For years, diesel cars were seen as the practical choice, offering excellent fuel economy, especially for motorway drivers. However, in recent years, changing government policy, evolving clean air regulations, and growing environmental concerns have led many to reconsider. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to sell your diesel car, here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing for Diesel Drivers?
While diesel cars are still legal and roadworthy, the landscape is shifting:
- Petrol and diesel ban by 2030 - The UK government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 (though used vehicles can still be sold and driven).
- Increased tax costs - Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) has become more expensive for high-emission cars, especially diesels.
- ULEZ and Clean Air Zones - Many UK cities now charge older diesel cars for entering low-emission zones.
- Falling resale values - Demand is softening, and this is starting to affect diesel resale values, particularly for older or non-compliant vehicles.
Are Running Costs Going Up?
Yes, and in multiple key areas:
- Road Tax: Diesel cars often fall into higher tax bands due to COâ‚‚ and NOx emissions.
- City Charges: If your diesel car doesn’t meet Euro 6 standards, you could be charged £12.50+ per day to drive through ULEZ and other Clean Air Zones.
- Fuel Costs: Diesel prices fluctuate and are often higher per litre than petrol, with reduced benefit if you're not doing long journeys.
- Maintenance: Modern diesel engines (especially those with DPF systems) can be costly to maintain if not properly driven or maintained.
When Does It Still Make Sense to Keep Your Diesel?
Selling isn’t always necessary. In some cases, holding onto your diesel may still be sensible:
You do high annual mileage (especially on motorways)
Your vehicle is Euro 6 compliant and ULEZ-exempt
You live outside clean air zones and rarely drive into them
You own a prestige diesel with strong resale demand
You only plan to keep the vehicle short term
If these apply to you, your diesel car could still offer good value - at least in the near future.
Thinking Of Selling? Here’s What To Consider
If you’ve decided the time is right to sell, here are a few smart moves:
- Sell before value drops further - As more restrictions come in and demand shifts, values could continue to decline
- Choose the right platform - Prestige diesel cars may command stronger offers through specialist dealers or direct sale platforms like ours
- Don’t wait too long - Delaying a sale could lead to higher running costs and a shrinking pool of interested buyers
- Part exchange or cash sale - Some sellers prefer to offload their diesel when switching to petrol, hybrid or electric, and we can help
What Are the Alternatives?
If you’re not quite ready to sell, there are still a few other options:
- Limit your city driving to avoid ULEZ and LEZ charges
- Switch to a second car for local journeys
- Stay informed on future tax and emissions rules
- Keep your diesel well-maintained to protect resale value
You don’t have to rush to sell your diesel, especially if it still meets your needs. But the direction of travel is clear: regulation, taxation and market trends are all making diesel ownership more expensive. Selling now could protect your vehicle’s value and save you from mounting costs later.
At WebuyPrestigeCar, we make selling your diesel simple, fast and secure, especially if it’s a high-end or prestige model. Get your free valuation today and see what your diesel car is worth in today’s market.
