If you buy a diesel for economy, unless you have the car for a long time, you won't break even. The diesel is an extra £1,500 and delivers 10 mpg more on official figures. The extra £1,500 equates to 250-275 "free" gallons of fuel, which is over 11,000 miles "free" motoring on the petrol.
There is an argument about resale value, but the only thing I know about trading a car in is that you get royally shafted by dealers and they will use any excuse possible to drive the price down. If you have a petrol, they'll say the diesel is worth more or vice versa. If you have leather they tell you it doesn't make any difference and if you don't have they'll tell you its essential.
The main thing is to go for the engine and drive you enjoy and not base it on economy. If you like petrol cars because of their smoothness, buy one, if you like a diesel's low down torque, go for a diesel, just don't listen to the marketing men about economy and resale. Its all rubbish to help line the manufacturer's pocket (and dealers)
There is an argument about resale value, but the only thing I know about trading a car in is that you get royally shafted by dealers and they will use any excuse possible to drive the price down. If you have a petrol, they'll say the diesel is worth more or vice versa. If you have leather they tell you it doesn't make any difference and if you don't have they'll tell you its essential.
The main thing is to go for the engine and drive you enjoy and not base it on economy. If you like petrol cars because of their smoothness, buy one, if you like a diesel's low down torque, go for a diesel, just don't listen to the marketing men about economy and resale. Its all rubbish to help line the manufacturer's pocket (and dealers)