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Pros & Cons of a Diesel Vehicle

It was not so long ago that the UK government was promoting and encouraging the use of diesel cars. When the road tax system changed to a CO2-based system in the early 2000’s, it favoured the use of diesel cars. Like many other governments across Europe, the UK are now creating emission taxes that are doing the polar opposite, and deterring away from the use of diesel vehicles. With the introduction of electric cars, and environmentalists becoming more prominent and passionate within the community, there can be a lot of pressure on diesel drivers to swap their beloved vehicle for something more ‘socially acceptable’.

Like all other aspects of life, you should really consider your personal benefits of having a particular type of vehicle. It is too easy to succumb to peer pressure, so if you’re on the fence about it, here’s a list of pros and cons about owning a diesel vehicle that will hopefully help you make a decision on which way to go.

Pros of a Diesel Vehicle

• Better MPG over long journeys
  When it comes to long-distance mileage, the diesel cars come out on top. If you are travelling over 15,000 miles a year, chances are that your diesel is the better option for you.
• Fuel efficiency
  The larger diesel vehicles like an SUV can make a big difference to the fuel economy, due to the torque and power being in the lower range.
• Easier to drive
  As a general rule, a diesel car is usually easier to drive, as you do not have to rev the car as hard to get it moving. This means, there is a less chance of stalling, which makes them a great choice for learner drivers.
• Fine in rural areas
  Diesel cars older than 2015 have to pay a surcharge in some places, however, this won’t affect rural areas. If you very rarely venture out into the big bad city, you may benefit more by keeping your diesel car.
• Better for towing
  The higher torque of a diesel cars engine provides more pulling power, which makes diesel cars ideal for towing caravans and trailers.

Cons of a Diesel Vehicle

• Euro 6 emission guidelines
  The Euro 6 law came into force on September 1st 2014, which is a set of guidelines that control the CO2 output of new diesel cars. Like most laws, there is a loophole of sorts that implies that some diesel cars can still be banned in the future, so your current vehicle may not be legal in the years to come.
• Diesel toxin tax
  Depending on where you’re living, you could be affected by the diesel toxin tax, which started to roll out in 2019 in London, but has the potential to become the norm across all major UK cities. The area is called the ‘ultra-low emissions zone’ and is applicable to diesel cars that don’t meet the Euro 6 emission standards, and comes with a charge of £12.50, which could result in an annual cost of £7,552.
• Prices are dropping
  If you decide to hold on to your diesel car, the amount that it will be worth could end up being significantly smaller than what it was originally worth. As more and more regulations are being introduced, the desire for diesel cars are dropping, so it’s only natural that the prices go with it.
• You’re running out of time
  By the year 2030, 24 European cities will ban diesel cards in their entirety, affecting an estimated 62 million people with the new laws. Other countries tend to follow suit once big changes have been made, so it’s hard to see what the future holds for diesel cars across the board!

• 1. Pros of a Diesel Vehicle
• 2. Cons of a Diesel Vehicle

Original guide plus buyer checks

Check the diesel decision against real running costs

Keep the pros and cons above as the buying context, then use the vehicle record to decide whether a specific diesel still makes sense for where and how you drive.

Before you shortlist a diesel

Diesel value depends on mileage, emissions, tax and city driving. A clean-looking advert can still be a poor fit if the car will regularly enter charging zones or has a patchy maintenance story.

• Check ULEZ and clean-air-zone exposure.
• Review VED and fuel-type details.
• Compare mileage with service and MOT evidence.
• Price the car against petrol, hybrid and electric alternatives.

Questions for the seller

Ask how the car has been used, whether emissions systems have caused issues, and whether the service history supports the mileage. Low-mileage diesel use can create a different risk profile from motorway use.

Internal checks to run next

• ULEZ vehicle check
• Clean Air Zone check
• Car tax check
• Mileage check
• Car valuation check

Official references to verify alongside this guide

Use Car Check Experts for buyer-focused history checks, then compare key legal and road-use details with official services where they apply.

• GOV.UK MOT statusOfficial MOT status and expiry lookup.
• GOV.UK vehicle tax and SORNOfficial vehicle tax, SORN and tax-rate service.
• DVLA keeper change serviceOfficial DVLA sold, transferred or bought vehicle service.
• TfL vehicle checkerOfficial ULEZ and London charging-zone checker.
• askMID insurance lookupOfficial Motor Insurance Database vehicle enquiry.

Quick answers

Is a diesel always worse for ULEZ?

No. Compliance depends on the vehicle and emissions standard, so check the specific registration.

Should mileage affect the diesel decision?

Yes. Usage pattern, service history and annual mileage all affect whether a diesel is a sensible buy.