Buying a Second Hand Petrol Car

Petrol cars are once again centre stage, with diesel cars losing their favourable tax concessions, environmental status, and low levels of restrictions. Want to know more about how this engine type can make motoring easier for you? Follow our handy SPOTiCAR guide. 

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A USED PETROL CAR 

Formerly in the shadow of diesel cars, petrol cars are gradually regaining the favour of motorists everywhere. Greener than diesel, this type of engine is attracting more and more drivers, and the second-hand market is home to many models for them to choose from. SPOTiCAR can help you discover some of the great advantages of petrol cars. 

STRENGTHS OF USED PETROL CARS 

The petrol engine of today is a far cry from its counterpart in the 1970s. Faced with a decline in diesel, manufacturers have shown ingenuity in offering new petrol engines that are more efficient and economical. Here are a few of the main benefits of a petrol car: 

• Selling price: Second hand petrol cars usually sell for less than their diesel counterparts. For example, we have seen differences of around £2,000 between a used Peugeot 208, Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo petrol and diesel models from the same year, with the same mileage and finish.
• Less demanding maintenance: Second hand petrol cars require fewer services, which in turn reduces their ongoing maintenance costs.
• Fewer restrictions: Large cities like London are in favour of reducing traffic and emissions through various green initiatives. Most recently manufactured petrol cars are in the lower-level categories, giving them unrestricted access to these kinds of environmentally conscious city centres. 

WHEN SHOULD I BUY A USED PETROL CAR? 

If you drive less than 12,000 miles per year, or if it’s the second car in your household, then you should find a used petrol car to be a great deal. 

If your average annual mileage sits between 12,000 and 18,000 miles, then you should do a quick calculation to work out if a used petrol car could be is right for your needs. For example, if the petrol model consumes 2 litres of additional fuel per 100 miles, with a fuel price of £1.50 / litre, a used petrol vehicle will cost you an additional £450 every 15,000 miles. Compare that extra cost with the savings you’ll make on the purchase price to figure out if it’s a good deal for you. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST PETROL ENGINES? 

In terms of performance, turbocharged petrol engines are recommended because they have greater torque and better efficiency than naturally aspirated petrol engines. 

To combine economy and performance, choose the PURETECH 3-cylinder turbocharged engine – designated engine of the year in its category, delivering either 110 hp or 130 hp. You’ll find this engine in many Peugeot, Vauxhall, Citroën and DS used cars. These same brands also offer a 1.6 litre THP engine, originally developed in conjunction with BMW and Mini. 

At Renault, petrol engines have a TCE designation. Toyota uses the name VVTi, while Audi calls them TFSI engines and Volkswagen TSI. Ford uses the EcoBoost and Fiat Firefly names.