The debate between petrol and diesel
Over the last few months, there has been a tug of war between the costs of petrol versus the cost of diesel. As it stands diesel is currently winning the battle and is two pence cheaper than petrol at most forecourts across Wales.
This is the first time diesel has been cheaper for more than 14 years, and as you can imagine if it stays this way for a while, a lot of people will be asking the question “is it better to buy a diesel car?” So we did some research to look at what might be better for you.
The pros of diesel
Diesel is now cheaper than petrol…for now, but diesel actually lasts a lot longer than petrol so you will be filling up less anyway. Diesel cars are also much more environmentally friendly than a petrol car so car tax will be cheaper (unless the Government scraps existing car tax charges).
Cons of diesel
Diesel cars unfortunately get hit with charges in town centres. This does not happen so much but there is talk that the Government is looking at a new charge scheme for diesel cars, which could see you paying more. Also, diesel cars are fantastic on long motorway journeys, but they do not fare very well on short trips, and this mistake often leads to expensive repairs. Parts for a diesel car are substantially more than its petrol counterpart.
Pros of petrol
If you are making short journeys and do not rack up the miles, then a petrol car is cheaper and more efficient. The talks about introducing surcharges is also a tick for the petrol car, especially if you do a lot of driving in London. Although you get hit with the congestion fee, it is nice to not have to factor in a diesel car charge too.
Petrol cars also tend to be cheaper to repair, and cheaper to buy so you have to think about how far you travel and what repairs are most likely to be needed.
Cons of petrol
The small petrol engines are not good for long distance driving which can often mean you have to repair the car more often.
Tax tends to be higher on a petrol car because of CO2 emissions, however if the new Government plans are made reality, it is going to get a lot more expensive for everyone.
Conclusion
Ultimately the decision lies with you, the motorist. You have to way up the pros and cons. Look at your annual mileage because that can be a big indicator on what kind of car you should get.
What do you think? Is diesel better than petrol? Let us know!
This is the first time diesel has been cheaper for more than 14 years, and as you can imagine if it stays this way for a while, a lot of people will be asking the question “is it better to buy a diesel car?” So we did some research to look at what might be better for you.
The pros of diesel
Diesel is now cheaper than petrol…for now, but diesel actually lasts a lot longer than petrol so you will be filling up less anyway. Diesel cars are also much more environmentally friendly than a petrol car so car tax will be cheaper (unless the Government scraps existing car tax charges).
Cons of diesel
Diesel cars unfortunately get hit with charges in town centres. This does not happen so much but there is talk that the Government is looking at a new charge scheme for diesel cars, which could see you paying more. Also, diesel cars are fantastic on long motorway journeys, but they do not fare very well on short trips, and this mistake often leads to expensive repairs. Parts for a diesel car are substantially more than its petrol counterpart.
Pros of petrol
If you are making short journeys and do not rack up the miles, then a petrol car is cheaper and more efficient. The talks about introducing surcharges is also a tick for the petrol car, especially if you do a lot of driving in London. Although you get hit with the congestion fee, it is nice to not have to factor in a diesel car charge too.
Petrol cars also tend to be cheaper to repair, and cheaper to buy so you have to think about how far you travel and what repairs are most likely to be needed.
Cons of petrol
The small petrol engines are not good for long distance driving which can often mean you have to repair the car more often.
Tax tends to be higher on a petrol car because of CO2 emissions, however if the new Government plans are made reality, it is going to get a lot more expensive for everyone.
Conclusion
Ultimately the decision lies with you, the motorist. You have to way up the pros and cons. Look at your annual mileage because that can be a big indicator on what kind of car you should get.
What do you think? Is diesel better than petrol? Let us know!
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