Should you buy a diesel car in 2022 | Blog | Dace Motor Group
Should you buy a diesel car in 2022?
With the current emphasis on electric vehicles, and the growing concern about rising fuel prices, it’s easy to see why so many people may be put off from purchasing a second-hand diesel car. After all, there are just eight more years until the government plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.
Just five years later, in 2035, the sale of new hybrid cars will also be outlawed in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality.
We know that local air quality is a big issue for Manchester motorists.
The Manchester clean air zone was supposed to launch this summer, but has now been delayed until at least 2026 because there were concerns that the scheme was ‘unworkable’. But even with the delay, it’s inevitable that we all need to play our part in driving vehicles that are as environmentally friendly as possible.
One question that our sales team are commonly asked, is “should I still buy a used diesel car?”
Our answer is always different depending on the motorist. For some people, choosing to drive a second-hand diesel car makes perfect sense. For others, they may be better suited to driving a used petrol, hybrid, or an electric vehicle.
Let’s look at the current issues relating to diesel cars.
Why is the government banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars?
The government is making a big effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Pollution from cars powered by fossil fuels have been linked to a wide range of health issues including respiratory problems, lung cancer and heart disease. While advances in technology have reduced the emissions coming from cars, the acceleration of electric vehicles has provided a reliable alternative for drivers.
From 2030, car manufacturers will no longer be able to sell new petrol or diesel vehicles, with the sole focus on electric vehicles. This ban will also apply to lorries, vans, and other commercial vehicles.
Will I need to scrap my diesel car in 2030?
No. The ban on petrol and diesel vehicles relates solely to the sale of brand-new cars.
You will still be legal and insured to drive diesel or petrol vehicles on the roads.
The government is aware that not everyone will be able to afford to replace their vehicles. With the average lifespan of a car being 8.4 years old (source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ SMMT, as reported by the RAC), we can anticipate that we will continue to see petrol and diesel cars on the streets of Manchester for many years yet.
Can I still buy a used-car with a petrol or diesel engine?
Yes. The ban will only apply to new models, which means that the used car sector will have an increasing variety of makes and models as drivers start to make the switch to electric vehicles.
We can anticipate that over the next two or three years as more drivers come to the end of their car financing agreements and make the switch to electric cars, we’ll see even more diesel cars enter the second-hand car market.
We know that with the current fuel prices, diesel cars are depreciating faster than their petrol equivalents – but if you’re looking to buy a used car in Manchester, this could work to your advantage. You could find that as diesel cars become cheaper, you could pick up an exceptional bargain. If you’re looking to buy a large car, perhaps a used SUV or 4x4, you may find that diesel engines are holding their value more than smaller city car types.
Will there be a big drop-off in the sales of diesel cars?
We think that second-hand diesel cars will continue to be popular for a few more years, because they still offer better fuel economies for those driving long distances, or perhaps commuting around Greater Manchester. Used diesel engines will also continue to be popular for drivers who need a large vehicle to tow caravans or horseboxes. Therefore, as long as there is a distinct ‘need’ for diesel cars, we believe that they will still be popular amongst local drivers.
We are also at the crucial eight-year stage, where the timeframe until the introduction of the ban coincides with the average lifespan of a car. Therefore, drivers who purchase a cheap diesel used car in 2022, would naturally be preparing to upgrade their car to a newer make or model as the ban comes into effect.
Should I buy a used diesel car?
In an ideal world, clearly everyone would drive an electric vehicle. After all, they offer a fun performance, the driving range is increasing, and the charging infrastructure is getting better every single year.
But we don’t live in an ideal world.
Electric vehicles are significantly more expensive than petrol or diesel models, and although we are receiving more used EV stock each week, those looking for a combustion engine have more choice on the second-hand market.
Our trained sales team specialise in making recommendations to our customers throughout Stockport to help them find the right cars for their needs. We’ll analyse your budget and your driving habits to help you choose a used car that is right for you. As we mentioned, if you regularly drive long distances or you need to tow other vehicles then a diesel will likely be a better option for you.
Why not view our current range of used diesel makes and models? We have new stock arriving weekly, but if there is a specific used car that you are looking for, please speak to a member of our sales team. We can use our network of contacts to find your perfect used car, whether it’s diesel, petrol or electric.