I'm looking into changing my tow car for an X1 but I'm unsure on a 2.0 litre diesel or petrol. Both mpg figures seem quite good but how are they when towing a medium sized caravan?
I'm weighing up between purchase prices of a 2019 model and the difference in fuel price between the petrol & diesel and I'm not sure what to go for,
any help on figures and recommendations between the two would be appreciated.
There's a lot to consider there. I don't know any figures but diesel mpg tends to be better but the fuel costs more at the moment. The torque of a diesel usually is much better than a petrol car and is developed at lower rpm. I personally prefer diesels, but the differences between the two are becoming more blurred.
I think that when it comes to towing a caravan you need need a car in a different league which basically means having the right tools for the job so I would consider the diesel the best option under the circumstances. However, diesel may be more expensive at the pumps NOW but you need to look at the long term investment when purchasing a car as fuel prices go up and down respectively so nobody can predict exactly what the future holds on any fuel prices at present. It could be a huge mistake buying the petrol version because you will be shifting up and and down the gears more often producing more revs which uses more fuel so in the long term the petrol version could prove to be less economical than you think.
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) seem to be spreading throughout large cities. Diesel seems to be getting the blame for it resulting in some charging older diesels each time they enter. Bristol is one where 2016 is the oldest diesel they won't charge £9 a day for.
However, not all CAZs charge private cars. Have a check for any proposals in your area.
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 24/10/2022
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) seem to be spreading throughout large cities. Diesel seems to be getting the blame for it resulting in some charging older diesels each time they enter. Bristol is one where 2016 is the oldest diesel they won't charge £9 a day for.
However, not all CAZs charge private cars. Have a check for any proposals in your area.
That definitely lets out my 2008 X Trail then! London is my nearest city although it's some way off and I never drive up there anyway. Much easier to go by train. No parking problems that way.
Hi all
Diesel every time for me, I’m now on my second Kuga, been towing caravans for nearly 40 years now with all different makes of cars, the Kuga is best by far, I’ve just returned from a trip to Eire a total of 650 miles the average mpg showed 47.7 on the computer ( solo driving no van on back )
Wife runs a Citroen Picasso that averages over 50 mpg running about, every MOT it’s had up to now shows zero emission plus £30 a year road tax
Quote: Originally posted by DaveS1 on 26/10/2022
The amazing thing is that it hasn't seemed to have made any difference to the amount of traffic.
DaveS1
Personally I don't think it was ever about reducing traffic, just a money-making scheme.
We had a bmw x1 sport 2.0ltr diesel 4x4 from 2018 to 2022, and towed our adria caravan MTLPM of 1300 Kgs, car loaded with with 2 aduslts 1 dog and 1x 15 yr old. car towed the van beautifully and returned anywhere between 29 - 33 mpg towing, mainly motorway between manchester and east to south cotswolds.
Admittedly it was an auto. Cruise control at 57 mph, not issues.
pulled like a racing car from a standstill (m6 toll), with plenty to go still. Solo returend about 40 mpg commuting and upto 55 - 60 mph motorway manchester to bornemouth area and return.
No issues with space or anything like. Towing was a pleasent and comfy ride.
have now changed to a 2022 bmw x1 xline 2.0ltr petrol, did not notice much difference in towing, however the 4x4 felt more sure footed but not had issues with either, on soft ground or wet roads, fuel use a little less but not much 25 - 29 mpg manchester to Scarborough / lake district, still has auto box, and still used cruise control.
Solo petrol use i am surprised at is comparable with the diesel, at a consistent mpg of 38 commuting in ECO Pro mode, and 50ish MPG motorway distance.
All in all if could have had another 4x4 diesel i would of, but now looking at diesel fuel prices probably less so. The bmw x1 4x4 was also marginally heavier at 1640 kgs compared to the bmw x1 2wd at 1590 kgs.
Incdently also we also swapped like for like over the towbar and electrics.
Hope this helps, happy to answer any question also.
Thanks for the great reply Trig.
The general opinion is more towards the diesels but you obviously found the petrol to be a close contender. I’m not sure of the differences on the newer petrol engines but I’m looking at 2019 models. Doing the calculations on the current (£1.71 for Petrol & £1.90 for diesel) cost of fuels and mileages both solo and pulling the van if I’m not doing mega miles then the cost difference is marginal.
When looking for an X1 around 2019, it's worth checking the original list price if you want to avoid additional vehicle tax.
Some of the M sport X drive models with the optional packages cost over £40000 and would be liable for additional tax of £355 per year for 5 years from the second time the vehicle is taxed.
Quote: Originally posted by HumberWolf on 29/10/2022
When looking for an X1 around 2019, it's worth checking the original list price if you want to avoid additional vehicle tax.
Some of the M sport X drive models with the optional packages cost over £40000 and would be liable for additional tax of £355 per year for 5 years from the second time the vehicle is taxed.
Got tip HumberWolf but looking at the basic prices the most expensive model in 2019 being the xdrive 20d M Sport and the 20d xLine were £36970 on the road. Would optional extras be taken into account?
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Topic: BMW X1 Diesel or Petrol.
via mobile 23/10/2022 at 9:54am
