Anybody using Deisel car never ever turns off the engine / engine is generally way more used just than the meter because it is generally ON everytime even while waiting or whatever period u spend in the car while on road.
I drive a petrol car which delivers an average of 9 km/l in the city, if I drive with a light foot.
I never ever turn off my engine while I'm in the car. Modern cars use engine power to operate steering, brakes, AC and almost all lighting and safety systems. The car is rendered inoperable when the engine is switched off, and this should be done only when parked, with the parking brake applied or if you are stuck in standstill traffic for over 5 minutes.
Your argument that petrol car owners shut off their engines in traffic is incorrect. It depends on who the owner is, what their habits and behaviour is, the climate of the city in question, and other things that have nothing to do with the kind of fuel used. Someone who is conscious of fuel saving and consumption will do it, and one who isn't won't. None of us are qualified to discuss what kind of person the owner of the Linea is.
And as Eddy pointed out, turning over an engine produces maximum strain. A motor is much happier gurgling at idle than being asked to constantly stop and start. Starting wears down the electricals, the starter, the battery and the fuel pump. Spinning up from idle is where maximum motor failures occur, be it in your hard disk or your car. That is the nature of every motor.
There are huge misconceptions about diesel engines among the buying public. A modern diesel or petrol engine (and yes, the Linea uses one of the best engines in the country) can easily hit over 200k with only routine service and replacements before needing a rebuild. The problem with used cars is usually never the engine, but everything else - the state of the suspension, bodywork, tyres and electricals. Those things don't hold up as well as an engine, and are better indicators of the quality of maintenance.
