Diesel Focus or petrol Golf? Help!

I'm looking at a 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel Titanium or a 2013 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 turbo petrol. What should I buy? I don't do a lot of miles, just drive around town. So confused.

Catriona Kelly (Wexford)

Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Catriona,

Go for the petrol Golf. It's a hugely economical engine anyway, but if you're doing short hops and low mileage then there's just no point in buying a diesel. You'll never make back the extra purchase price in fuel savings and you'll run into problems with clogged diesel particulate filters, etc.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe