If you are looking to buy a car in 2022, you may be wondering whether to purchase petrol, diesel or electric car. All have their positives and their negatives, it can be difficult to make an expensive decision.

So, to help you decide, the following article discusses everything you need to know about diesel cars. Are they are worth the investment right now?

Why Britons are cautious of diesel cars

Diesel car tax regimes are looking less favourably on diesel cars. First-year vehicle excise duty and company car tax surcharges have increased for diesel cars which means car owners face rising tax costs. 

On top of the tax implications, the past few years have seen diesel cars receive a lot of bad press. Diesel cars have received bad press surrounding their health and environmental implications. These views on diesel are unlikely to change in the future. As a result, the market share of diesel has significantly dropped over the past two years.

It has been well publicised that there will be a ban on manufacturing petrol and diesel cars in 2030. so, the British public is understandably cautious with investing in a car that will be banned in a few years time.

Will manufacturers stop selling diesel?

Extra to the ban in 2030, some manufacturers have already taken the step to stop making diesel cars.

Some manufacturers, for example, Porsche, have stopped selling diesel cars. Oliver Blume, the chief executive of Porsche, confirmed this in autumn 2018, at which point the company had already stopped UK sales of diesel cars: “There will be no more diesels from Porsche in the future.” 

In addition, Toyota is gradually cutting its diesel models from its car range, and much of the Fiat group has vowed to phase out diesel in favour of plug-in cars or hybrids. 

With this in mind, the future does not look bright for diesel cars.

So what now? Is it worthwhile buying a diesel car in 2022?

The positives about buying a diesel car are the same as they have always been.

Individuals who use their cars to cover many high-speed miles, for example, regular motorway journeys, should think about buying a diesel car. Diesel cars offer:

  • Better fuel economy than petrol cars and;
  • More torque on tap for those who want to tow.

However, if you primarily make lots of short journeys, you should avoid buying a diesel car. This is due to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), inside their exhaust systems. The DPF is an integral part of most diesel engines and a considerable culprit when problems arise. You’re more likely to block a diesel vehicle’s DPF by driving it short distances because the car doesn’t have a moment to get hot enough to burn off this soot. A clogged up DPF is to be avoided at all costs; it’s expensive to clean and costly to replace.

So if you use your car for short journeys such as the school run and trips to the shop, we recommend investing in an electric vehicle (EV). EV’s are typically more fun to drive at urban speeds because of their quick acceleration and tendency to have shorter turning circles. 

However, EVs do not have the range of diesel cars. The technology and infrastructure are still lacking to make EVs more than just a short distance car for now. If you purchase a diesel car now there is a pump at every service station that will send you on your way within 10 minutes. The same can not be said for EVs.

At the end of the day, it is up to you whether your purchase a diesel car in 2022. The only wrong choice is the one that does not work for you!

About Assignton Autos

Assington Autos offer expert 24-hour scrap car and scrap van collection and recycling services across Suffolk & Essex. We pay the best scrap price and are fully trained and certified by the environment agency. 

If you are discarding your old car, get in touch with Assington Autos.