What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Is it still worth buying a diesel car?
I’m thinking of buying a diesel car for the economy - should I reconsider with the Goverment's date of 2030 for stopping petrol and diesel cars being sold in the UK? Also do you think the Government will tax diesel and petrol cars to make electric cars more favourable? I realise I’m asking you to look into the crystal ball but your thoughts would be helpful.
Asked on 20 March 2023 by Philip Reed
Answered by
David Ross
The Government has marked 2030 as the date that petrol and diesel cars will no longer be sold new in the UK, but that does not mean that these cars will cease to exist from this date. The vast majority of the millions of cars currently on the roads are petrol or diesel, and the infrastructure to support them such as petrol stations and servicing will have to remain in place for many years to come - so the 2030 date shouldn't affect your decision on buying a diesel car today.
However, based on recent changes announced to road tax (VED) both for this year and 2025, it seems inevitable that petrol and diesel cars will be taxed more heavily in the coming years. The Government has already announced road tax will apply to EVs too, but the burden will increase on petrol and diesel in the short and medium term at least.
Unless you can afford to buy an EV now, a diesel is likely to be the most economical conventional powertrain you can buy, unless you do a lot of short journeys with a low annual mileage. In this case a small petrol or a hybrid might be a better option.
However, based on recent changes announced to road tax (VED) both for this year and 2025, it seems inevitable that petrol and diesel cars will be taxed more heavily in the coming years. The Government has already announced road tax will apply to EVs too, but the burden will increase on petrol and diesel in the short and medium term at least.
Unless you can afford to buy an EV now, a diesel is likely to be the most economical conventional powertrain you can buy, unless you do a lot of short journeys with a low annual mileage. In this case a small petrol or a hybrid might be a better option.
If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.
Is an electric car right for me?Similar questions
If I buy an EV with list price £39500 and as an option have metallic paint at £555 will this make the car liable for the £40,000 'showroom tax' rate when EVs have to pay VED in a couple of years time?
Do you think that Elon Musk's recent announcement that electric vehicles will soon be as cheap as internal combustion driven cars has destroyed the market for new cars? I have certainly been put off replacing...
I'm looking to sell on my current car soon and that leaves me in a strange situation. I want a practical, comfortable and interesting car, but I'm also not wanting to destroy the planet and want cheaper...
.jpg)
