Diesel vs. Petrol: Which Should You Choose?

One of the first, and most important, decisions you'll need to make when you decide to purchase a Land Rover is whether you want a diesel or petrol model. Land Rover offers both, and the differences between the two may sway you in one direction or the other. If you've never had any experience with a petrol car or a diesel car, if for instance, you've always purchased one or the other in the past, the decision may be more difficult for you.

Understanding what the differences are between these two types of vehicles can help you pick an option you are happy about and one that you know will suit your needs best.

The Difference in Price

In the UK, fuel pricing often favours petrol engines, making these types of vehicles less expensive to run than their diesel counterparts. In addition, over the years the technology of petrol engines has advances significantly, making them more efficient than every before. While diesel Land Rovers are more economical in the long run, these technological changes in petrol engines recoups the running costs of the car quicker.

Financial considerations aren't only associated with fuel, either. When you purchase a new Land Rover, you have to think about your long term plans. Will you be keeping this car for a year until a new model comes out? Do you want this car to be your family's main vehicle for the next ten years? At one point or another, you may want to sell the Land Rover so you can purchase another car. This means that when you purchase the car, you have to think about the future and how the particular type you choose will fare when it comes to resale.

In many cases, diesel versions are much more likely to retain their value, unlike their petrol counterparts. This is often due to the fact that they are in high demand as more and more consumers want to save money on fuel and car tax rates.

Car Parts: Diesel vs. Petrol

According to a 2012 Which? study, diesel vehicles are a little less reliable than petrol cars. The difference isn't significant, but if you don't have extra disposable cash lying around, it's an important thought to take into consideration.

In regards to routine maintenance, you aren't going to spend much more on car parts and servicing for diesel Land Rovers than you would on petrol ones. The big difference in price comes when you need more extensive and serious repairs done. In this case, you're much more likely to spend more on Land Rover parts for a diesel version of the car than a petrol one. In addition, you also need to consider that diesel Land Rovers used particulate filters. If you only use the diesel on short trips, these Land Rover parts can quickly become clogged and will need to be replaced. Because these car parts must be replaced by a professional, their replacement can often cost thousands of pounds.

What About Car Tax and Insurance?

When it comes to car tax these days, one of the most important things evaluated is a car's CO2 usage. After all, we want cars that are going to be good for the environment so our children can grow older breathing in healthy, safe air. The less CO2 usage, the lower your car tax rates will be. In many cases, diesel engines are more efficient and environmentally friendly than their petrol cousins. This often has to do with the particulate filter used in diesel cars, which is in charge of removing soot and particulate matter from the exhaust, but it also has to do with the diesel fuel itself. Diesel fuel doesn't require as much refining as petrol, reducing the toll taken on the environment.

As far as insurance goes, choosing a diesel or petrol Land Rover isn't going to affect how much you pay too much. It's important to do some comparison shopping whenever you can, as some insurance companies may favour one type over the other.

Diesel or Petrol Land Rover? Other Factors to Consider

Still not sure where you stand in the diesel vs. petrol argument? Before you make your final decision, consider these few facts about both kinds of cars.

• Most people believe that petrol cars are smoother, faster, and much more quiet than diesel ones, but that simply isn't the case any more. As technology has advanced, car manufacturers are now able to refine diesel cars and mask their trademark qualities. This means you may have a hard time trying to tell the difference between a petrol or diesel Land Rover. If you're test driving one and are confused, though, you can always look at the rev counter. Diesel engines tend to have a lower rev limit.

• If you're going to be using your Land Rover to pull, tow, or overtake anything, consider purchasing a diesel version. While  you may have faith that a petrol version can pull what you need it to, you don't have to question a diesel. These cars have increased torque, which means they can tow or pull at lower revs.

• Diesels may be more efficient in the long run, but petrol cars are much less expensive right now. If you want immediate returns on your investment, a petrol version will give it back more quickly than a diesel version.

• Looking for high quality engine performance? Diesel fuel has actually been known to produce a better performance of the engine. Just make sure you're not using black diesel or bio-diesel, two forms of diesel that don't produce the same results. In fact, these forms of diesel reduce engine performance and can easily be surpassed by a petrol engine.

Finding the right Land Rover for you requires a lot of decision making. Dig deep into the subject and ask yourself the tough questions to ensure you're getting your money's worth. Consider the cost of fuel, the cost of routine maintenance, the cost of serious repairs to car parts, and even car tax rates before you make the choice to purchase a diesel or petrol Land Rover.