Q Would it be more economical to operate
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a diesel-powered 3i-ton van or a similar model equipped with a petrol engine in Jersey where diesel fuel costs 3s 6d per gallon? This is 4d a gallon more than the cost of petrol.
AYou do not mention an all-important
factor that has to be taken into consideration when comparing the running costs of petroland diesel-engined vehicles, namely the annual mileage covered. It is normally considered that the break-even mileage is about 15,000 to 20,000 but in your case the fuel-consumption advantage of the diesel would probably not give it an overall advantage unless the vehicle covered, say. 25.000 to 35,000 miles. because of the price differential in favour of petrol and the relatively low price of both fuels. You could expect to obtain a rather longer life from the diesel than the petrol engine.
Another factor of importance is the "knowhow" with regard to diesel maintenance of the mechanics employed by the distributor or the garage that maintains your vehicles. Have they the necessary experience to get the best out of a diesel?