Is now the best time to sell my diesel car?
As with many questions surrounding diesel cars, not everything is black and white. If your motivation to sell your diesel car is purely environmentally, then yes, without a shadow of a doubt, you should sell your diesel car. Electric cars are the greenest form of motor vehicle, give the best fuel economy, and are an excellent choice for many people. However, many decisions to sell diesel vehicles will naturally have financial implications, and at Sell Your Car 2 Jack, we are here to help diesel owners make an informed and balanced decision about their next steps.
Which diesel cars will be banned?
The sale of all new petrol and diesel cars will be banned outright by 2030. After this time, you will not be able to buy a new diesel car. New plug-in hybrids which use a combination of petrol or diesel with electric will be on sale for a further five years before their sale is also banned. There are currently no plans to ban second-hand diesel cars.
What is Euro 6 and how does it affect me?
Euro 6 is the latest regulation surrounding the emissions from diesel cars. It replaces the more lenient Euro 5. Older diesel cars from pre-September 2015 will not be compliant with Euro 6. Modern diesel engines built after September 2015 should be compliant with Euro 6, though this has had multiple revisions. You can check what category your car is by looking in your log book, or you can also use the government’s clean air zone checker. (LINK https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/) If your car is up to Euro 6 standard then you can drive in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone without occurring a charge. Other cities are introducing a clean air zone, where you will also be penalised if your car is not up to the Euro 6 standard.
The future is electric
With the deadline for the sale of diesel and petrol cars fast approaching, manufacturers have massively increased their investment in electric vehicles. You can now purchase electric cars from all the main car manufacturers, as well as new companies that have entered the market. Whether you want a small city car, or a big family SUV, there is something for everyone, MG have even produced the first electric estate car for those who love a big boot!
What alternatives are there to diesel engines?
We are nothing if not inventive, and the range of different fuel and power types that can propel a motor vehicle is impressive. So if you are wondering what to replace your diesel car with, read on. The most popular choice currently is an electric car which works with a large battery which is then charged up at charging points. If full electric still fills you with trepidation there are various hybrid models available. PHEV is the plug-in hybrid, giving you the option of driving your car for short distances on the battery alone, and then using traditional petrol or diesel for longer journeys. Whereas the MHEV is a mild hybrid that uses electric technology to assist a fuel-powered engine. These are both good options for those who haven’t quite made the leap to an all-electric future. Another side step for those who like a range of alternatives is an LPG car. While not massively common in the UK, LPG cars are popular in Europe. LPG is cheaper and greener than its petrol counterparts.
Should I sell my diesel car because of clean air zones?
If you are driving in and out of an emissions zone every day, or with a degree of frequency, then a diesel vehicle will be a costly solution for you. Diesel cars, especially those that don’t comply with Euro 6, are heavily penalised. Clean air zones have been introduced in many major city centres, and more cities look set to follow suit. If you live in a city, you will know that diesel vehicles are commonly being charged more heavily for resident parking. This cost combined with any clean air zones can make your diesel car a costly expense. If you drive in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zones in a non-compliant diesel car it can cost you up to £24 per day. This on top of the fuel costs, and other motoring expenses, could make your diesel car an unsustainable solution. Used diesel cars are often more prevalent in the countryside, where people are unaffected by the city charges, and where they are often used by people who need to tow trailers or caravans.
How is my car tax affected by my engine choice?
In order to encourage the population away from their petrol cars and diesel cars, the government charges road tax at variable rates. An all-electric car that has zero CO2 emissions will have a £0 value road tax, the costs rise up as the CO2 emissions increase up to an eye-watering £630, though the rates do vary according to the year that your car was first registered.
The log book V5 and selling older diesel vehicles
If you are thinking that now seems like a good time to sell your second-hand diesel car and take a leap into the future, make sure you have your log book V5. This is the official document that shows that you are the registered keeper of this vehicle and that you can legally sell it. When you come to the team at Sell Your Car 2 Jack, we will need to see this. If you have lost or mislaid your log book, please contact our helpful team or the DVLA who will be able to help. It is also important that your log book V5 shows your present address, as you can receive a hefty fine if it does not, and you may not receive important documentation from the DVLA.
Should I sell my diesel car today?
Diesel cars are losing value, so today is the best time to sell your diesel car. When you come to us, we can give you a free valuation of your diesel car. Simply click here and enter your details – we’ll make you an offer that you can’t refuse!