Should I buy a diesel car?
If you're thinking about getting a new car, you may be weighing up whether diesel is still a good option. Owning a diesel car has its perks. But, rising worries about emissions, and running costs mean it's also important to think about the drawbacks before making a decision.
Is it worth buying a diesel car? In this guide, we’ve detailed the pros and cons to help you make your decision.
Have diesel cars become less popular?
If you’ve been car shopping recently, a diesel might not be at the top of your list. You’re not alone; diesel cars have lost popularity in recent years. This change is due to their environmental impact and the costs that drivers face because of it.
Despite offering great fuel efficiency and producing lower CO2 emissions than other fuel types, diesels are increasingly being referred to as high polluting vehicles. Diesel cars add to pollution, especially at low speeds. Because of this, their owners pay higher taxes and fees to enter Clean Air Zones.
These costs have contributed to the controversy that arose in 2015, when several diesel manufacturers attempted to subvert emissions tests in a scandal that became known as Dieselgate. As a result, the residual value of these cars is falling, and people are more cautious when it comes to buying a diesel car.
But, despite this bad reputation, diesel cars are still recognised as a good option for long distance drivers. They usually provide better miles per gallon than petrol cars. This makes them a cost-effective choice for motorway drivers and those who drive many miles each year.
Are diesel cars bad for the environment?
When diesel cars first came out, they were marketed as a green option compared to petrol vehicles. Diesel engines do produce lower CO2 emissions, but they also emit nitrogen oxides, one of the biggest contributors to air pollution.
Diesel engines also produce particulate matter, which studies have shown can damage the lungs and other organs. Diesels are being banned or charged high fees to enter busy city areas for this reason. Many UK cities have set up low emission zones (LEZ) and ultra-low emission zones (ULEZ). In these areas, older diesel vehicles pay extra charges.
Modern diesel cars with Euro 6 engines are much cleaner and meet most environmental standards. If you’re buying a newer model, it’s likely to be far less polluting than older diesel vehicles.
The pros and cons of diesel cars
Despite becoming less popular in recent years, there are still several advantages to owning and driving a diesel car. But depending on your circumstances, diesel might not be the right choice for you. Should you buy a diesel car? Here are a few pros and cons to weigh up:
Advantages of diesel cars
Fuel efficiency – If you often drive long distances and use the motorway, a diesel car may give you better fuel economy than petrol cars.
Pulling power – If you often tow a caravan or need a big car for the family, a diesel could be your best choice. As diesel engines have lower revs, they tend to offer more torque, which makes it easier for them to tow something heavy.
New and improved models – Car makers have addressed the problems of nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter with their latest models. In fact, the latest diesel cars are comparatively clean, thanks to the addition of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and a urea-based chemical that’s now included in the exhaust system.
Cheaper used prices – The controversies and uncertainty surrounding diesels have made them less desirable on the used car market, which means there could be some great bargains available. You might be able to find a diesel version of your desired car available at a cheaper price, which could offset higher tax and any emissions charges.
Disadvantages of diesel cars
Clogged engines – Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are devices that trap harmful particles in the exhaust system to reduce emissions. Unfortunately, only sustained high-speed journeys will generate the high temperatures needed to burn off the particulate deposits caught in the filter and stop it from getting clogged. If they do get clogged, it can result in expensive repairs.
Worse for short journeys – While diesel cars often perform well on the motorway, they aren’t as efficient on short journeys. Short journeys can lead to increased fuel consumption and higher emissions, as well as the clogged engine.
ULEZ charges – Another drawback for city drivers is that you will have to pay a high fee to enter a ULEZ area in a diesel car. In some cases, diesels are banned completely. The daily ULEZ charge for diesels in London is around £12.50 a day and as more cities introduce clean air zones, the cost of driving a diesel in a city could get even higher.
Higher maintenance costs – If you do manage to bag a bargain and pick up a used diesel car, you might find that your running costs are higher than they would be with other types of engines. Diesel fuel can be more expensive at the pump and servicing fees are also higher.
Higher purchase price – Used diesel cars may be cheaper to buy, but brand-new models can be a lot pricier than their petrol equivalents. This is due to new diesel cars needing a stronger engine and to be fitted with diesel particulate filters to run smoothly and reduce harmful emissions.
The future of diesel cars in the UK
So what’s the future for diesel cars? There’s certainly been a shift away from diesel engines and sales of both new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2035.
As new diesel car sales are banned from 2035, you might face higher maintenance costs or struggle to sell your diesel car in the future due to decreasing demand. But, used diesel cars will be bought and sold after the 2035 ban. And, while older and dirtier diesel engines may be banned completely, modern models that are cleaner and don’t exceed emissions limits could remain on the road.
Even so, some manufacturers are moving away from diesel engines with Porsche, Suzuki, and Toyota all announcing that they plan to slow down or stop manufacturing diesel vehicles completely.
Should I sell my diesel car?
With all this in mind, should you try to sell your diesel car now? There’s no right or wrong answer, the best choice for you will depend on what’s important to you and your individual circumstances. When the ban on new diesel car sales comes into force in 2035, it won’t prevent diesel cars being bought and sold on the used car market so there’s no need to panic and get rid of your car immediately.
But, prices are falling and it’s unlikely that they will pick back up in the future. If you live in a city or own an older diesel car, you might want to consider your options and act sooner rather than later. There are generous scrappage schemes available and some local authorities are also offering financial incentives to encourage diesel drivers to swap to a different type of car.
Should I buy a diesel car?
Ultimately, buying a diesel car could still make sense for you if you have high annual mileage or need extra pulling power for towing. But, with growing restrictions, the rise of clean air zones, and more incentives for electric cars, it’s important to think about if it's worth it long term.
If you primarily drive in urban areas or have lower annual mileage, it may be more cost-effective to consider a petrol, hybrid, or electric car instead of a diesel, especially when factoring in the cost of ULEZ charges and rising fuel costs.
Consider the impact of higher fuel and maintenance costs on your monthly payments too. Diesel cars may also incur higher interest rates due to their environmental and resale value risks.
If you are unsure whether a diesel car fits your budget or long-term plans, we recommend consulting with a financial advisor first.
Should I switch to an electric or hybrid car?
There are advantages and disadvantages to switching from a diesel to an electric or hybrid car:
They may be more expensive to buy but they are generally cheaper to run and maintain than diesel cars.
They produce little or no emissions so could be ideal for city drivers or those who live in ULEZ areas.
The UK's electric vehicle charging infrastructure is still quite limited. This could lead to issues if you currently drive your diesel car on long motorway trips. In this case, a hybrid might be a better fit for you
The used car EV market is quite small, but you could find it easier to resell in the future.
At Car Finance 247, we’ll try to help you find your new car on finance, whether it’s a diesel model or something else!
If you want personalised advice around buying a car or car financing options, please consult a financial advisor. This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for professional financial advice.