I partially agree with the article “Diesel Dilemma” in your Feburary 2011 issue, but feel that certain points were quite biased. The author has purposely chosen vehicles as presented in the chart titled “time taken to pay off price difference” to make a point that buying a diesel won’t result in immediate savings. His sample was not comprehensive enough to come to such a conclusion.
The author chose to compare a BMW 320d to a 320i for example, to show you’ll only achieve savings in 7,2 years. Using the author’s criteria for his selection I feel the 330d is much more on par with the 330i in terms of performance and features, and thus these two models make a better choice for comparison. Using the exact method, and figures from the CAR Guide to calculate the saving payback period, the 330d will start to yield savings after only 1,1 years against the 330i.
If we compare the Audi A4 3,0 TDI vs A4 3,2 FSI (as these are the only two A4 V6 models available) you will find savings after 0,78 years in favour of the diesel. The Mercedes E350 CDI is actually R18 200 cheaper than the E350 petrol, so you’re R18 200 better off from day one, besides the savings to be achieved by the cost of fuel.
These examples contradict the point the author was trying to make. They indicate that there are savings to be made from as little as the first year of ownership, if you choose the correct diesel car.
JOHN KIVEDO – Rivonia
We appreciate your input and thank you for pointing out the counter-examples that diminish the value of our conclusion. Our examples were specially chosen because we wanted to make a point. Many people rush into buying a diesel and become very unhappy when they find that it will take them years to break even.