Diesel v Petrol

[BrianOblivion]

Thanks all, I've done a spreadsheet of petrol v diesel based on 18000 miles per year and get about £700 a year saving for diesel accounting for fuel cost, servicing etc. So perhaps a diesel after all?

[Phil_G]

I've a petrol Berlingo although the older 2004 model. It's done nearly 80K and been good bar a starter motor, although most has been run on LPG, which is allegedly kinder on the engine?

Certinly the 1.6 petrol models are fairly rare. Quite a few old 1.4 ones about, but most were sold as diesel as when I got mine they were really pushing the old basic 1.9d engine. Went against it as the mpg was the same as the 1.6 petrol, so couldn't see the benefit as it was slower and desiel more expensive.

Hi,

It's quite simple this one. 'er maj's finest at Inland Revenue have decreed the only way (if you're a V.A.T regisitered business) to reclaim the V.A.T on petrol engined vehicles is to keep long winded travel logs, where as with diesel it can just be claimed as per any other purchase without mileage records.

Well, that's our reasoning. Plus it was the right van at the right money for me. Comfortable thing, it is

[Andre]

I've a petrol Berlingo although the older 2004 model. It's done nearly 80K and been good bar a starter motor, although most has been run on LPG, which is allegedly kinder on the engine?

Certinly the 1.6 petrol models are fairly rare. Quite a few old 1.4 ones about, but most were sold as diesel as when I got mine they were really pushing the old basic 1.9d engine. Went against it as the mpg was the same as the 1.6 petrol, so couldn't see the benefit as it was slower and desiel more expensive.

Hi,

It's quite simple this one. 'er maj's finest at Inland Revenue have decreed the only way (if you're a V.A.T regisitered business) to reclaim the V.A.T on petrol engined vehicles is to keep long winded travel logs, where as with diesel it can just be claimed as per any other purchase without mileage records.

Well, that's our reasoning. Plus it was the right van at the right money for me. Comfortable thing, it is

I never knew that was the case for Petrol vehicles.

[Northman]

I've had a 1.6 petrol Berlingo and now have a 1.6 HDi. Both were fine, and both have advantages. On balance, I'd go for the HDi. I got about 43 mpg from the petrol, and am getting about 56 mpg from the diesel.

I've not heard much about problems from the 1.6 HDi engine in Citroens - but I suspect that in the long run, the petrol might be a little more reliable.

The 1.6 HDi engine, by the way, is not related to the Ford 1.8 TDCi engine. It is, however, basically the same as the Ford 1.6 TDCi engine.

Unless you get a 1.6 HDi engine in the 110 bhp version, you will not get a DPF.

[knobblywobbly]

Unless you get a 1.6 HDi engine in the 110 bhp version, you will not get a DPF.

What's a DPF?

[j90xxx]

Diesel Particulate Filter.

[Opensauce]

Google '2 stroke oil in diesel', its good to add 5cc/litre of semi synth 2 stroke oil to diesel(ie 200:1 mix) This will lengthen life of injectors & pump by making the fuel more 'oily'. Modern diesel fuel is less oily due to sulphur being removed for anti pollution reasons. 2 stroke oil is designed to be burned so won't cause any probs, in fact it will keep injectors cleaner & engine will run better as it raises cetane number in the fuel.

Adding 2 stroke oil is popular with high mileage owner drivers like taxi drivers, loads about it on't internet. I wouldn't entertain petrol these days, modern turbo diesels are so much nicer to drive as they have more torque than petrol equivalents.

[Seaman]

Hi,
In our current car, Xantia 1.9TD LX estate, we have used Wynns Injector Cleaner (diesel) on a regular basis, every four months or so after advice from our mechanic, Tony Slade of Le Garagiste in Ipswich.
We have found that this provides a worthwhile improvement - less/no smoke, smoother running and an improvement in all round performance.
We assume, after studying the list of benefits, that this is very similar to the synthetic two stroke path suggested by Opensauce.
The Xantia engine is old technology (non-HDi) and we would like advice as to whether we should continue with using the Wynns in our soon to be delivered XTR HDi110.
Best wishes,
Jim & Tracey

[Coco]

I add 250 ml of two stroke oil every tank of diesel (non synthetic low ash type). This has led to quieter smoother running with no noticeable downsides. As for additives I'm not keen, but it's a matter for personal choice.

[Opensauce]

Hi Seaman, answered your pm.... Citroen do state, no additives to be put into diesel, I think this is just a 'get out clause' tho rather than having to approve or disapprove of any additives.