Should I get shut of my Diesel car?

[Not so ancient mariner]

Diesel cars have for years now been fitted with particulate filters, and these are now coming on stream for buses & HGVs, so it is only the Nitrogen oxides they produce that are particularly toxic. The reason diesel cars produce more Nitrogen oxide than petrol engine ones, is catalytic converters now remove most of these pollutants from petrol engine exhausts. So can someone please explain why similar devices could not be fitted to diesel vehicles?

[Mervyn and Trish]

The reason diesel cars produce more Nitrogen oxide than petrol engine ones, is catalytic converters now remove most of these pollutants from petrol engine exhausts. So can someone please explain why similar devices could not be fitted to diesel vehicles?

Seemples. If they make diesel cars cleaner they'll have no reason to charge them to go into cities, thus removing a revenue stream.

[Big Bob]

I'm certainly tempted Big Bob. I hate the look of the Prius, but like the Auris a lot. But if I were to buy one tomorrow I can guarantee the green lobby will point to the environmental and energy cost of manufacturing the batteries and want to get them banned by the weekend!

Melvyn ,

Suggest you have a long test drive in both. I found the Auris a bit small (I am 6'7). I have learned to love the Prius for its quiet comfort and it can easily carry four adults with a boot that is better than it looks. All I can say is ask tomorrow a demonstrator for a couple of days. That's what I did and I was sold. Do also mug up on the transmission as the trick is in understanding that to get best mpg. God luck with the deliberations.

Ps- I have had one for 6years ( on my second) and ever a problem. Services only.

[Big Bob]

Sorry - my ps should say never a problem, good luck and. Ask the dealer.
Fat fingers or what!

[Mervyn and Trish]

Thanks Bob. My brother has a Prius which gives him great MPG with quite a lot of short journies. It's just the look I struggle with. And I'm a shorty (compared to you) at 5'11" so may be okay in the Auris. I'll certainly give it a close look over the next year or two as I consider my next car. My present dirty diesel is still going well at present so I won't let the ever changing environmentalists rush me.

[david63]

There is a "new" Prius due out next year which I was told will be a considerable update (whatever that means in car deal speak)

The main thing that I don't like is the rear split window - that bar across is right in my line of sight.

[Manoverboard]

Prius models betwixt 2005 to 2010 - ish are to be recalled due to a fire risk, a motor that drives the driver's window has been deemed to be faulty.

..... just saying

[david63]

Prius models betwixt 2005 to 2010 - ish are to be recalled due to a fire risk, a motor that drives the driver's window has been deemed to be faulty.

..... just saying

But then again many models are recalled for all sorts of reasons.

Anyway mine is 2013

[Manoverboard]

Vauxhalls are being recalled now cos they are bursting into flames !!!

[towny44]

Vauxhalls are being recalled now cos they are bursting into flames !!!

Doubtless there will be a lot of sooty particles then and maybe even a whiff or two of Nox, even with a petrol engine.

[Manoverboard]

Vauxhalls are being recalled now cos they are bursting into flames !!!

Doubtless there will be a lot of sooty particles then and maybe even a whiff or two of Nox, even with a petrol engine.

Well done that man ... the problem is in the heater, the fire is under the bonnet therefore your astute deduction regarding the greater risk with petrol engines is well received.

[Mervyn and Trish]

One reason I changed to diesel, apart from the green lobby at the time telling me I'd save the planet, was a nasty accident I once had in a petrol car where I sat for a moment wondering if it might burst into flames before I was able to scramble out. Luckily it didn't but I did become an overnight fan of a less flammable fuel.

[ItsmeAnnC]

Our cars are both petrol. It's just not worth having a diesel car (not withstanding the environmental issues) as both do less than 3,000 miles pa. The longest journeys are to Southampton, Gatwick or Heathrow
PS Where have the emoticons gone??
HA! One appeared above because I typed in : followed by ) but there were no smilies anywhere. But they ARE at the side of this edit!

[oldbluefox]

Ann, the emoticons only appear if you are in Full Editor & Preview. Is that still working for you?

[allatc]

I'm trying to find a car with a large sail and a garbage burning stove to heat the steam engine.
Not having much luck