Hi James,

No, you should buy a petrol car. While you're right that more modern diesel engines are a little easier in maintenance terms, if you're a low-mileage driver then there's always the pitfall of the exhaust particulate trap waiting to trigger some serious repair or replacement costs. 

Besides which, there's a simple economic argument. Unless you're doing mega-miles, you're simply not going to recoup the extra purchase cost of a diesel car with fuel cost savings. Besides, the Passat and the CLA both come with excellent, and frugal, petrol engine options.