Initial Purchase Costs
When you buy a car in Ireland, the real cost goes well beyond what you see on the price tag. Financing and depreciation can really change the total you end up spending.
Smart buyers usually look at the true cost over three years. They factor in interest, residual value, and other hidden expenses before making a final call.
New Versus Used Car Expenses
If you buy a new car in Ireland, you’ll get hit with VRT charges that can reach up to 36% of the Open Market Selling Price, depending on CO2 emissions. That tax alone can easily tack on €8,000-€15,000 to something like a family saloon.
Used cars dodge that initial VRT blow. For example, a three-year-old BMW 3 Series that cost €45,000 new usually sells for €22,000-€25,000 used, which is a huge drop.
Dealers work with different margins. New car dealers often operate on just 2-4% profit, while used car dealers can mark up vehicles by 15-25%.
Negotiating the purchase price isn’t always straightforward. It pays to get quotes from at least three dealers and focus on the actual cash price, not just the trade-in.
If you import a car from the UK, there’s another layer of cost. Cars from Northern Ireland are exempt from extra duties, but you’ll still pay about €300-€500 for paperwork.
Financing Options and Interest Rates
Right now, bank loans for car purchases in Ireland carry rates between 6.9-8.5% APR. Credit unions usually offer slightly better deals, often beating banks by 1-2% if you’ve got a solid payment record.
Dealer finance sometimes looks tempting with 0-2.9% rates, but those are usually only for certain models and require hefty deposits.
Personal Contract Plans (PCPs) have become the most common way to finance new cars, making up over 60% of deals. The monthly payments look low, but the big balloon payment at the end can be 40-50% of the car’s original price.
Hire purchase agreements work best for people planning to keep their cars long-term. On a €25,000 car over four years, you’ll pay €2,000-€5,000 more in interest compared to paying cash.
Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives, warns that financing can easily add €4,000-€6,000 to your total cost, so it’s worth comparing rates everywhere—banks, credit unions, and dealerships.
Depreciation and Residual Value Considerations
New cars lose about 50% of their value in the first three years, with the biggest drop happening in year one. German premium brands usually hold 55-60% of their value, but budget brands can dip to 40-45%.
If you’re on a PCP, knowing the real residual value is crucial. Overestimating it can leave you with big settlement bills or negative equity when you want to switch cars.
Mileage plays a big role in depreciation. If you rack up over 20,000km a year, your car will lose value 15-20% faster than average.
Popular colours and specs matter too. White, black, and silver cars usually keep €1,000-€2,000 more value than odd colours. Manuals in the premium sector lose value faster than automatics.
Electric vehicles are a bit of a wildcard. Their three-year residual values hover around 45-50%, but that might get better as Ireland’s charging network improves.
When you’re working out the real cost, add the purchase price and three years of running costs, then subtract the expected residual value.
Motor Tax Implications
Motor tax is one of those ongoing costs that can really sting. Annual charges range from €120 for electric vehicles up to over €2,400 for high-emission models.
Your car’s age and environmental impact decide how much you’ll pay.
Engine Size and Emissions Impact
Ireland uses two tax systems, depending on when your car was registered. If your car was registered after July 2008, you’ll pay emissions-based rates—the cleaner the car, the lower the tax.
Electric vehicles cost just €120 a year in tax. Low-emission hybrids and frugal petrol cars (1-80g/km) pay €140-€170.
Emissions-Based Tax Bands (Post-2008 Cars):
- 0g/km (EVs): €120
- 1-80g/km: €140-€170
- 81-120g/km: €180-€200
- 121-200g/km: €270-€750
- 201g/km+: €1,200-€2,400
If your car was registered before July 2008, the system looks at engine size. Small engines under 1,000cc pay €199, but big engines over 2,000cc can reach €1,809.
Ciaran Connolly points out that motor tax can surprise buyers, especially if they’re importing older performance cars with big engines.
Payment Methods and Annual Charges
Paying motor tax is pretty straightforward these days. The online motor tax service at motortax.ie is the quickest route, and you just need your registration and insurance details.
You can pay annually, half-yearly, quarterly, or even monthly. Half-year payments cost 55.5% of the yearly rate, quarterly is 28.25%, and monthly direct debit charges 10% of the annual rate.
Some people still prefer visiting local tax offices or sending payment by post. Just don’t forget to display your tax disc on the windscreen—Irish Gardaí don’t mess around with fines.
Payment Options:
- Annual: Full rate
- Half-yearly: 55.5% of annual rate
- Quarterly: 28.25% of annual rate
- Monthly: 10% of annual rate
Motor tax expires at midnight on the last day you’ve paid for. If you drive without valid tax, you could face some pretty steep penalties.
Fuel Expenses in Ireland
Petrol prices hit €1.76 per litre in July 2025, and diesel sits at €1.68 per litre. For most Irish drivers doing 15,000km a year, fuel is usually the biggest running cost.
Comparing Petrol and Diesel Costs
The gap between petrol and diesel has shrunk a lot lately. Petrol now costs about 8 cents more per litre, but that changes with the global market.
SEAI fuel cost data shows petrol costs €10.40 per 100km, while diesel is €8.60 per 100km. If you drive 15,000km a year, you’re looking at about €1,560 annually for petrol.
Diesel drivers pay less for fuel, but usually more to buy the car in the first place. You’ll only start seeing real savings after about 20,000-25,000km of driving.
Monthly fuel costs:
- Petrol: €130 (15,000km/year)
- Diesel: €108 (15,000km/year)
- Diesel savings: €22 per month, or €264 a year
Fuel Efficiency and Consumption Patterns
Official fuel economy numbers rarely match real-world Irish conditions. Stop-start traffic in cities like Dublin and Cork can push up fuel use by 15-20%.
Modern petrol engines usually get 6.5-8.5 litres per 100km in mixed driving. Diesels do a bit better, at 5.5-7.0 litres per 100km.
Ciaran Connolly says Irish drivers can shave 10-15% off their fuel bills just by driving more smoothly and avoiding harsh acceleration.
Highway journeys help a lot. A steady-speed trip from Dublin to Belfast can use up to 25% less fuel than crawling through city traffic.
Fuel-saving tips:
- Use loyalty cards at the pump
- Check prices with apps like Petrol Prices Ireland
- Keep your tyres properly inflated
- Clear out heavy junk from your boot
Insurance and Breakdown Cover
Car insurance is a legal must in Ireland, and breakdown cover can save you from some nasty surprises. Both costs swing a lot, depending on your driving record, car type, and how much coverage you pick.
Mandatory Insurance Types
Everyone needs third-party motor insurance by law. This only covers damage you cause to others’ vehicles or property.
Third-party is the bare minimum. It won’t help if your car gets stolen or damaged in a fire.
Third-party, fire and theft adds cover for your car if it’s stolen or catches fire. It costs about €50-100 more each year than basic third-party.
Fully comprehensive insurance is the gold standard. It covers your car no matter who’s at fault, plus things like broken windscreens and personal injury claims.
If you’re financing your car, most lenders will insist on comprehensive cover. If your car’s worth more than €5,000, I’d say it’s worth the extra.
Ciaran Connolly warns that breakdowns can cost €200-400 per callout if you don’t have proper cover.
Price Factors Affecting Premiums
Your age has a huge effect on insurance costs in Ireland. If you’re under 25, you might pay €2,000-4,000 a year. Drivers over 30 usually pay €600-1,200.
Car specs matter too. High-performance engines and expensive repairs mean higher premiums.
Where you live can bump up your price. Dublin drivers often pay 20-30% more than people in rural areas, thanks to more theft and accidents.
| Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Age under 25 | +150-300% |
| Urban location | +20-30% |
| High-performance engine | +40-80% |
| Previous claims | +25-50% per claim |
A good no-claims bonus can cut your premium by up to 60% after five years without a claim. You can pay extra to protect this bonus, which helps if you have a minor accident.
Your excess also affects the price. Choosing a €500 excess instead of €150 can save you €100-200 a year.
Car Finance Repayments
Car finance repayments in Ireland usually run from €200 to €800 a month. The amount depends on your agreement and the car’s value.
Personal Contract Purchase deals often look attractive with lower monthly payments, but watch out for mileage limits and the big balloon payment at the end.
Personal Contract Purchases
PCP deals have basically taken over Ireland’s new car market. Why? Their monthly payments usually sit lower than what you’d get with a traditional loan. Most people put down a deposit of 10-20%, then make fixed payments for the next 2-4 years.
The main twist is the balloon payment structure. When your agreement ends, you get three options: hand the car back, pay the balloon payment to keep it, or swap it for a new PCP deal.
Current PCP deals start at €539 monthly for bigger cars like the Volvo EX40. If you’re eyeing a premium SUV like the XC90, you’re looking at €1,107 per month on a 3.95% finance rate.
“PCP agreements suit drivers who want predictable monthly costs and like changing cars often, but those mileage restrictions can really trip you up,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Be careful about excess mileage charges—they’re usually 15-20 cent for every kilometre over your limit. A 10,000km annual cap might look okay on paper, but it can feel tight if you’re driving long distances in Ireland.
Hire Purchase Agreements
HP agreements make car ownership simple once you finish your payments. With HP, you own the car outright at the end—there’s no balloon payment hanging over you.
Monthly payments run higher than with PCP, since you’re paying off the full value of the car. A typical HP deal from Toyota Ireland clocks in at €372.38 per month over 60 months for a €22,495 car, totalling €26,969 with 9.5% APR.
You can settle early with HP. If you want out, pay off the loan ahead of schedule and you’ll get a small reduction on the total, calculated with standard early repayment formulas.
The finance company technically owns your car during the HP period. That changes repossession rules. If you’ve paid less than a third, they can take the car back without going to court. Once you’ve paid more than a third, they need a court order to repossess.
They can’t repossess your car from your home driveway—no matter how much you’ve paid. That’s a key protection for HP customers.
Vehicle Maintenance Outlays
Maintenance costs eat up a lot of cash for Irish motorists. Average annual maintenance runs about €736. That covers both regular servicing and surprise repairs that always seem to pop up at the worst time.
Routine Servicing and Repairs
Regular servicing keeps your car running safely and protects the warranty. Most car makers suggest a service every 12 months or 20,000km—whichever comes first.
Annual Service Costs:
- Basic service: €150-250
- Major service: €300-500
- Timing belt replacement: €400-800
- Clutch replacement: €600-1,200
Main dealers usually charge 20-30% more than independent garages. If you use a non-approved garage during the warranty period, you might void your warranty.
I’d suggest booking services in off-peak months like January or February. Garages often run discounts then. Lots of workshops offer fixed-price service packages, making it easier to budget.
“Unexpected repairs catch Irish drivers off guard, but regular servicing can prevent 60% of major breakdowns and save thousands,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Common Repair Costs:
- Brake pad replacement: €120-200
- Battery replacement: €80-150
- Exhaust system: €200-600
- Suspension components: €150-400 per corner
Tyres, Batteries, and Fluids
Tyres, batteries, and fluids need regular replacement, and Irish weather doesn’t help. Rain, cold, and rough roads wear these parts out faster.
Tyre Replacement Costs:
- Budget tyres: €60-80 each
- Mid-range tyres: €90-140 each
- Premium tyres: €150-250 each
Most people need new tyres every 30,000-40,000km. I always swap tyres in pairs on the same axle to keep handling safe and even.
Battery and Fluid Costs:
- Car battery: €80-150 (replaced every 3-5 years)
- Engine oil change: €40-80
- Brake fluid: €30-50
- Coolant flush: €60-100
Cold Irish winters can drain your battery life by up to 20%. I’d get your battery tested every year after it hits the three-year mark.
Maintenance Schedule:
- Oil changes: Every 10,000-15,000km
- Brake fluid: Every 2 years
- Coolant: Every 4-5 years
- Air filter: Every 20,000km
National Car Test (NCT) Fees
The NCT costs €60 for a full test as of January 2025. If you need a retest or cancel, you’ll pay extra. Your car’s age decides how often you’ll need to pay up, which means inspection costs change as your car gets older.
Inspection Frequency and Costs
Your car’s age determines your NCT schedule. Cars under 4 years old skip testing. Vehicles between 4 and 10 years go in every two years.
Once your car hits 10 years, it’s annual tests from then on. That basically doubles your inspection costs for older cars.
Here’s the current fee setup:
- Full NCT test: €60 (VAT included)
- Retest fee: €40
- Visual inspection retest: Free (for quick fixes like wipers)
“The jump from every-two-years to annual testing at 10 years old really bumps up your costs—suddenly you’re paying €60 a year instead of €30,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
I’d budget €60-100 a year for older cars, just in case you need a retest.
Preparation and Failure Costs
If your car fails the NCT, you’ll spend more than the initial €60. A standard retest costs €40, but some failures only need a free visual retest.
Cancellation penalties can catch you out:
- Less than 5 working days’ notice: €24 fee
- Missed appointment: €24 deducted from your refund
- Retest no-show: €16 surcharge
Common failures can really hit your wallet. A full set of tyres usually costs €300-600, while brake pads run €150-300. Cheaper fixes like lights or wipers usually cost under €50.
You can pay with cash, debit, or credit cards (except American Express), and fees come out when you book.
I always get my car serviced before the NCT to cut down on failure risk and dodge those retest fees.
Running Costs and Everyday Expenses
Besides fuel and insurance, Irish drivers deal with daily costs that quietly eat into your budget. Parking alone can top €500 a year if you’re in a city, and tolls can add another €200-300 for regular commuters.
Parking Charges
Parking costs jump all over the place in Ireland. Dublin city centre asks €2-5 an hour, while Cork and Galway usually charge €1.50-3 per hour.
Monthly parking permits save money if you commute. Dublin’s annual residential permits cost €125-150 per zone. Commercial monthly parking sits between €80-200, depending on where you park.
Street meters take coins, cards, and mobile apps like EasyPark or ParkMagic. Some councils list annual parking costs up to €484 for casual drivers.
Most shopping centres give you 2-3 hours free. Don’t forget to validate your ticket—otherwise you’ll get stung with a €40-60 penalty.
Parking Cost Breakdown:
- Dublin city centre: €2-5 per hour
- Cork/Galway: €1.50-3 per hour
- Monthly permits: €80-200
- Annual residential permits: €125-150
Toll Fees and Road Charges
Ireland runs eight toll roads, charging between €1.70 and €3.50 per trip. The M50’s barrier-free system takes €3.20 for cars, and the East Link is €2.
Regular commuters can save with prepay accounts—usually a 15-20% discount. The eFlow tag system just deducts tolls automatically from your balance.
“Toll costs catch people out, but planning your routes can save you hundreds a year,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Toll charges average €2.60 each trip. If you use tolls 80 times a year, that’s about €208 gone on road charges.
Major Toll Roads:
- M50 Dublin: €3.20
- M1 Drogheda bypass: €1.90
- M4 Kilcock-Kinnegad: €2.90
- M8 Portlaoise-Cullahill: €1.90
Washing and Cleaning Costs
Car washes charge €8-15 for a basic exterior clean at an automated bay. Hand car washes usually want €10-20 for an outside wash and dry.
A full valet costs €25-50, covering interior cleaning, tyre shine, and the dash. Most folks wash their car monthly, so you’ll spend €120-180 a year on basic cleaning.
Self-service jet wash bays cost €3-5 for 10-15 minutes. You get control and save money compared to full-service options.
Regular cleaning protects your car’s paint and interior. Plus, a clean car fetches a better price when you trade up or sell.
Washing Options:
- Automated wash: €8-15
- Hand wash: €10-20
- Full valet: €25-50
- Self-service: €3-5
Long-Term Depreciation Effects
Car depreciation hits hard after you buy, with most vehicles dropping 50-60% in value within three years. The residual value matters more as running costs pile up.
Factors Reducing Car Value Over Time
Plenty of things speed up depreciation after your first year. Mileage tops the list—high mileage cars lose value faster.
Service history makes a big difference. I’ve seen a full set of service stamps add up to €1,500 to a used car’s value.
Depreciation accelerators:
- Modified vehicles – Non-standard changes scare off buyers
- Poor service records – Missing stamps hit resale value
- Accident history – Even small damage knocks value down
- Colour choices – Bright colours like yellow or orange are tough to sell
Premium vehicles get hit harder. Big saloons and SUVs from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes often lose 60% or more in three years.
Smaller cars fare better. Models like the VW Polo, Mini hatchback, or Toyota Yaris usually lose just 35-40% over three years.
Market Trends in Ireland
The Irish market throws up some unique depreciation challenges you won’t see everywhere else in Europe. Electric vehicles, for example, really struggle with residual values because used buyers just aren’t biting yet.
Ireland doesn’t have the official depreciation guides that the UK relies on. That lack of transparency makes it harder for buyers to predict what their car will be worth down the line.
Current Irish market patterns:
- Medium-sized hatchbacks tend to keep their value best.
- SUVs with efficient engines move well on the used market.
- Electric vehicles drop in value faster than petrol or diesel models.
- Automatic gearboxes matter a lot for holding value in the premium segment.
“Electric models will probably keep losing value faster than hybrids or regular engines over the next couple of years, but I’d expect that to flip by 2030,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Just because a new model is popular doesn’t mean it’ll fetch a good price used. If too many hit the market at once, prices can actually fall when owners try to sell.
Regulatory and Legal Obligations
Owning a car in Ireland means you’ll face specific fines for traffic violations and need to keep your paperwork in order. These rules can really impact your yearly motoring budget.
If you know what penalties and registration requirements to expect, you’ll avoid some nasty surprises.
Fines and Traffic Offences
Traffic penalties in Ireland come with set charges that can add up quickly. Speeding fines start at €80 for minor stuff, but they jump for bigger offences.
Parking tickets usually run €40-€80. In Dublin city centre, it’s €80 if you park illegally, but in smaller towns it’s often €40.
Using your phone while driving brings a €60 fine and three penalty points. If you try to fight it in court and lose, that doubles to €120.
Drink driving penalties are harsh. First-time offenders must appear in court, might pay up to €5,000 in fines, and could lose their licence. Legal fees can easily top €2,000-€3,000 if you need a solicitor.
Insurance violations mean an automatic €60 fine plus five penalty points. If you drive without insurance, you might end up in court and pay as much as €5,000.
“Irish motorists often don’t realise how much penalty points can push up insurance premiums—three points can add €200-€300 a year,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Vehicle Registration and Documentation
You need to register every vehicle in Ireland and keep the right paperwork, each with its own cost. Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) applies to new and imported cars.
VRT rates depend on CO2 emissions and the car’s value. Cleaner cars pay 14% VRT, but high-emission models can hit 37%.
Motor tax also varies by emissions, from €120 a year for Band A up to €1,200 for Band F. Electric vehicles get a flat €120 tax, no matter the value.
NCT certification runs €55 every two years for cars over four years old. If you fail, you’ll pay €28 for each partial retest.
Driving licences cost €55 for a ten-year renewal. Learner permits start at €35, and you’ll pay that again every two years until you get your full licence.
If Gardaí stop you and you’re missing paperwork, you’ll get fined on the spot. No tax disc? That’s €60. No NCT cert? Another €60, and they might even seize your car.
Budgeting and Cost Saving Strategies
If you take the time to figure out your real ownership costs and pick efficient vehicles, you can save thousands every year. Smart budgeting isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s about the full picture.
Assessing Total Cost of Ownership
The average annual cost of running a car in Ireland is €10,373 according to 2025 data. That’s €864 a month, or €28 a day, and covers a lot more than just your car payment.
Biggest cost categories:
- Depreciation: €6,274 per year (this one hurts most)
- Fuel: €1,560 for 15,000km
- Insurance: €616 on average
- Motor tax: €435, but depends on emissions
- Maintenance: €736 for servicing and repairs
I usually suggest the 50/30/20 budgeting rule for car ownership. Try to keep car costs inside your 50% “needs” category, along with rent and bills.
Hidden costs people forget:
- Parking: €484 a year (156 hours at €3.10 each)
- Tolls: €208 if you use motorways regularly
- NCT: €60 per year
- Tyres and surprise repairs
“Most drivers don’t realise how much ownership really costs—they just look at the monthly payment and ignore depreciation, maintenance, and all the running costs over time,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Switching to Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Fuel is a big chunk of your yearly spend, so driving something efficient just makes sense. Petrol engines cost about €10.40 per 100km, while diesels come in at €8.60 per 100km with current Irish prices.
Estimated savings by vehicle type:
| Vehicle Category | Annual Fuel Cost (15,000km) | Yearly Savings vs Average |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | €890-1,200 | €360-670 |
| Small petrol | €1,200-1,400 | €160-360 |
| Average car | €1,560 | Baseline |
| Large SUV | €2,100-2,400 | -€540-840 |
Motor tax jumps up fast with emissions. Cars under 120g/km get Band A rates from €200, but if you drive a high-emission vehicle, you might pay over €2,000 a year.
Electric vehicles don’t use fuel at all, but the maths changes. SEAI grants can knock up to €5,000 off the price, and lower VRT helps too—even if the upfront cost is higher.
Other efficiency perks:
- Smaller engines usually mean lower insurance groups
- EVs need less maintenance
- Some toll discounts for electric cars
- Efficient models tend to hold their value better
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost to own a car in Ireland is €10,373 a year in 2025. That works out to €864 a month, covering depreciation, fuel, insurance, and maintenance, though your actual costs depend on what you drive and how much.
What are the average monthly expenses associated with car ownership in Ireland?
Monthly running costs for a car in Ireland hit €864 in 2025. That’s about €28 per day just to keep your car on the road.
Depreciation takes the biggest bite at €523 a month. Fuel is next at €130. Insurance comes in at €51, and maintenance or servicing averages €61 monthly.
Motor tax adds another €36, and parking fees are about €40 per month. Tolls and NCT testing add a bit more to the total.
How can the running costs of a car in Ireland be calculated?
I usually add up eight main categories: fuel, insurance, depreciation, motor tax, NCT, maintenance, tolls, and parking. Each one depends on your car and how you use it.
Fuel costs depend on your mileage and how efficient your car is. For a petrol car doing 15,000km a year, you’ll spend about €1,560 at current SEAI prices.
“Depreciation eats up about 60% of your total motoring costs, so picking the right car is the biggest financial decision,” says Ciaran Connolly, Lead Reviewer at Amazing Cars and Drives.
Insurance prices vary by age, where you live, and what you drive. Motor tax is all about emissions—could be €120 or over €2,000 a year.
What is the typical price range for a second-hand car in Ireland?
Used car prices in Ireland are all over the place depending on age, mileage, and condition. You’ll find entry-level cars for €3,000 to €5,000 if they’re over 10 years old.
Mid-range used cars usually cost €8,000 to €15,000 for something 5-8 years old. Premium used cars—think luxury brands or nearly new—can hit €20,000 to €40,000.
Car ownership costs go way beyond the sticker price, and you’ll probably spend more running the car than you did buying it if you keep it for several years. Don’t forget to factor in depreciation.
What is the average annual maintenance cost for a vehicle in Ireland?
Maintenance costs come to about €736 a year for Irish drivers in 2025. That covers regular servicing (roughly €249 yearly) plus repairs and parts.
Tyre replacement runs €300-600 a year, depending on how and where you drive. Batteries, brake pads, and wipers add to the bill.
Washing and general upkeep also count. Vehicle maintenance costs drop if you service the car regularly and drive carefully.
How much does petrol contribute to the overall vehicle operating costs per kilometre in Ireland?
Petrol costs €10.40 per 100km, according to SEAI’s latest numbers and fuel at €1.76 per litre. That’s about 15% of your total running cost per kilometre.
If you drive a 1.6L engine for 15,000km a year, you’ll spend about €1,560 on petrol. Of course, efficiency varies a lot between cars and driving styles.
Fuel costs in Ireland change with oil prices and tax policy, so keep fuel economy in mind when picking your next car.
What are the estimated diesel expenses when driving per kilometre in Ireland?
Right now, diesel costs about €8.60 for every 100 kilometres, based on the current rate of €1.68 per litre. That’s generally a better deal on fuel economy than what you’ll get with petrol cars, at least in most situations.
Diesel engines usually manage to squeeze out 15-20% more distance per litre than similar petrol engines. Of course, you’ll probably notice that diesel vehicles tend to cost more upfront, and sometimes the maintenance bills can be a bit higher too.
With modern engines, the gap between diesel and petrol costs isn’t as wide as it used to be. If you’re weighing your options, it’s worth thinking carefully about how much you actually drive each year—sometimes that makes all the difference.