When deciding on your next car, understanding the ongoing running costs is just as important as the initial purchase price. Fuel economy, maintenance, tax, insurance and depreciation all contribute to how much a vehicle truly costs to run. With the growing variety of engine types available: petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric it’s helpful to compare them side by side.
Petrol Cars
Petrol vehicles remain one of the most common types on UK roads. They are generally less expensive to buy than their diesel, hybrid or electric counterparts. For drivers who tend to make shorter, urban trips, a petrol car can be a sensible option. Petrol engines tend to warm up more quickly than diesel engines, making them more suited to stop-start driving and shorter commutes.
In terms of fuel economy, petrol cars are typically less efficient than diesels, especially on longer motorway drives. This means that, while the cost per litre at the pump may be slightly lower, you are likely to refuel more often. Tax and insurance costs for petrol cars are usually moderate, depending on the vehicle’s emissions and insurance group.
Advantages: Lower upfront cost, more widely available, suitable for urban driving
Disadvantages: Lower fuel efficiency, more frequent refuelling
Diesel Cars
Diesel cars are well known for their superior fuel economy, particularly on longer journeys and at higher speeds. As a result, they are often favoured by those who cover a high annual mileage. Historically, diesels emitted less CO₂ than petrol vehicles, which helped to reduce vehicle tax. However, more recent concerns about nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have led to increased regulation and charges, especially in city centres.
Some UK cities now impose extra fees on older diesel cars that do not meet Euro 6 emissions standards. Maintenance costs can also be higher for diesel engines, due in part to the presence of diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which require periodic attention and can be expensive to repair if they become clogged.
Advantages: Better fuel economy, well-suited to long-distance driving
Disadvantages: Higher maintenance costs, urban charges for older models
Hybrid Cars
Hybrids combine a traditional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. There are two main types: standard hybrids, which charge themselves through regenerative braking and engine power; and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which can be recharged via a mains electricity supply.
Hybrids can deliver improved fuel efficiency, particularly in city driving where the electric motor is used more frequently. They produce fewer emissions than purely petrol or diesel vehicles and often benefit from lower vehicle tax. However, hybrids are typically more expensive to buy and may not offer the same fuel savings on motorway journeys, where the electric motor is used less.
For drivers who split their time between city and motorway driving, hybrids can offer a balanced solution. That said, the real-world fuel economy of hybrids can vary greatly depending on driving habits.
Advantages: Lower emissions, reduced fuel use in city driving, quieter performance
Disadvantages: Higher purchase cost, limited benefits on longer journeys
Electric Cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered entirely by electricity and do not produce any tailpipe emissions. They offer the lowest running costs in terms of fuelling, with electricity typically being far cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel. EVs also require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes or exhaust systems.
In terms of taxation, EVs currently benefit from reduced road tax and exemption from congestion charges in certain cities, although this may change after 2025. Charging infrastructure continues to improve across the UK, though access to convenient home or workplace charging remains an important consideration for many drivers.
EVs are more expensive to purchase than traditional vehicles, though this cost is gradually falling. Government incentives and reduced running costs can help offset the higher initial outlay over time.
Advantages: Lowest fuelling costs, fewer moving parts, reduced tax and maintenance
Disadvantages: Higher initial cost, reliance on charging infrastructure
There is no universal answer to which type of car is the cheapest to run - it largely depends on how and where you drive.
Short journeys in towns and cities may be more cost-effective in a petrol or hybrid vehicle
Long-distance driving is still where diesel engines tend to perform best, offering better fuel economy
Urban drivers with access to charging points may benefit most from switching to an electric vehicle, thanks to lower energy costs and reduced maintenance
Hybrid cars can offer a compromise between electric and conventional driving, particularly for those with varied daily routes
At WeBuyPrestigeCar, we recommend weighing up all costs associated with a vehicle, not just the purchase price. Considering your typical mileage, access to charging and the type of roads you usually drive on will help you determine which fuel type offers the best value over time.
