BUY A BIG USED DIESEL

Old diesel cars are dirty, so goes the received wisdom. They produce nitrogen oxides that, when concentrated, are apt to cause all manner of respiratory nasties in human beings. However, what the anti-diesel zealots tend to softpedal about is that NOX pollution is a point-source problem. It’s CO2 that is helping to kill the planet via global warming; and diesels (even old ones) produce considerably less greenhouse gas than petrol engines. Upshot: if you live somewhere other than a NOX hotspot, it might make sense (and bring you a lot of pleasure) to buy one of the fit, bargain-priced diesel performance and/or luxury cars on the market. Auto Trader is awash with them. In 10 minutes, you’ll turn up ready supplies of Audi A8s, Mercedes SLS and Range Rovers in your area. Set a £15,000 limit on cars that started life at £70,000-plus and you’ll be amazed. Sure, your family might also need a Renault Zoe to penetrate the nearest low-carbon city. But for those impromptu trips to visit granny in Edinburgh, you may find a cheap, fit, big-name diesel just right for the job.