Hello,

I know this is an age old debate, but looking advice from a Roomster point of view.

Which engine would be best for the mileage and type of driving I do, 1.4 Diesel or 1.4/1.6 petrol (1.9TDI out, as I've only driving a year and insurance would be too much).

I'm sure my 3-4 mile daily round trips to work wouldn't be great for any engine, but which Roomster one would cope best?

New 1.2 TSIs and 1.6 HDIs out of my price range.

I have a Polo 1.4 TDI, and I like this engine, but have my eye on this with a 1.6 petrol engine;

2007 Skoda ROOMSTER 1.6 105 BHP LEVEL 2

Price has been up and down a bit, but should be able to get it for £500 or more off asking price.

Thanks in advance,

Neil

If you like the 1.4TDi in the Polo, I'd think you'll prefer the diesel anyway.

That said, for a 4 mile trip, the petrol's faster warm-up might be an advantage.

If you like the 1.4TDi in the Polo, I'd think you'll prefer the diesel anyway.

That said, for a 4 mile trip, the petrol's faster warm-up might be an advantage.

What are the advantages of the engine warming up quicker? Less wear and tear?

The petrol wouldn't give better MPG from a cold start, on such short journeys would it?

Cheers, Neil

What are the advantages of the engine warming up quicker? Less wear and tear?

The petrol wouldn't give better MPG from a cold start, on such short journeys would it?

Cheers, Neil

i would have a petrol it would not be worth it having a desiel in my mind whot colour are you having

if you are looking at a second hand roomster the debate on the economics of a petrol V diesel become less as the price difference between models is far less than when new, so you need do far fewer miles to break even with the fuel savings

for me no matter what the milage i prefer diesel

fewer things to go wrong (electrics / plugs) to stop it starting in the morning

diesel far less flamable in an accident (brake fluid is the most combustible fluid in the car)

more economical regardless of normal journey length

better low down pulling power (no need to rev the guts out of it to get going)

easier servicing if you are going to do it yourself

one thing, if the motor is getting near 4 years old or 60k miles get the dealer to do the timing belt and water pump before you buy it,

Hi Neil,

I prefer diesel to petrol for the same reasons as Bluecar1

My 1.9TDI does 45mpg on a four-mile commute. A 1.4TDI would do about the same.

I expect the 1.6 petrol would do around 35mpg on a similar run.

Fast engine warm-up = fast heater warm-up, which is a boon during the winter months.

Rob

It is not just the length of journey but how full the car is that makes a difference on engine choice. If it is just one person in the car most of the time the petrol will be fine. If there will be more weight and more people in the car most of the time then diesel will give extra grunt. If the diesel model you are looking at has a particulate filter then these do not like lots of short journeys as they need a sustained run, 10-15 mins at over 60mph, to burn off the soot.

If you want an exact cross over point where running costs of one engine meet the other you will need to break out a spreadsheet. Petrol at the moment is around 7p/litre cheaper than diesel so for the Roomsters 55 litre tank that's £3.85 per fill up. The flip side is you should get an extra 100 miles from a tank of diesel than petrol making the effective fuel costs about 2p per mile less in the diesel. You also have to factor in tax, insurance and servicing costs.

My last two cars were diesel but I have chosen (with the 1.2 TSI to return to petrol), initial purchase price and other factors made this more sensible for me but you may find the figures work the other way for you.

Thanks for all the advice.

I think I'd prefer the diesel, but the 1.6 petrol one I'm looking at also has the panoramic sunroof!

It's one of the first Level 2 Roomsters I've seen with one, as Roomster are pretty scarce over here in Northern Ireland anyway.

Don't often see diesel Roomsters here either.

Are there any major reliablity problem with the petrol engines, compared to diesel?

Also did they change the 1.6 to a chain driven 1.6 FSI, and if so when? There seems to be conflicting opinons about this.

Petrol or diesel for a 3-4 mile commute, hmm I'd cycle it and use the saving to take my moutainbike to the trais on the weekend But I doubt it would matter much in terms of fuel costs, driving conditions and style matter far more, whatever costs less to buy, insure will be more of a factor and so will be what's availible. Try and drive some see what you like.

New I would definately say the 1.2TSI.