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But I also can’t pack loads of stuff into a Nissan Leaf and drive up to Scotland in it
I've just arrived in Edinburgh with 4 suitcases, a cool bag, three rucksacks, 6 wetsuits, two basketballs and 4 humans.
In a full electric eNiro.
mashton-
Is that London - Edinburgh? Fair play. Deffo makes me think that in 5 years a second hand electric estate may be the answer then vs diesel. But that also relies on how well EVs fair over time.
Definitely couldn’t afford it new or on lease at the moment. But that’s kinda what I’m wondering about, what will the affordable option be in 5 years time.
Nef
I just want a more definitive answer.
To me, it sounds like having a small petrol/electric/hybrid for short urban journeys, and a diesel for long journeys is what you want. Driving a big diesel estate or van around for short trips is clearly a bad idea. But I also can’t pack loads of stuff into a Nissan Leaf and drive up to Scotland in it. I can just about manage this in the Jazz, but it’s no mile muncher, especially when fully laden.
I’m never going to be able to afford a car from new, but I’d quite like to try and make fairly conscious decisions about vehicle usage. My e46 2l diesel is clearly a big dirty lump, and our 1.4l petrol jazz is pretty good for urban usage. Looking forward, the Jazz will probably be replaced in the next 5 years, and same goes for the e46 if we get hit with ULEZ. We need a family car that can haul lots of stuff and is happy on the motorway, and my wife needs something for getting around during the daytime.
So while everyone just flat out says “diesel, no matter how modern, is bad” it makes me wonder what a sensible choice is, especially if you factor in usage. Ie is diesel still seen as awful if it only gets used for long distance driving.
It feels like current models on the market are fairly lean on petrol estates (which is what I imagine I’ll be replacing my e46 with 5 years from now).
While on the flip side, I’m hoping I can cycle my new commute if I get the job.