Ruth

We are planning to lease a car in France for 4 weeks, travelling throughout France and Italy. Does anyone know the approx. current prices of petrol and deisel fuel to decide on the economics of paying extra to lease a deisel car?

Mike Murphy

Ruth, <BR> <BR>I'm doing some trip planning also and here's the info. I got for France - prices alleged to be for June, 2000. <BR> <BR>Gas: 7.28FRF/L (~$3.20/gallon) <BR>Diesel: 5.36FRF/L (~2.35/gallon) <BR> <BR>Source: <BR>http://www.theaa.co.uk/motoringandtr.../motfue001.asp <BR>

lynn

Hi ruth: <BR>Just back from France last week. Had a diesel car and paid anywhere from 5.3 to 5.9 francs per litre for diesel (or gazoil some pumps call it) and approximately 8 francs per litre at most stations for petrol. If you can get a diesel powered car you will definitely save money. Why is it costing more to lease a diesel. I'd check around with different companies, this shouldn;t be happening. <BR>We went 2000kms on $120.00 Canadian dollars with the diesel car. If you do end up paying more for the car because it;s diesel this might help you decide. <BR>We find the diesel powered cars to be more efficient, better at getting up those mountain roads etc. <BR>Good luck. <BR>(p.s) stick to the non motorway roads (classified as "N " roads or lesser) the motorways are expensive to use if you aren't in a hurry to get anywhere. We found the most wonderful little towns and sights using the lesser roads and the speed limits are good and lots of passing lanes normally found. <BR>We spent equivalent of $20.00Canadian to go 200kms on motorway. <BR>enjoy! <BR>(this info is France specifically, didn't get to Italy this time)

wes fowler

Ruth <BR>In addition to the cost per gallon savings of diesel fuel vs. gasoline, you'll get far more miles per gallon with diesel. In my experience, renting a diesel has been no more expensive than renting the same model gasoline powered auto. Are you paying extra because you're moving up from sub-compact to compact or compact to mid-size?

Paulo

Wes, the difference in the "lease" cost between gas and diesel powered cars is because of the price difference in brand new cars. Diesel powered cars are more expensive than gas powered cars (same car model, approx. same engine power). <BR> <BR>Ruth, we leased twice for 4 weeks and both times got a diesel. In more recent trips we have rented (in Germany) also for 4 weeks and have always got a car with a gas engine. Our average mileage in the 4 weeks is about 4,000 miles. Driving that much, the diesel car always turned much more economic at the end. <BR>The first time we leased, there were some drawbacks: the first maintance stop (oil change and stuff) was due at 5,000 km; the top speed was quite low ... when driving in Germany this makes a difference; and the car was kind of sluggish in retaking speed (needed for overpassing in two lane roads). The 2nd time we leased it appeared that the engine was much better (higher top speed and increased torque) and the 1st maintance stop was only do at 10,000 km (which we didn't reach). <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Ruth

Thanks for the information guys.It certainly helped with the decision on the type of car. We leased a diesel Renault 3 years ago in France but were not sure about current fuel prices. As has often been mentioned our only problem last time was with the obvious number plates of lease cars. We had all our luggage stolen from the trunk ( or "boot" as it is called here in Australia!)We were parked on a busy street with no other tell-tale signs of being a tourist in the car. Now we have to decide if we are prepared to risk that happening again for the obvious benefits of leasing over renting.

ron

We did about 2700 miles in 17 days driving a diesal. Lowest prices were in Normandy at the super marches. 5.05 FF per liter. The highest I paid was 5.46 FF in a small village outside CDG prior to returning the car. The least expensive fuel will be found at the super marche throughout France. If you see a good price while driving, top off the tank. Diesal on the toll roads was 5.99 FF. If you will be doing a lot of driving, invest in the Michelin Road Atlas. It shows the smallest D and N roads. We selected our eleven hotels through logis de france.fr and were very satisfied. The best was the three star Hotel Chabrol in Brantome.It also has an excellent restaurant.