94 3LTD SSRX - About to take the plunge...but can it off-road?

[Apache]

Rather than cheeky (but funny) little prods about the petrol versions...can someone give bit of background on this?

What do you want to know? They're just nicer all round.

Veg (unless you have a reliable supplier of free stuff) is no cheaper in the long run now. Lower mpg and lower power sees to that. Proper biodiesel might be a tiny bit cheaper, but so is petrol.

I always preferred manual cars (and still do in a sporty car) but my Surfs changed my mind. I'd MUCH rather have an auto than be fumbling around with gears offroad.

[Predictable Bob]

The Surf was the first auto I've driven - it was bought for towing the tin tent and is used by my wife as her runabout (Unless it's been snowing and I pinch it for playing). Green laning and towing are much easier with the auto box

[MWS]

I concur. Auto's are fantastic off road, and relaxing on road. Petrol's great, but I like the torque at low revs that the diesel engines deliver. I'm also lucky, in that I have a source of very clean WVO at 40p per litre.