF-equipped diesel before. My use is quite the opposite of my father's: long trips nearly every weekend, but no short trips or town use at all, as I work from home and use public transport, cycle or walk in my home city. Horses for courses!

[Gazzza]

all depends on your journey's

If you use the car say 3 times a week then once a MONTH go for a drive over 30 miles ..this will give a chance to get the ENGINE warm/ hot and Burn off all the rubbish ..
I now nip to mates house about 25 mile away for coffee / chat so a round trip of say 50 mile ...works fine ...

[Freetime]

being disabled I have more time when well enough to get away with my caravan so a diesel makes more sense. Like another said a short burst up an open road clears the filter. As I have 2 shogun 4x4's I have yet to do any real towing of caravan with the v70. The only tow was from off road storage to house and all went very well, even the door mirrors gave enough view behind without the extended mirrors.