Both Linda and I drive Diesels, she a Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDI, and I a Peugeot 405 1.9 TDI. Both cars give excellent fuel consumption figures even pulling the caravan. In some ways, I would tend to say the reverse of Bassic, as we find that the diesels seem to love purring along on long motorway jouneys. Because a diesel engine relies completely on the heat of cylinder compression to provide ignition of the mixture, it tends to run more efficiently after warm-up. Thats why the MOT emissions test on a diesel have to be made after the engine has reached a certain temperature.

Because no electric ignition (spark plugs etc) are used on a diesel engine, wet and damp conditions make no difference to starting or running (you won't need to spray with WD40). Cold weather can however be a bit more of a problem. The high compression ratio of a diesel engine (more than twice that of a similiar petrol engine) does mean that you need a good battery to warm up the heater plugs and then crank the engine.

Incidently, the sugestion about running on agricultural diesel could end you up with a big fine. There is an additive in it which produces quite a distinctive smell, and quite small concentrations can be detected if the contents of your tank are tested, so it will show up for a long while. From a spell of work at London Airport, I know that jet aircraft fuel works fine and is not as obviously detectable - of course I've wouldn't dream of breaking the law like that though.