What car should I buy in 2022 – petrol, diesel or electric | Dace Motor Group

What car should I buy? Diesel, Petrol or Electric?

If you’re looking to buy a second-hand car, one question you will almost certainly be asking yourself is whether you should be investing in a diesel, petrol, or electric vehicle. The current escalating fuel prices may make you think you should look for a second-hand electric car. But there’s much more to buying a car than just considering your fuel costs.

As you research, you should ask yourself a few key questions.

-          What is your anticipated mileage per year, and how often will you be driving long distances?

-          What will your usage be for – business or personal?

-          Who will be the main driver?

-          What do you like or dislike about your current car?

-          What will the insurance group be, and is it affordable?

-          How much will it cost for servicing? Is there any outstanding warranty, and when is the MOT due?

-          How much boot space will you need?

-          Are there any specific infotainment centres you would like to benefit from, e.g., in-built sat-nav, Alexa enabled etc

Your answers to these questions will naturally filter out some used cars, helping refine your search quickly and easily. For example, if your main driver is over six feet, you may want to avoid looking at small city cars. Likewise, if you need a used car to commute across Manchester, you may be looking at vehicles with exceptional fuel economies and comfortable performance.

From here, this should give you an insight into what type of make and model is right for you and your family. But how do you choose between different fuel types?

Let’s examine the pros and cons of each type of fuel for second-hand cars.

Should I buy a diesel used car in 2022?

At first glance, you may think it’s not the right time to buy a second-hand diesel car in 2022. After all, fuel prices are soaring, you will likely have to pay higher car tax, and clean air zones will almost certainly impact you.

But diesel cars are not all bad.

If you drive long distances (such as commuting around the Greater Manchester region), or you regularly tow heavy items such as caravans or horseboxes, then a second-hand diesel car may be better suited to your needs. It is estimated that when it comes to long distances, a diesel engine could be up to 20% more efficient than a petrol engine. So, even with the higher upfront fuel costs, if you have high annual mileage, buying a used diesel model could be more cost-effective.

An additional benefit of buying a used diesel car is that because Manchester motorists are switching to electric or hybrid models, there are some great deals to be found on diesel engines.

Should I buy a petrol used car in 2022?

Modern technology means that petrol cars are far more efficient than they’ve ever been before. But rising unleaded prices mean drivers are spending more money than ever on their driving costs.

There are advantages to buying used petrol cars in 2022. Firstly, many manufacturers are now focusing on electric and hybrid models. This means that a number of petrol models are coming into the used car market, giving drivers a greater choice than ever before. Petrol cars are also usually cheaper than diesel or electric vehicles, so if you only need a small run-around or do minimal mileage per year, buying a used petrol car may be more cost-effective.

Moreover, many petrol models are within the limits of ultra-low emission zones, such as the ULEZ in London. They will also likely be eligible for the Manchester Clean Air Zone as and when it is set up.

Finally, many petrol cars are considered reliable by drivers. This means that you could benefit from lower servicing and maintenance costs.

However, like diesel models, it is important to be aware that the government plans to outlaw the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2030. Therefore, if you want to upgrade to a more modern used car, you may feel happier looking at the hybrid or electric vehicles.

Should I buy a second-hand electric vehicle in 2022?

This is the big question that many people are now asking themselves.

It is undoubtedly the most environmentally friendly choice. And there are a variety of makes and models available, ranging from city cars to luxury vehicles. In addition, each week, we are getting more stock of used electric vehicles so that you can choose the right car for your needs.

Now is a good time to invest in an electric car because many incentives are available for Manchester drivers. For example, you may benefit from free parking. You will also likely have significantly lower running costs, especially if you are on a renewable electricity tariff. And the demand for electric vehicles means that your resale value will be much higher than petrol or diesel models. If you have taken out a PCP car loan and are planning on trading your electric car at the end of your contract, this could be beneficial.

However, there are still a few concerns about the driving ranges of electric vehicles and access to rapid charging infrastructure. Manchester is making great strides in improving the local infrastructure, and manufacturers are heavily focusing on improving the driving range. If you’re only driving minimal mileage, buying a used electric car could be a great option for you. But it’s worth noting that the initial purchase price of used electric vehicles is higher, so your upfront costs will be greater than buying a petrol or diesel model.

Our trained sales team can help you decide what type of car is right for you

At Dace Motor Group, we have thirty years of experience helping drivers throughout the Manchester region find the right used car for their needs.

When you visit one of our four dealerships, we’ll discuss which used car is right for you. We’ll talk about your driving habits, typical mileage and what you are looking for to make bespoke recommendations on the right make, model and engine type that suits your lifestyle and budget.

We promise no hard sell—just a warm, friendly welcome with honest advice to help you make an informed decision.

So, what are you waiting for? If you are wondering what car to buy in 2022, why not visit your nearest Dace Motor Group dealership.