Avensis Petrol v Diesel Dilemma

Pensioner Pete

Hi

I have a2008 Avensis 1.6L Aura. It has very low mileage (21000Kms). I have been indiscussions with my local Toyota Dealer with a view to purchasing a new 2014Avensis. The dealer has suggested that I might consider a 2.0 D diesel model.He says that there is a big swing away from petrol to diesel models in Irelandat the moment. However given my small annual mileage (mostly short local trips)I feel that a diesel model would be very unsuitable due to possible DPF/DMFissues. The range of petrol Avensis models available here is limited to 1.6LTerra/Aura/Strata/Luna only. All other Avensis models are diesel.

I wonderwhat the members feel about petrol versus diesel for low mileage driving? Iwould be very pleased to receive any suggestions which would help me in comingto a decision on the model.
Many thanks
Pensioner Pete

bazz26

The dealer is most likely suggesting a diesel Avensis because he probably either has one in stock or can source one a lot quicker than sourcing you a petrol model. He doesn't want to risk losing a sale by taking ages to get a petrol model and you going somewhere else With you only putting 21k km on a car in nearly 6 years you certainly don't need a diesel car.

Have you considered a hybrid Auris or Prius as an alternative? Probably don't have use for one of those either but at least it is less likely to give you problems than a diesel car.

BTW I don't think Avensis diesel models are available in any other trim levels than the ones you mentioned already.

Truckermal

Jesus 21k since 2008, I do that in a slow month..

Petrol all the way op, buying a diesel would be insane. .

Pensioner Pete

Hi Bazz26/Truckermal
Many thanks for your replies to my query on diesel v petrol cars. I note your comments and would have to say that it is what my own thoughts were as well. However I am glad to get independent comments as I had to listen to the dealer extolling the virtues of diesel cars. With my low annual mileage as Truckermal says “buy a diesel would be insane” and I have to agree. Don’t think that the Hybrid Auris/Prius would suit my pocket! I will have to have further discussions with the Toyota dealer or look at other models.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my query.
Regards
Pensioner Pete

visual

Unless you really want to change to newer model I would suggest getting the value out of your current car by keeping it for a few more years. Keep it regularly serviced and as your mileage is so low do the servicing on time intervals rather than mileage.

Leonard Hofstadter

While I agree with the sentiment of the others, I still think you'd be mad to go for a petrol Avensis, purely from a financial perspective.

A popular myth on this forum is that you should only buy diesel if you're doing a certain mileage, because diesels don't like low mileage driving. This is not true, they don't like it when they're mostly driven around town, and will give very expensive trouble when driven like that. It's not as simple a that. Also, one needs to tax into account the cost of the petrol model of a car versus the diesel, the running costs (motor tax being the main one with such low mileage) and the projected resale value when the car is 4-5 years old.

The diesel is just €455 more expensive, will have superior resale value, and will cost €190 less a year in motor tax. So even after only three years you'll get the cost of the diesel back, and that's before you've driven it a mile.

It's worth pointing out that if it wasn't for Ireland's ridiculous taxation system, I would be in total agreement that petrol would be a much better option. Petrols are much nicer to drive than diesels anyway, diesel torque or not. Petrols are still better in every measure bar cost.

A better option would be as already suggested, an Auris hybrid. They come with all the toys, have low motor tax and will still be desirable on the second hand market (an Avensis petrol certainly will not be).

Alternatively, a regular petrol Auris will be more desirable than a petrol Avensis and it should be easier to get a dealer to order one of those. The Aura model for 2014 comes with climate control (air conditioning), alloy wheels and a few other things for just €1,000 extra over the Terra model, so is well worth the extra money (and will be more desirable second-hand too).

I would also strongly advise that you consider other cars, such as the latest VW Golf or Seat Leon, as these have very efficient petrol engines and are considerably cheaper than the diesel equivalent. They would also have a good resale value even with petrol engines (the Golf especially). A 1.2 TSI 105 hp Golf is only €20 more expensive on motor tax than the 1.6 diesel and is about €2,000 cheaper to buy, so in that situation you'd be absolutely daft to buy the diesel. The Avensis still makes more sense as a diesel purely from a financial perspective - but only because of the ridiculous motor tax and VRT system in Ireland. It's a crazy situation where the consumer effectively is forced to buy a car that is not suitable for their needs, and is not something that the consumer wants if the system was fairer.

ei9go

"A better option would be as already suggested, an Auris hybrid"

A family member has a 12 reg Auris Hybrid and the computer is showing 5.8L per 100Km which is very far removed from the claimed mpg.

Be warned!

toyotaavensis

OP 4000 km p.a. of mainly short journeys it makes sense to go for petrol. There is also a 1.8L auto petrol you can get.

Leonard Hofstadter

ei9go wrote: »

"A better option would be as already suggested, an Auris hybrid"

A family member has a 12 reg Auris Hybrid and the computer is showing 5.8L per 100Km which is very far removed from the claimed mpg.

Be warned!

How many mpg is that? Hybrids are at their most efficient at town driving and/or low speeds, where there are plenty of opportunites for it to run without the petrol engine. On main roads and motorways, the petrol engine will need to be used all the time, and that requires the petrol engine to be on all the time, so the fuel consumption advantage over a regular petrol engine won't be that significant. Especially on a motorway at 120 kph, I reckon an anyway decently sized diesel would do more mpg. On main roads, probably the same as a diesel, and unquestionably around town and lower speeds the hybrid will do better. Diesels are barely any more economical than petrols at very low speeds, and the DPF and DMF will start (expensively) complaining if town and/or low speed use is all they see - the DPF in particular is not very tolerant of sustained town driving.

They are super reliable and would still be a much better bet for the OP (than a diesel), or really something like a VW Golf TSI would be perfect as well.

toyotaavensis

captainspeed wrote: »

How many mpg is that? Hybrids are at their most efficient at town driving and/or low speeds, where there are plenty of opportunites for it to run without the petrol engine. On main roads and motorways, the petrol engine will need to be used all the time, and that requires the petrol engine to be on all the time, so the fuel consumption advantage over a regular petrol engine won't be that significant. Especially on a motorway at 120 kph, I reckon an anyway decently sized diesel would do more mpg. On main roads, probably the same as a diesel, and unquestionably around town and lower speeds the hybrid will do better. Diesels are barely any more economical than petrols at very low speeds, and the DPF and DMF will start (expensively) complaining if town and/or low speed use is all they see - the DPF in particular is not very tolerant of sustained town driving.

They are super reliable and would still be a much better bet for the OP (than a diesel), or really something like a VW Golf TSI would be perfect as well.

Had a look here and Mad_lad who seems to own a Prius strongly disagrees and says it gets good MPG on the motorway. Have you something to back up you statements about the prius on the motorway or are you just someone who doesnt like the prius?

ei9go

captainspeed wrote: »

How many mpg is that?QUOTE]

5.8L is 48.70 mpg and the car is mostly used around the city.

It's not very good at 120kph but what is?

NuckingFacker

I'm probably alone here, but I'm itching to know where that 21000 mile avensis will be going for sale at...? Sounds like a hell of a good buy tbh...

road_high

Pensioner Pete wrote: »

Hi

I have a2008 Avensis 1.6L Aura. It has very low mileage (21000Kms). I have been indiscussions with my local Toyota Dealer with a view to purchasing a new 2014Avensis. The dealer has suggested that I might consider a 2.0 D diesel model.He says that there is a big swing away from petrol to diesel models in Irelandat the moment. However given my small annual mileage (mostly short local trips)I feel that a diesel model would be very unsuitable due to possible DPF/DMFissues. The range of petrol Avensis models available here is limited to 1.6LTerra/Aura/Strata/Luna only. All other Avensis models are diesel.

I wonderwhat the members feel about petrol versus diesel for low mileage driving? Iwould be very pleased to receive any suggestions which would help me in comingto a decision on the model.
Many thanks
Pensioner Pete

At this mileage diesel is a ludicrious idea. Though i can see where you're coming from with the lack of choice etc. Are Mazda doing a petrol on the new 6?
And Ford with the new Mondeo in 2014 are looking towards petrol I've read with the 1.0 l petrol!! My, how that would have sold under the previous cc based system here
This class car is almost overwhelmingly diesel but if you're willing to drop a class/crossover types there is more choice on offer. Apparently the tide is turning a bit back towards petrol again as people (like yourself on low mileages) are stating to see the folly of diesel for them.

Leonard Hofstadter

ei9go wrote: »

captainspeed wrote: »

How many mpg is that?QUOTE]

5.8L is 48.70 mpg and the car is mostly used around the city.

It's not very good at 120kph but what is?

That's pretty good for that kind of useage - I'd be surprised if a petrol or diesel Auris did better than 35 mpg under those conditions.

Pensioner Pete

Hi

Just ashort note to thank all those who replied to my original query on the “Petrol vDiesel Dilemma”.

I did notexpect so many interesting views/comments on my “dilemma”. It is clear thatgiven my low annual mileage that a diesel model is not really a realisticchoice. My car has only just passed the 6 year NCT(with an “Advisory”on thetyres). However I must say that I am reconsideringmy decision to purchase a new car. I think hat I will follow the adviceof VISUAL by holding on to the Avensis andhaving it serviced on a regular time basis. Perhaps I may reconsider my decisionto purchase at the end of 2014.!

Again manythanks for all those interesting replies.

MerryChristmas and Happy Motoring in 2014
Pensioner Pete

MuppetCheck

You're as well off. Your car is barely ran in, it will last you years to come without any hassle.

toyotaavensis

I have mine ten years and over 170000km and she is still going strong.
Service her every year or 8000 miles and change the gearbox oil every 50000 miles and she will go for a long time. If you decide to sell PM me and I ll make you an offer.

HandsomeDan

Depreciation would be the killer on a new petrol.

But why not take advantage of that and pick up an 2-3 YO petrol yourself?

ofcork

toyotaavensis wrote: »

I have mine ten years and over 170000km and she is still going strong.
Service her every year or 8000 miles and change the gearbox oil every 50000 miles and she will go for a long time. If you decide to sell PM me and I ll make you an offer.

Is changing the gearbox oil a big job,i have 157k miles on my 04 petrol and gearchange is getting a bit stiff.

toyotaavensis

When I got it done I bought the oil myself. I got Mobil 1 75w90 fully synthetic. The oil was thirty euro. It only needs two liters. I am not saying you should go for this oil but since it is changed rarely go for something decent.

Got a mechanic to change it and that was another thirty five euro.

Makes a big difference to the gearshift once it is done.

ofcork

Thanks will get it done on my next service as don't think its ever been done.

toyotaavensis

If your handy with the spanners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjD991Kc8qM
I have found this lads videos handy. They arent the best produced in the world but the show you what you need to do.