Should I sell my petrol car?

Thinking of parting ways with your beloved petrol car? This handy guide breaks down the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth selling.

Wondering if you should sell your petrol car? With changing rules, rising costs, and the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol car sales just around the corner, it’s a tough call for petrol car owners. This guide walks you through what your petrol car might be worth, future running costs, and why selling isn’t always the only smart move.

Did you know you can sell your car right here on Carwow? We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Should I sell my petrol car?

Deciding on whether to sell your petrol car depends on your personal circumstances.

If you’re dealing with rising fuel prices, higher running costs, or thinking about switching to electric soon, selling might make sense. But if your car is in good condition, relatively efficient, and still suits your needs, keeping it could save you some cash – especially if you’re not quite ready to go electric yet.

That said, it’s worth thinking about other factors too. For instance, you’d need to consider environmental impact, resale value, extra taxes, and clean air zone charges.

Pros and cons of petrol cars

Petrol cars make sense for many, especially since they are cheaper to buy for one thing. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether you should keep or sell yours.

Pros of petrol cars

• Petrol cars are generally cheaper to buy than comparable diesel models.
• They are typically quieter and give you smoother acceleration. This makes them better suited for city driving.
• The cost of maintenance and repairs is often lower compared to diesel models.
• Petrol engines are simpler to repair compared to electric cars – many local mechanics have better knowledge of how these tick.
• The price per litre of petrol is cheaper than diesel.

Cons of petrol cars

• Petrol engines are less fuel-efficient than diesel engines. This means they use more fuel and can be more expensive to run on longer journeys.
• Petrol cars produce more CO2 emissions, which can lead to higher car tax and potential restrictions in low-emission zones.
• They are less effective for towing or carrying heavy loads compared to diesel cars.
• With the phasing out of new petrol cars in the UK, drivers may face increasing restrictions on the road over time.
• Petrol cars may have a lower resale value in the future thanks to increasing demand in electric and hybrid cars.

How are petrol cars affected by ULEZ and CAZ?

If you drive a petrol car, understanding how ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) and CAZ (Clean Air Zone) rules apply is very important. This is especially if you often drive through cities such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Bristol.

We’ve got guides on both if you want to learn more, but essentially these schemes aim to cut pollution by charging cars that don’t meet modern emission standards. Here’s what that means for you.

The key rule: Euro 4 or newer is safe

For both ULEZ and CAZ, the key threshold for petrol cars is the Euro 4 emissions standard.

• Compliant vehicles (Euro 4 or newer) do not pay any charge.
• Non-compliant cars (generally petrol cars registered before 2006) must pay a daily fee when entering a zone.

If you’re not sure whether your car is compliant, you can check your car using the Transport for London (TfL) ULEZ checker or the GOV.UK CAZ checker.

How much does it cost?

Charges vary by city. Here’s a breakdown on what you could pay:

• London (ULEZ): £12.50 per day across most of Greater London.
• Other cities such as Birmingham or Bristol (CAZ): Around £8-10 per day where private cars are charged.
• Some CAZ cities, such as Bath or Portsmouth, don’t charge private cars at all – only commercial vehicles.

Do bear in mind that failing to pay can lead to a penalty (e.g. £180 in London, reduced if paid quickly).

So, what can you do?

Here are some tips on what you can do it your car is affected by ULEZ or CAZ:

• Always check if your car is compliant and whether the area you’re driving into charges private cars.
• Avoid driving in ULEZ or CAZ zones when possible to dodge the charges.
• Some councils offer help to replace older, non-compliant cars through a scrappage scheme.

Can I sell my petrol car after 2030?

Yes, you can sell your petrol car after 2030. The ban outlined by the government applies only to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, not to used ones. Rest assured that the market for used cars will continue, and you can still drive and sell your existing petrol car.

Is it worth selling my petrol car?

It’s likely worth selling your car sooner rather than later. Used petrol car prices could rise once the ban on new petrol car sales comes into effect, since buyers will have to turn to the second-hand market.

If you have an older petrol car, you’re also more likely to be more vulnerable to depreciation. This is especially if they are not Euro 4 compliant, which means you will have to pay when entering a clean air zone.

Selling my petrol car FAQs

Are petrol cars losing value?

Yes, petrol cars are losing value thanks to the upcoming 2030 ban on new petrol car sales. While petrol cars are still in demand, depreciation is plummeting much quicker compared to electric and hybrid cars. These specific depreciation rates, however, depend on the car’s condition, model, and future compliance with regulations.

Is there a future for petrol cars?

Yes, petrol cars will still have a future in the UK, but they are expected to become less common over time. The 2030 ban on new petrol car sales will gradually reduce the number of new vehicles, but used petrol cars will still be bought and driven, and many will remain on the roads for years.

That said, their long-term existence is uncertain. Factors such as rising fuel costs, higher taxes, and a potential decline in petrol stations and infrastructure could influence how practical it is to continue using petrol cars in the future.

Can I drive my petrol car after 2030?

Yes, you will still be able to drive your petrol car after 2030, as the ban only applies to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The ban on petrol cars is not a ban on driving them, and the used market for petrol cars will continue beyond 2030.

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.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.