Diesel verses petrol

[ritornello]

I'm considering buying a new mini and am thinking of going down the deisel route. Can anyone give me any advice on whether or not this is a good idea? Also, I've left a thread before but being new to all this I'm finding it impossible to find it! Any advice??? HELP!

[danb]

Here is your old thread

Are you talking about new or second hand? 1st Gen (One D) or 2nd Gen (Cooper D)

[ALD0]

Depends on how many miles you do a year, you mention in your other thread you drive a thirsty 2.0 litre focus, I would get a Diesel then as the Cooper (Petrol) can be a thristy drive with spirited driving

[danb]

Any car will be thirsty with spirited driving - I had a One series 2.0D Msport, it did 30mpg on country lanes with a heavy right foot. Im sure I have read about someone (on here) with a petrol cooper getting 50mpg, althought I doubt most people would get quite that high.

I'm not saying the diesel won't be more economical, just that a petrol cooper should be alot more economical than a 2l Focus.

Personally I would drive both, see what you prefer. I got hooked on the looks/power of the MCS, even though a diesel was the obvious choice for me (my Dad produces bio-diesel)

[JAMIE1131]

Depends if you want "wheeze-puff-wheeze-puff-clatter-clatter " or something fun!! I had diesel cars (Audi and Jeep) for two years, wouldn't go back now. Still have a diesel Alfa 147 which is plenty fast enough (probably as quick as the MCS) but its just not inspiring!

[Lawrothegreat]

Quote: Originally Posted by danb (original)

Im sure I have read about someone (on here) with a petrol cooper getting 50mpg, althought I doubt most people would get quite that high.

That may have been me. I did achieve 50mpg (measured pump to pump, UK gallons not US), but it was hard work, it involved flat roads only, cruising between 50mph and 60mph, and my right foot never pressing the accelerator by more than about 10-20%!(e.g. it took about 2 minutes to get to 50mph). In normal conditions a standard Cooper probably returns between 30mpg and 35mpg average (1st generation).

[andrewcregan]

I have been driving Diesels for years (Seat Ibiza, Audi A4, Citroen C2 and Landrover Freelander) and have enjoyed all of them. No suprise that I am buying a Cooper D. I took it for a test drive and had to buy one. Long gone are the days of noisy/rattly engines and puffs of smoke - plus your road tax is now only £35 for 12 months (low emission cars seem to have been rewarded by Mr Brown over the years) Sure enough a petrol is faster 0-60 but a diesel accelerates faster at higher speeds due to greater torque, which is where a bloke like me prefers my acceleration (who really wants a drag race from the traffic lights?)

[Buffster Bird]

I have got an R53 Cooper but as I do about 24000 miles a year, I've decided to have a test drive in a new Cooper diesel and see how it compares performance wise. I have heard they are a bit sluggish compared to a petrol engine.

[Harpo]

My old standard One D could match any standard R50 Cooper once driving speed had been achieved.