Petrol vs Diesel Running Costs in the UK

Car Owl

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Summary

• Diesel cars cost more upfront: But they're cheaper per mile if you drive a lot.
• Petrol suits low mileage: If you drive under 10,000 miles a year, petrol is usually cheaper overall.
• Don't forget tax and insurance: Diesel cars often cost more for both.

Choosing between petrol and diesel used to be simple. Now, with changing fuel prices and emissions rules, it's more complicated. This guide breaks down the real running costs to help you decide.

Fuel Cost Comparison

Diesel fuel costs more per litre than petrol. But diesel engines are more efficient, so you get more miles per litre.

Use our fuel finder to check current prices near you.

Annual Fuel Costs by Mileage

Here's how annual fuel costs compare at different mileages:

Road Tax Comparison

Diesel cars registered after April 2017 often pay more road tax because of higher CO2 emissions.

• First year tax: Based on CO2 emissions. Diesel cars often fall into higher bands.
• Subsequent years: Standard rate of £190 for most cars (2024/25).
• Premium cars over £40,000: Pay an extra £410 per year for five years.

Check your car's tax band with our free tax check.

Insurance Costs

Diesel cars typically cost 10-15% more to insure than petrol equivalents. This is because:

• Diesel engines are more expensive to repair
• Diesel cars tend to be driven more miles
• Parts like injectors and turbos cost more to replace

Servicing and Maintenance

Diesel cars have some additional maintenance costs:

• DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter): Needs regular regeneration. Can cost £1,000+ to replace.
• AdBlue: Modern diesels need this fluid topped up. Costs around £10-15 per litre.
• Oil changes: Diesel engines need more oil and specific grades.
• Timing belt: Often needs replacing sooner in diesels.

Petrol cars generally have lower maintenance costs, especially for lower mileage drivers.

Emissions Zones and Charges

Older diesel cars face restrictions in many UK cities:

• London ULEZ: Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50 daily
• Clean Air Zones: Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, and others charge older diesels
• Euro 6 diesels: Generally exempt from charges

Check if your car is compliant with our ULEZ checker.

Depreciation

Diesel cars are losing value faster than they used to. Concerns about emissions and future restrictions mean:

• Used diesel values are falling
• Petrol and hybrid cars hold their value better
• Electric cars often have the best resale values

Which Is Right for You?

Choose Petrol If:

• You drive less than 10,000 miles per year
• Most of your driving is short urban trips
• You want lower upfront and maintenance costs
• You plan to sell the car within 3-4 years

Choose Diesel If:

• You drive more than 15,000 miles per year
• You do lots of motorway driving
• You need to tow a caravan or trailer
• You keep cars for a long time

The best choice depends on how you use your car. For more help deciding, read our full guide on diesel vs petrol cars.

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