Are Diesel Cars Bad for Everyday Driving?

The reality behind diesel for day-to-day trips

Diesel once meant effortless long-range economy. For many UK drivers, that reputation is being re-written by science, policy and pounds-and-pence costs. Diesel engines typically emit less CO2 per mile than petrol, but they release significantly more nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. These pollutants are not abstract chemistry. NOx aggravates asthma and chronic lung disease. PM2.5 is small enough to reach the bloodstream, raising risks of heart disease and cancer. Air pollution is now linked to tens of thousands of premature UK deaths each year. For everyday driving in towns and cities, that health backdrop matters.

Policy is moving quickly. The sale of new petrol and diesel cars is planned to end in 2035 across the UK, with hybrids phased out earlier. Existing diesel cars will not be banned from roads or the used market, but regulation of urban air is tightening. London’s expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone cut car NOx by around 13% and PM2.5 by roughly 22% in its first year. That real-world outcome is why more Clean Air Zones are appearing in cities such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, Bristol and Birmingham.

Costs are shifting too. Older diesels that fail to meet post-September 2015 Euro 6 standards are often charged to enter urban zones. In London, non-compliant cars face a £12.50 daily fee. Higher first-year Vehicle Excise Duty can reach into the thousands for high-emitting models, eroding the fuel economy advantage that once justified diesel. Meanwhile, maintenance for modern diesels - think diesel particulate filters and AdBlue systems - can add to running costs.

Still, diesel is not one-size-fits-all bad. If you regularly cover long motorway distances, a Euro 6 diesel can offer calm, efficient cruising and avoid city penalties. But for short, stop-start journeys, the balance tilts towards cleaner alternatives. Electric vehicles, now backed by scrappage support and grants in some regions, often cost less to run overall while future-proofing against new restrictions.

Understanding diesel is about health, rules and real costs - not just miles per gallon.

If you are choosing a car today, weigh your typical routes, local clean air policies and the likely resale picture. Diesel registrations have dropped sharply in UK cities as opinion shifts and incentives favour electric. The market signals are clear. Your decision should be, too.

Who should pay attention

If you drive mostly in urban or suburban areas with school runs, commuting and shopping trips, diesel’s higher NOx and particulate emissions increase personal and neighbourhood health risks. Drivers entering ULEZ or CAZ boundaries frequently will also face direct charges unless their diesel is Euro 6 compliant. Owners of older diesels may save on the purchase price but risk escalating costs from fines, maintenance and falling resale values.

Long-distance drivers doing steady motorway mileage might still consider a Euro 6 diesel, provided they avoid regular city charges. Those weighing total cost of ownership for the next 3 to 5 years should look carefully at electric and hybrid options, including leasing. If you are financing a vehicle, aligning the term with expected policy changes and residual values is prudent.

Your practical choices

1. Choose a Euro 6 diesel for frequent motorway use and occasional city trips.

2. Switch to a pure EV for urban driving and low running costs.

3. Opt for a petrol hybrid for mixed routes and simpler maintenance.

4. Keep your current diesel but budget for ULEZ or CAZ charges.

5. Use scrappage schemes to trade an older diesel for a cleaner car.

6. Lease instead of buying to hedge against depreciation and policy shifts.

7. Combine public transport and a car club for city living with minimal hassle.

What it really costs - and what you gain

Who is eligible - and what to check

ULEZ and CAZ compliance hinges on emissions standards rather than where you live. Most UK diesels registered from September 2015 meet Euro 6 and are typically exempt from city charges. Always verify a specific vehicle’s status using official number plate checkers before you buy. If you own an older diesel, local scrappage schemes may help you switch to a cleaner vehicle, with additional support often focused on residents, disability badge holders or small businesses.

Financing eligibility depends on your credit profile, income and the vehicle itself. As a UK-based retail finance broker, Kandoo can introduce you to a panel of lenders for HP, PCP or personal loans, helping you compare APRs and terms. If you plan to enter ULEZ or CAZ areas regularly, consider the total monthly cost including potential daily charges, insurance and likely depreciation. For long-distance drivers set on diesel, look for full service history, DPF health and AdBlue system checks to avoid surprise bills.

Step-by-step to a cleaner, better value choice

1. Map your weekly routes and expected city zone entries.

2. Check any target car’s ULEZ or CAZ compliance online.

3. Compare total costs over 3 to 5 years realistically.

4. Test drive diesel, hybrid and EV on your real routes.

5. Review charging access at home, work or locally.

6. Get finance quotes from multiple lenders via Kandoo.

7. Confirm insurance, VED and maintenance projections in writing.

8. Re-check resale values before signing any agreement.

Quick balance sheet for your shortlist

Before you sign anything

Urban air quality is improving because targeted policies work. London’s expansion of ULEZ delivered measurable cuts in NOx and PM2.5. More zones are expected nationwide, and councils themselves still run many diesel fleets, a reminder that institutional change can lag. For private buyers the market is already shifting. Diesel registrations have fallen sharply, and incentives make EVs increasingly attractive. If you keep an older diesel, factor in daily charges, potential DPF issues and steeper depreciation. If you buy diesel, make sure it is Euro 6 and suited to long journeys. Otherwise, a petrol hybrid or EV will typically be cleaner and better value for city life.

Alternatives that might fit better

1. Battery electric car for city-first driving and predictable costs.

2. Plug-in hybrid as a bridge if you can charge at home.

3. Efficient petrol hatchback for low miles and simple servicing.

4. Car subscription or short-term lease while technology matures.

5. Public transport plus car club to avoid ownership entirely.

FAQs

Q: Will diesel cars be banned from UK roads? A: No. The plan is to end new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035. Existing vehicles can still be driven and traded, although local charges and restrictions will tighten.

Q: How do I know if my diesel avoids ULEZ or CAZ charges? A: Most UK diesels registered from September 2015 meet Euro 6. Use the official number plate checker to confirm compliance before buying or entering a zone.

Q: Are diesels cheaper to run than EVs now? A: Often not. Despite strong motorway economy, higher taxes, potential urban charges and maintenance can outweigh savings. EVs usually win on total running costs for city use.

Q: Do diesels really harm health more in cities? A: Yes. Diesels emit higher NOx and particulate matter that aggravate asthma and increase cardiovascular and cancer risks, particularly in dense urban areas with frequent exposure.

Q: Is a diesel still sensible for long-distance drivers? A: Potentially. A Euro 6 diesel can be efficient for regular motorway trips and may avoid urban charges if city driving is limited. Check maintenance history carefully.

Q: What about resale values in the next few years? A: Demand is drifting toward EVs and hybrids, especially in cities. Older diesels are likely to depreciate faster as zones expand and buyers avoid future liabilities.

How Kandoo can help

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that can help you compare finance options across a wide lender panel. Whether you choose a compliant diesel, a hybrid or an EV, we aim to secure a suitable rate and term for your budget. Get personalised quotes without obligation and move forward with confidence.

Important small print

This guide is for general information and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Vehicle compliance, incentives and charges can change. Check official sources and confirm costs with providers before committing to any purchase or finance agreement.