Since retiring about 4 years ago, I obviusly don't do the commuting that I used to. The daily trip from Oxford to LHR and back ensured that my dear old DPF was kept quite soot-free.
For the last three years though we have enjoyed using our latest Saab 150 bhp Tid Sportwagon, but apart from the 4 trips per year we are mainly on short distance runs. Also even though our towing miles to and from the South Coast are done at around 2000 rpm or slightly more (this car is auto and as soon as we are on the open road on goes the cruise set at 65 (on the clock officer)) this hardly keeps the DPF clear. Well, currently the car is exhibiting signs of clogging. I've removed and refitted the EGR, which hardly needed any cleaning and the solenoid is perfect. The MAF is also clean. The car is slow to pick up under about 1700 rpm and is a bleddy nuisance to following drivers when I'm pulling away from junctions. Given that diesels with DPFs are not recommended for short journeys, I am now seriously considering going over to a petrol engined car for our next tug. I do realise that diesels are great for towing, also that they are more economical. However, the economy doesn't really bother us as we only tow for short distances, usually around 90 miles each way. Also the car I have my eye on would be a 200 bhp Mondy Tit X which has a healthy 251 ft/lbs of torque compared to our Saab's 236. Yes, yes, I know that the diesel's comes in sooner.
I may forgive the car its current bad behaviour, which hopefully I will get to the bottom of when a mate turns up with a code reader on Tuesday, but I feel that the car's days are now numbered lol.
PS our caravan is a Sterling Eccles Topaz 2005, quite light at 1273kg MTPLM.
The good news is that current Euro6 diesels use Adblue which has largely eliminated Dpf probs of yore. You didn't think technology stood still did you?
It will be interesting to see what the all electric, Tesla Model 3 can tow, as it is type approved for towing.
OK the range may be an issue, in normal use it will be good for at least 215 miles, what impact towing will have on the range remains to be seen.
As for Petrol, it will be interesting to see the new modular engines from VAG, that will be going into the VW Golf etc.
500cc pots, so 1500cc into the VW Golf with Twin Electric Turbo's which is supposed to give similiar performance to the 1.6lt TDi models, and economy to match.
Ta guys - very interesting info. Regarding the adblue, I was aware of it but didn't know it was spreading so much. Never liked the idea of it personally, more faffing around and expense and AFAIK the DPFs still are prone to problems with short run cars. Plug in hybrid? MMmmm. Might have a look at ford's contributions.
Ta again
Pete
Diesel will probably be banned from major cities in the near future but in rural areas I still see diesel cars , tractors , HGVs and PCVs for many years to come .
I most certainly won't be changing any of our 3 diesel vehicle for a few years yet .
As for being barred from major cities and large towns , it won't affect us at all as we never go anywhere near them anyway
I collect a new VW Golf BlueMotion in a week's time, and I believe that it will have the AdBlue system, was also informed that if you run out of AdBlue the car will not start!
I can definatley see that this will be the last Diesel company car that I have, we change cars every 2 years (60k miles) and I guess we will be back on Petrol again come 2019.
Quite an irony really as when I got my first company car back in 1985 a White Vauxhall Cavalier! that also was Petrol.
Doubt that we will get all Electric or Plug in Hybrid, due to the mileage that we do, some 90 cars in the company fleet now.
Quote: Originally posted by neil and lena on 28/5/2017
Diesel will probably be banned from major cities in the near future but in rural areas I still see diesel cars , tractors , HGVs and PCVs for many years to come .
I most certainly won't be changing any of our 3 diesel vehicle for a few years yet .
As for being barred from major cities and large towns , it won't affect us at all as we never go anywhere near them anyway
I can't see diesel being banned from major cities anytime soon, as cars are only a minor part of the problem. Most delivery vehicles that need to come into cities, and most construction vehicles, cranes, dumper-trucks etc, are diesel as are most back-up generators. Much public transport, including buses and trains, are diesel-powered too. Could they ban them?
However, it won't affect me much either as I rarely go near a city in my diesel car.
Don't worry Franny. If it's like mine then Adblue light will come on 1500miles before tank is empty. Mine holds 17litres & is supposed to last about 15k miles. If you are doing high business miles then easy to fill yourself. Halfords do a container with spout. Stick it on expenses.
Quote: Originally posted by Opensauce on 27/5/2017
The good news is that current Euro6 diesels use Adblue which has largely eliminated Dpf probs of yore. You didn't think technology stood still did you?
My Euro 6 diesel doesn't have any additives. Don't have a problem with the DPF either.
Quote: Originally posted by Petemate on 27/5/2017
For the last three years though we have enjoyed using our latest Saab 150 bhp Tid Sportwagon, but apart from the 4 trips per year we are mainly on short distance runs. Also even though our towing miles to and from the South Coast are done at around 2000 rpm or slightly more (this car is auto and as soon as we are on the open road on goes the cruise set at 65 (on the clock officer)) this hardly keeps the DPF clear. Well, currently the car is exhibiting signs of clogging. I've removed and refitted the EGR, which hardly needed any cleaning and the solenoid is perfect. The MAF is also clean. The car is slow to pick up under about 1700 rpm and is a bleddy nuisance to following drivers when I'm pulling away from junctions. Given that diesels with DPFs are not recommended for short journeys, I am now seriously considering going over to a petrol engined car for our next tug. I do realise that diesels are great for towing, also that they are more economical. However, the economy doesn't really bother us as we only tow for short distances, usually around 90 miles each way. Also the car I have my eye on would be a 200 bhp Mondy Tit X which has a healthy 251 ft/lbs of torque compared to our Saab's 236. Yes, yes, I know that the diesel's comes in sooner.
I may forgive the car its current bad behaviour, which hopefully I will get to the bottom of when a mate turns up with a code reader on Tuesday, but I feel that the car's days are now numbered lol.
PS our caravan is a Sterling Eccles Topaz 2005, quite light at 1273kg MTPLM.
Post last edited on 27/05/2017 20:02:35
Don't assume all diesels are the same, and don't write them off yet. Now on my 3rd Mitsubishi ASX and never had a problem with the DPF. No additives either. As its an auto it tends to keep the revs around the 2000rpm mark and with 266 lb ft torque, towing is not a problem. Plus the 4WD prevents wheelspin when starting off. Never a problem when pulling away from junctions either as the auto box automatically adjusts to cope with the van on the back.
If you do very few miles then a hefty petrol will be fine - after all, that's what everyone used until the late '80s. Diesels dislike short journeys much more than petrol cars, and are more expensive to fix.
You will be revving more with or without the caravan, but especially with the caravan.
I'll stick with my Merc E-Class 250 with 370 lb ft torque which makes for effortless towing and delivers 33mpg at 57mph when hooked up, as opposed to <20 for the petrol equivalent. Because we do a 4-week grand European tour each year covering over 3,000 miles, as well as long weekends through the year, petrol wouldn't be sensible.
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Topic: Next car likely to be petrol
