Diesel is more expensive than petrol in the UK, although this is not the case in some other countries. However, even with the difference in price, diesel cars have vastly better fuel economy than their petrol counterparts. This is offset in part by the fact that diesel cars have a higher purchase price than the equivalent petrol model. But diesel fuel drivers looking to trade in a high-mileage vehicle are in a better position than petrol drivers, as they are statistically more likely to be able to sell a 70,000k diesel car than a petrol model with the same mileage. This is simply because there is a common conception that diesel cars are a lot less likely to have problems at this stage. However, there is no guarantee that the extra purchase cost will be recouped on resale.
A significant number of petrol car drivers (who are still in the majority) vow never to switch to diesel. Common complaints aren’t purely about showroom price and cheaper fuel costs but focus on performance and the pleasure of the driving experience. It’s fair to say that petrol vehicles provide a smoother drive, with better acceleration performance, a significantly quieter engine and a higher top speed. Similarly if something goes wrong with a petrol car, it’s generally cheaper to repair than its diesel equivalent.
Running costs (taking a UK average of servicing, labour and parts) can be substantial for both fuel types. For example, a petrol car which cost between £10,000-13,000 new and which covers 15,000 miles per annum costs £681 per year to run, whereas a diesel model costs £703.50. A diesel car with a showroom price of £25,000, and which covers 20,000 miles each year would incur annual running costs of £1,022 to run each year, whereas its petrol equivalent would cost £166 more*.
That being said, if you’re thinking about changing your car it’s worth working out beforehand whether a diesel model would be more economical for you. In other words, do you drive a sufficient number of miles each year to justify the extra you spend on the purchase and the increased margin on fuel? A good benchmark to follow is 10,000 miles per annum: if you drive less than this distance each year, a diesel car might not be so economical. However, diesel enthusiasts will tell you that their engines have a better torque so they require less frequent gear changes, and that diesel cars are better equipped for start-stop city driving. There are environmental arguments on both sides: petrol has higher CO2 emissions but diesel has higher nitrogen oxide emissions. Whichever your preference, there will always be arguments on both sides: but with the current global emphasis on frugality, a diesel car might prove to be a sound investment.
Are you paying too much for your running costs? Whether your car uses petrol or diesel, save money by taking your car to IN‘n’OUT for its next service. With a fixed price service costing just £79 including VAT, parts and labour, and the emphasis on swift efficiency, you’ll wonder why you ever went anywhere else!
Contact your local IN ‘n’ OUT Centre on 0845 351 0665 or visit www.in-n-out.co.uk for more details.
*The AA.com Running Costs for Cars 2008
A significant number of petrol car drivers (who are still in the majority) vow never to switch to diesel. Common complaints aren’t purely about showroom price and cheaper fuel costs but focus on performance and the pleasure of the driving experience. It’s fair to say that petrol vehicles provide a smoother drive, with better acceleration performance, a significantly quieter engine and a higher top speed. Similarly if something goes wrong with a petrol car, it’s generally cheaper to repair than its diesel equivalent.
Running costs (taking a UK average of servicing, labour and parts) can be substantial for both fuel types. For example, a petrol car which cost between £10,000-13,000 new and which covers 15,000 miles per annum costs £681 per year to run, whereas a diesel model costs £703.50. A diesel car with a showroom price of £25,000, and which covers 20,000 miles each year would incur annual running costs of £1,022 to run each year, whereas its petrol equivalent would cost £166 more*.
That being said, if you’re thinking about changing your car it’s worth working out beforehand whether a diesel model would be more economical for you. In other words, do you drive a sufficient number of miles each year to justify the extra you spend on the purchase and the increased margin on fuel? A good benchmark to follow is 10,000 miles per annum: if you drive less than this distance each year, a diesel car might not be so economical. However, diesel enthusiasts will tell you that their engines have a better torque so they require less frequent gear changes, and that diesel cars are better equipped for start-stop city driving. There are environmental arguments on both sides: petrol has higher CO2 emissions but diesel has higher nitrogen oxide emissions. Whichever your preference, there will always be arguments on both sides: but with the current global emphasis on frugality, a diesel car might prove to be a sound investment.
Are you paying too much for your running costs? Whether your car uses petrol or diesel, save money by taking your car to IN‘n’OUT for its next service. With a fixed price service costing just £79 including VAT, parts and labour, and the emphasis on swift efficiency, you’ll wonder why you ever went anywhere else!
Contact your local IN ‘n’ OUT Centre on 0845 351 0665 or visit www.in-n-out.co.uk for more details.
*The AA.com Running Costs for Cars 2008