As the looming electric switchover in 2035 approaches, many petrol car owners may wonder if the future is electric and if petrol is becoming obsolete. Some experts predict that sales of cars with internal combustion engines (petrol or diesel) have already reached their peak in the UK, prompting questions about whether to sell a petrol car.

With zero-emission restrictions being implemented worldwide, including in cities like London and Birmingham, it’s understandable that many are reevaluating their petrol vehicle ownership. However, the reality is more nuanced. Petrol cars still offer several advantages over both diesel and alternative fuel options.

While electric vehicles are becoming more cost-effective, there’s still progress to be made before they become the optimal choice for everyone. Therefore, the decision to sell a petrol car should consider factors such as individual needs, driving habits, and the evolving landscape of automotive technology.

When are petrol cars useful?

While sales of diesel engine cars have declined significantly recently, unleaded petrol models have seen a resurgence. This trend is primarily due to convenience, as petrol cars are generally cheaper to refuel compared to hunting for electric car charging points.

Diesel engines are more efficient for longer journeys, but this advantage is only beneficial for those covering higher mileages annually. Given that UK drivers tend to use their cars for shorter journeys, with the average commute being about 10 miles, the benefit of a more economical diesel car may not be significant. Shorter journeys can also lead to diesel particulate filter clogging, resulting in expensive repair bills.

Choosing the right engine type for your next car depends on your priorities. Petrol engines are better suited for small cars, which are the most popular models on UK roads. Additionally, for performance sports cars, the responsiveness of a petrol engine can provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

Hybrid engines offer cleaner and more fuel-efficient options for urban use, but they often come with higher initial purchase costs and maintenance expenses. Moreover, hybrid cars are generally treated similarly to cars with standard internal combustion engines, especially concerning ULEZ charges.

When comparing petrol and pure electric vehicles, studies indicate that electric cars offer savings in terms of purchase and running costs. However, these savings may not offset the initial high cost of electric cars. Additionally, considerations such as charging times, total range of journeys, and the availability of charging infrastructure need to be factored in. While there are currently around 21,000 public chargers across the UK, a significant increase in infrastructure is anticipated in the near future.

If you intend to keep your car for a long time, it’s worth noting that the average length of UK car ownership is estimated at four years or less. Therefore, even if you purchase a car now, it’s likely to have had multiple owners before stricter emissions or regulations come into force, unless you opt for leasing or financing plans.

When is the best time to sell my petrol car?

If selling your current petrol car aligns with your needs, you can proceed with confidence, as there hasn’t been a significant impact on used values from recently introduced emission laws, as of January 2021. Car manufactured from 2015 onwards, are designed to meet Euro 6 standards, which currently govern laws addressing vehicle pollution.

The London zone currently adheres to Euro 4 regulations, dating back to 2005, and even to 2001 for specific models. To confirm your emissions rating and Euro 6 compliance, you can check with the Vehicle Certification Agency, which includes used cars first registered on or after March 1st, 2001.

The values of older petrol cars are primarily affected if you reside within London or a nearby commuter area, and even then, it’s only a concern if a potential buyer intends to drive into the capital regularly.

However, there’s no need to rush into transitioning from an internal combustion engine solely for the sake of it. petrol and diesel vehicles remain viable options for your next car. It’s advisable to conduct thorough research on the best methods for buying and selling your car.

Petrol vehicles have fares more favourably than diesel cars, which have experienced a decline in value in recent years, largely due to the ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal and subsequent UK tax changes. Fortunately, if you own a petrol car, you haven’t bee impacted by the same issues affecting diesel values.

Petrol Taxes

The primary tax based on emission charges is the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), payable annually. For cars registered on or after April 1st, 2017, the first VED payment varies based on fuel type and emissions band, ranging from£0 to £2135 for the most polluting cars. From the second year onwards, a flat fee of £145 is charged annually.

For petrol cars registered between March 1st, 2001, and March 31st, 2017, VED is calculated on a sliding scale depending on CO2 emissions, potentially reaching up to £570 per year. Cars registered before April 1st, 2017, pay car tax annually based on emissions band, while those registered before 2001 pay based on engine size, with smaller engines under 1549cc paying £160 and larger engines paying £265.

Fuel duty, another significant cost, has remained at 57.95 pence per litre since 2011, contributing an expected £28.4 billion in revenue for the governemnt in the financial year from 2019-2020. However, future increases are anticipated due to improved fuel economy and declining new car sales.

Both petrol and diesel cars owners may face higher tax amounts when refueling, despite the unchanged cost of petroleum itself, as fuel duty is a major component of running my car.

Additionally, cit center charges related to ULEZ, such as those in London and Birmingham, are becoming more prevalent. Charges typically apply to petrol cars not meeting Euro 4 standards, although most drivers are unaffected as these standards were mandatory for all new cars in 2005. However, it’s advisable to check before traveling into charging zones, as future restrictions may tighten. While Euro 7 standards are not expected before around 2025, European ULEZ  restrictions are unlikely to significantly increase before then. Nonetheless, it’s essential to check the temporary and permanent restrictions in each country when driving in Europe.