Fuel costs are the second largest consideration in a car’s whole-life cost calculation after depreciation, accounting for some 30 per cent of the total over a given mileage. So it is kind of important we choose a vehicle and fuel that works to get the most from our money.
Despite the onset of biofuel, most people still only consider the two serious challengers: petrol or diesel.
So what would you chose? In the petrol camp, campaigners argue that petrol is cheaper than diesel in a number of areas, petrol cars can enjoy cheaper road tax as it has fewer toxic emissions, meaning it also boasts a cleaner engine.
They also have a lower purchase price, need less oil changes and are better for both extreme performance and stop-start journeys such as being stuck in traffic.
While over in the diesel campo, their argument starts with the fact the diesel market saw a staggering increase of 45% in sales for the year 2005 and still growing. The engines now start faster, are quieter and smoother than before but the ace up their sleeve is better fuel consumption along with cheaper benefit in kind tax.
So what is the answer? Well, if you are a short journey person, petrol but if you are a long distance driver than diesel. Of course, what we should be doing is really lobbying the government for compulsory alternative fuels.
Jackie Violet