At the time of buying a car, you make up your mind around a new car and a used car so your budget does not blow up, but there is another question you must ask before jumping the gun – whether you should buy a petrol car or a diesel car.
While electric cars outweigh the features of fuel cars, they still make up a majority, especially among used car buyers. When it comes to picking between petrol and diesel cars, you can straightaway conclude that the former is better because diesel cars have fallen out of favour for a myriad of reasons and carbon emission is the top reason. It is generally advisable not to make a decision just based on this factor because petrol cars make no exception. They also increase carbon footprints.
You will have to scrutinise the upsides and downsides of both petrol and diesel cars before you arrive at a decision:
The advantages of petrol cars
Here are the reasons why it makes sense to buy petrol cars:
- Budget-friendlier
They are budget-friendly because their costs are much lower than diesel cars. Further, economical fuel efficiency is another reason that helps you save a lot of money throughout the period you own a car. Since the sticker price is lower, the borrowing cost will also be lower. If you are looking for bad credit car finance, a petrol car will prove to be more affordable.
- Smoother experience
Petrol cars are quieter than diesel cars. They will quickly pick up as you put the car in motion. You will not feel any kind of rattling or droning sound coming from the engine. Their engine efficiency will let you enjoy a smooth run even on slightly rougher terrains.
- Urban efficiency
If you need cars for short distances like going to weekly supermarkets or to your workplace, it can be a good choice. Diesel cars cannot beat the efficiency of petrol cars when it comes to a number of short trips, thanks to their engines. Diesel engines are differently designed to whittle down the levels of carbon emission, but it is possible only with the help of faster runs. Short journeys can take a toll on your engine and it can be exorbitant to replace or fix it.
The drawbacks of having a petrol car
Here are some concerns that might put you off from buying these cars:
- Not effective for longer distances
Although it is said petrol cars are more fuel efficient than diesel cars, it is not right in the context of longer distances. Driving at average higher speeds will consume a lot of fuel, which means your visits to fuel pumps will be more frequent. You might not see any impact on your budget if your long journey is about a 200-mile round trip once in a while, but long motorway journeys exhaust too much fuel.
- Environment impact
Diesel cars are notorious for their emission of green gases, but under no circumstances does it imply that petrol cars are any better. Petrol cars emit more carbon dioxide, the dominant greenhouse gas, deteriorating environmental health. Chemicals in petrol are highly inflammable. If it spills from the tank in an accident, it will catch alight.
The advantages of diesel cars
Here are the reasons why diesel cars could be a better choice than petrol cars:
- Long-distance fuel economy
If you need your car for longer trips, diesel cars are way better than petrol cars because they do not work as hard as petrol cars to produce the same sort of efficiency. Likewise, fuel economy is much better in diesel cars than petrol cars because diesel contains more energy.
- Lower CO2 emission
Since fuel consumption is not as high as that of petrol cars, CO2 emission is lower in diesel cars. However, the difference is not much when it is compared to fuel economy.
- Cheaper used prices
If you are looking to buy a used car, a diesel model will be the best bet because you can get them at a good bargain. They depreciate at a faster rate than petrol cars, and hence, the market cost of used cars will be lower. Despite that, they are popular because of their fuel efficiency. Large vehicles hold good value when they are diesel model.
The drawbacks of diesel cars
Here are the downsides of using diesel cars:
- High maintenance
Although diesel cars can cost less than petrol cars, they might not be a good choice because their spare parts are more expensive. Diesel cars are more likely to break down. The running cost of diesel cars is very high, and their service cost can also be higher.
- Clogged engines
Diesel models can perform better on the motorway, but they are not good for shorter journeys. Try to avoid these models if you are a city driver. Particulates are higher in diesel, and you will need high speed to burn them off. Otherwise, they are caught trapped in the filter. You will end up with hefty repair bills if particulates are frequently clogged.
- Expensive to buy
Used cars can be cheaper, but new-brand cars will cost you an arm and a leg. This is because of the strong engines that enable them to run smoothly and reduce carbon emissions.
The final word
Diesel cars can be a better choice if you, more often than not, drive on motorways. However, petrol models are good for city drivers. Make sure that you calculate the cost, taking into account your car loan. Analyse its impact on the payments of other loans as well if you have owed, such as a quick loan in Ireland. Do not forget that the sale of conventionally fuelled cars will be banned from 2030 to encourage buyers to buy lower-emission or electric cars. Maintenance is another factor in deciding which model will be the best bet. Upkeep costs mainly depend on the condition of your used car.
