Should I sell my diesel car?

Wondering, should I sell my diesel car? With changing rules, rising costs, and the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol car sales looming, it’s a tough call for UK drivers. This guide breaks down what your diesel might be worth, future costs, and why selling isn’t always the only smart move.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Should I sell my diesel car?

Deciding whether to sell your diesel car really depends on your personal circumstances.

If you’re facing low-emission zone fees, higher running costs, or thinking about switching to electric soon, selling might be the way to go. But if your car is Euro 6 compliant, runs well, and still works for you, keeping it could save you some cash – especially if you’re not ready to make the leap to electric just yet.

That said, it’s worth thinking about other factors too, such as environmental impact, resale value, extra taxes, and clean air zone charges.

Pros and cons of diesel cars

Diesel cars make sense for many, especially if you tow or drive long distances. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide whether to keep or sell yours.

Pros of diesel cars

• Diesel is usually more fuel-efficient on motorways and long journeys, so it can save you money if you clock up the miles
• Diesel engines have more low-end torque, making them better at towing caravans or trailers.
• If you drive an SUV, people carrier, or other big car, diesel’s extra power and efficiency really come in handy.

Cons of diesel cars

• Diesel cars cost about 10-15% more to insure because of their complex tech and filters.
• Owners pay higher road taxes and can get hit with daily charges in UK cities with clean air zones.Diesel emits more harmful gases such as NOx and
• particulates, which aren’t great for the environment or health. If that’s something which concerns you, switching to electric or hybrid might be worth considering.

How are diesel cars affected by ULEZ and CAZ?

If you drive a diesel car, you’ll want to know about ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) and CAZ (Clean Air Zone), especially if you’re often in certain UK cities.

We’ve got guides on both if you want the full scoop, but basically, these zones charge drivers with older, more polluting cars to help push people towards cleaner vehicles or using public transport instead.

Here’s a full rundown…

Are you affected?

Most diesel cars that don’t meet the latest emission standards – usually anything older than Euro 6 (registered before September 2015) – will be charged when driving inside ULEZ or CAZ areas.

How much does it cost?

Charges vary by city, but in London’s ULEZ, for example, non-compliant diesel cars pay £12.50 per day. Other cities with CAZ may charge anywhere from £8 to £15 daily.

What can you do?

• Use your vehicle registration to see if your diesel car meets the Euro 6 standard, or better.
• If your car doesn’t meet the standards, you might save money by selling it and switching to a compliant petrol, hybrid, or electric car.
• Avoid driving in ULEZ or CAZ zones when possible to dodge the charges.
• Some cars or residents might qualify for discounts or exemptions – check local rules.

Can I sell my diesel car after 2030?

The good news is that you can still sell your diesel car after 2030. The government’s 2030 and 2035 plans only apply to new vehicle sales – not used ones. For context, from 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned. Then, from 2035, only new zero-emission vehicles will be allowed, meaning new hybrids will also be phased out. But if you own a diesel car, you’ll still be able to sell it secondhand after these dates.

That said, demand for diesel cars is likely to drop as more people switch to electric. With stricter emissions rules, the possibility of more CAZs popping up, and running costs going up, your diesel might not hold its value as well in the future. Selling won’t be banned, but the market’s definitely changing – so it might be a good time to weigh up your options.

Is it worth selling my diesel car?

Whether it’s worth selling your diesel car really comes down to your personal situation. Factors such as how much you drive, what shape your car’s in, and local rules all play a part. Diesel cars are getting more attention because of environmental concerns, but they can still make sense, especially if you do lots of long trips or need something with towing power.

Selling my diesel car FAQs

Are diesel cars losing value?

It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Some diesel cars – especially bigger, newer, or luxury models – are still in demand and holding their value well. But others, particularly older or smaller diesels, are starting to lose value, especially in areas with clean air zones and stricter emissions rules.

Overall, diesel cars aren’t crashing in value, but factors such as age, size, and where you drive them make a big difference. As we get closer to the 2030 ban on new diesel sales, resale values may dip further – especially with more people switching to hybrids and EVs.

Do I need to sell my diesel car？

No, you don’t have to sell your diesel car, but it’s worth thinking about. You’ll still be able to drive and sell it after 2035, but its value might drop, especially if you’re often in cities with clean air zones.

Are diesel cars hard to sell?

Diesel cars aren’t as popular as they used to be, mainly due to emissions rules and environmental concerns, but that doesn’t mean they’re always hard to sell. It really depends on things such as the age, size, and condition of your car.

Bigger, newer diesels with decent fuel economy can still hold their value, and can be great for a buyer who does a lot of motorway driving. On the flip side, older or smaller diesel cars might be trickier to shift, especially with more CAZs and tighter restrictions popping up.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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