I only do 8.5k miles a year in my Saab 9-3 1.9, but most of that mileage is for long mileage runs so for instance, just done a return trip to Gatwick, 360 miles. Used just less than half a tank, averaged 56 to 58 mpg. No complaints here. Never had an issue with the DPF, I only ever use Shell Nitro Diesel and the car has every one of its 150 horses. I know this as I recently treated the car to a Dyno on a rolling road.
I'm also lucky (depending on your point of view!
) living almost next to the M1, so the car gets a darn good blast at least twice a month when I'm not doing a long journey.
So yes, as has already been stated, you can own a diesel car and do low annual mileages, as long as you drive it properly. When I say properly, modern turbo diesels need to be driven 'enthusiastically', not pootled up the road gently in a very eco warrior fashion because that method of driving will just kill it doing short journeys.
I realise that there is a real concerted effort at the moment to try and kill diesel cars, but despite the bad press they're getting at the moment, some of us do try our best to mitigate the enviro issues. I change my engine oil and filter every 5k without fail, DPF is fully intact, EGR valve/MAP sensor and throttle body serviced by myself every six months, clean better burning fuel. This stuff isn't rocket science. Oh and I don't believe my Fiat sourced 1.9 engine is fitted with an emissions defeat device!
Unless of course anyone can prove me wrong........:devil: