1.8L petrol LPG conversion or new car

steamsey

Currently have a Honda FRV 1.8 Petrol. It's been pretty good over the last 4 years. Never intended keeping it this long. Only issue with it is the efficiency - I get about 8-9L per 100KM. Maybe 7L on motorways. Mainly used for short journeys around Dublin - annual mileage is about 14,000KM.

Thinking about changing it for something second hand that's more efficient. It's probably worth about €3k. Main thing I get from the FRV is good boot space and 3 kids seats across back row so would need that in any new car I got.

Would you be bothered spending €1,200 or so for LPG conversion and drive it into the ground as they say? Could get LPG at about 80 cent per litre.

Or use the €1,200 for the conversion, €3k from sale of the FRV added to say €5k savings and get something else for <€10K. I do like the FRV but am sick of filling the tank every week and spending €65-€70 each time. The annual tax is €750 which is a pain but I could live with it if the fuel was half price (I understand 1L of LPG is not same as 1L petrol in terms of energy available).

Any advice welcome please

colm_mcm

You’re spending about €1764 per year or €34 per week.
Even if you could find a car that does 6l/100km on your driving, you’ll still be spending €1164 per year. Plus it’ll be diesel so more maintenance, plus cost to upgrade.

The LPG idea would be good if you were committing to keeping the car, you’ll still only save a few hundred per year on fuel costs - and you’ll have to pay up front for the conversion.

Stick with what you have. It’s not that bad on fuel considering the driving you do, and it owes you nothing.

Lantus

As above. Reality is that a modern new small petrol will deliver 6.5 in a city give or take.

If you have a small daily distance of about 50km a leaf may be better if your looking at 10k (reality is you'd need more)

Best bet economically is still to keep what you have until necessity warrants replacement. Then do a cost analysis between a small cheap petrol and a much more expensive older electric.

In a few years the pay back curves will be potentially improving as more 2nd hand models drip through.

Atlantic Dawn

I've also heard problems with insurers covering cars with LPG conversion, could end up costing you a lot more.

Heres Johnny

I can't make those maths add up for you OP. You will have to keep the car another few years to make it back, you lose space and you have to go out of your way to fuel.
More mileage and a car you will keep long term it might make sense but not now.
Both my cars are diesels, albeit big cars with bigger engines, and my fuel consumption isn't a huge amount better than yours

Idbatterim

Would a prius suit the op ? To hell with putting that amount into fuel every week. Of course to hell with losing it on depreciation too ...

Pekarirska

Have 1.6L corolla verso doing 16kkm annually, spent about €1700 last year on petrol at 7.5L/100km. Pain to see that money go "down the drain" every 2 weeks...

Had the same dillema as you. Upgrade at a cost of few thousands or LPG conversion which costed €950.

Decided for LPG. It seems I'll be shelling out just under €1k annually for gas as per first 2kkm travelled. Add €100 for LPG service every 10kkm.

CO2 emissions are down from 175g/km to 140g/km if you care about environment. Less boot space though as occupied by the spare wheel.

Feels immensely better when refuelling as paying €30 for it. You're more likely to take the car for a longer spin. Won't save you money short term.

Makes sense if you intend to run the car into the ground.

colm_mcm

Where is the tank going to go? Assuming yours is a 7 seat Corolla Verso?

Pekarirska

colm_mcm wrote: »

Where is the tank going to go? Assuming yours is a 7 seat Corolla Verso?

Year 2006, it's 7 seater indeed. The tank is where the spare wheel was. No space in the boot because the 3rd row 2 small seats fold into the floor. The tank is mounted to the car underbody.

colm_mcm

I was wondering when you were saying less boot space.

steamsey

I think I'll go with the conversion and keep the car for as long as it stays mechanically sound - thanks for replies

Idbatterim

steamsey wrote: »

I think I'll go with the conversion and keep the car for as long as it stays mechanically sound - thanks for replies

is there a place that sells LPG close to you?