Automotive: Why drivers are snapping up ‘dirty diesel’ cars
- InsightTrendsWorld
- May 8
- 8 min read
Why is the topic trending:
Impending Ban on New Diesel Cars: The UK is set to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars from showrooms in less than five years (by 2030) to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
Surge in Second-Hand Diesel Demand: Despite the ban and negative perceptions of diesel cars, there is a notable increase in demand for used diesel vehicles.
Strategic Purchasing: Experts suggest that drivers are proactively buying relatively young second-hand diesel cars to benefit from them before the ban takes full effect.
Cost-Effectiveness: Used diesel cars are significantly cheaper than used electric vehicles in the UK market.
Range and Efficiency: Owners praise the long-range capabilities and fuel efficiency of diesel cars, especially for long journeys.
Overview:
The article explores the surprising trend of rising demand for second-hand diesel cars in the UK, despite an upcoming ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030. Experts and car dealers suggest that this increase is driven by drivers looking to secure relatively young used diesel cars before the ban. In March 2025, used diesel car sales rose by 16% compared to two years prior. This trend indicates that many consumers are not yet ready to switch to electric vehicles and are instead opting for the familiar range and fuel efficiency of diesel, particularly for long-distance travel. Additionally, used diesel cars are considerably more affordable than used electric cars, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While new diesel car sales are declining as manufacturers reduce production, the second-hand market is experiencing a counter trend, suggesting a segment of the population is sticking with diesel despite environmental concerns and the push towards electrification.
Detailed Findings:
Used diesel car sales in March 2025 were up 16% compared to two years ago.
The Dacia Logan MCV Stepway is the fastest-selling used diesel car in the UK.
Used diesel cars cost, on average, £15,250, which is £9,100 cheaper than a typical second-hand EV.
Diesel cars currently account for only 5.7% of new car sales, down 13.2% on 2024.
Despite costing 6p more per liter than petrol, owners value the range and efficiency of diesel cars, achieving around 500 miles on a single tank.
Many consumers in rural areas find diesel cars still the most practical option for their needs.
Some readers believe that well-maintained diesel engines can outlast electric cars in terms of lifespan and mileage.
Used electric car sales have more than doubled in the past two years, but this was anticipated due to the increasing number of EVs in the UK fleet.
Diesels registered after September 2015 meet the Euro 6 emissions standard and are exempt from Ulez (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charges.
Key Takeaway:
Ahead of the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol cars in the UK, there is a growing demand for second-hand diesel vehicles driven by consumers seeking affordability, familiar range, and fuel efficiency, particularly for long journeys, despite the general push towards electric vehicles.
Main Trend:
Pre-Ban Demand Surge for Second-Hand Diesel Cars
Description of the Trend (please name it):
The Diesel Holdout
What is consumer motivation:
Avoiding the higher purchase price of new or used electric vehicles.
Desire for the long driving range offered by diesel cars, especially for rural residents and long-distance travelers.
Familiarity and trust in diesel engine technology.
Potentially lower running costs compared to petrol cars, despite slightly higher fuel prices in the UK.
What is driving trend:
The impending ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars in 2030 creating a perceived scarcity in the future.
The current price disparity between used diesel and electric vehicles.
Consumer apprehension towards the charging infrastructure and range limitations of some electric vehicles.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Need for personal transportation.
Seeking reliable and economical vehicles.
Description of consumers article is referring to:
Age: Likely a broad range, including those who are not yet convinced by EV technology or its current affordability.
Gender: Not specified in the article.
Income: Potentially skewed towards budget-conscious buyers for whom the lower price of used diesels is a significant factor.
Lifestyle: Individuals who frequently undertake long journeys, live in rural areas with potentially less developed charging infrastructure, or prioritize fuel efficiency and range.
Conclusions:
The upcoming ban on new diesel car sales is unexpectedly leading to an increased demand for used diesel vehicles as consumers seek to capitalize on their perceived benefits before they become less readily available.
Implications for brands:
Used Car Dealers: May experience increased sales and potentially higher prices for used diesel vehicles in the short to medium term.
Electric Vehicle Manufacturers: Need to address consumer concerns regarding price, range, and charging infrastructure to attract those currently opting for used diesels.
Implication for society:
May slow down the immediate transition to electric vehicles in the UK as some consumers choose to extend the lifespan of diesel cars.
Implications for consumers:
Those buying used diesel cars now may face challenges with future regulations or restrictions on older, more polluting vehicles.
Buyers who switch to EVs may benefit from lower running costs and contribute to environmental goals but face higher initial purchase prices.
Implication for future:
The demand for used diesel cars is likely to decline as the 2030 ban approaches and the availability of used EVs increases and prices potentially become more competitive.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):
The Pre-Electrification Pragmatist: This trend describes consumers who, while aware of the shift towards electric vehicles, are opting to purchase second-hand diesel cars in the lead-up to the 2030 ban, prioritizing affordability, familiar technology, and the long-range capabilities of diesel engines.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):
The Range-Anxious Skeptic: A sub-trend highlighting consumers who are hesitant to adopt electric vehicles due to concerns about driving range and the availability of charging infrastructure, leading them to stick with diesel cars, particularly for long journeys.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):
The Tension Between Environmental Goals and Consumer Practicality: The push for net-zero emissions through policies like banning internal combustion engine vehicles can create friction with consumers' practical needs and financial constraints.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Global Transition Challenges in the Automotive Industry: Countries worldwide are grappling with the complexities of transitioning from traditional combustion engine vehicles to electric and other alternative fuel options.
Social Drive (name, detailed description):
Balancing Environmental Responsibility with Personal Needs and Finances: Consumers are navigating the desire to be environmentally responsible with their everyday transportation needs and the financial implications of switching to new technologies.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025: (bullets, detailed description)
There is still significant consumer demand for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly diesel, driven by practical considerations and affordability.
The transition to electric vehicles will likely be gradual and face resistance from some segments of the market.
Understanding consumer concerns about price, range, and infrastructure is crucial for promoting EV adoption.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: (bullets, detail description)
Electric vehicle manufacturers should focus on making their vehicles more affordable and improving range and charging infrastructure.
Governments should consider incentives and policies that support a smoother and more accessible transition to EVs for all consumers.
Continued education and awareness campaigns can help address consumer apprehension towards electric vehicle technology.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified):
In 2025, "The Diesel Holdout" trend reveals a counter-intuitive increase in demand for second-hand diesel cars in the UK as drivers seek affordability and familiar benefits before the impending 2030 ban on new fossil fuel vehicle sales fully takes effect.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:
In 2025, used car dealerships in the UK should anticipate continued strong demand for relatively young second-hand diesel vehicles and manage their inventory accordingly to meet this demand. Electric vehicle manufacturers and related infrastructure providers should focus on addressing key consumer concerns such as affordability, driving range, and charging convenience to better compete with the enduring appeal of diesel cars, especially in the second-hand market.
Final Note:
Core Trend: Pre-Ban Demand Surge for Second-Hand Diesel Cars: More people in the UK are buying used diesel cars before the ban on new ones.
Core Strategy: Used car dealers should stock up on used diesels; EV makers should focus on affordability and range.
Core Industry Trend: A temporary increase in demand for a technology that is being phased out due to a future ban.
Core Consumer Motivation: Affordability, long driving range, and familiarity with diesel engines.
Final Conclusion: The rise in demand for used diesel cars highlights the complexities of transitioning to new automotive technologies and the continued relevance of traditional options for a segment of the population.
Core Trend Detailed (Pre-Ban Demand Surge for Second-Hand Diesel Cars):
Description: This core trend describes the unexpected increase in consumer demand for used diesel cars in the United Kingdom in the years leading up to the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. This surge in the second-hand market indicates a segment of the population is opting to purchase and retain diesel vehicles, likely to capitalize on their perceived benefits such as affordability, fuel efficiency for long distances, and familiarity, before new diesel car sales are prohibited.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary):
Increased Sales Volume: The number of used diesel car transactions has risen significantly.
Focus on Relatively Young Models: Buyers are reportedly seeking out second-hand diesels that are still in good condition and have a longer lifespan.
Price Advantage: Used diesel cars are considerably more affordable compared to used electric vehicles.
Emphasis on Range and Efficiency: Consumers value the long driving range and fuel economy offered by diesel cars, especially for long journeys.
Resistance to EV Transition: A portion of the market appears hesitant to fully embrace electric vehicles and is choosing diesel as a familiar alternative.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary):
Analyst data from Marketcheck UK showing a 16% increase in used diesel car sales in March 2025 compared to two years prior.
Reports from car dealers and the Independent Motor Dealers Association confirming strong demand for second-hand diesels.
Autotrader data identifying the Dacia Logan MCV Stepway as the fastest-selling used diesel car, along with other popular models.
Comments from Telegraph readers expressing their intent to keep their diesel cars for their longevity, economy, and power, especially for long distances.
Marketcheck data revealing that the average second-hand diesel car sold in the UK is 7.9 years old and significantly cheaper than the average used EV.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary):
Prioritizing Affordability: Consumers are opting for the lower purchase price of used diesel cars over the generally higher cost of electric vehicles.
Delaying EV Adoption: Some individuals are choosing to stick with familiar diesel technology rather than making the switch to electric.
Focusing on Practical Needs: The demand for diesel cars for long journeys and in rural areas highlights a prioritization of range and efficiency.
Strategic Pre-Ban Purchasing: Consumers are seemingly buying used diesel cars with the intention of using them for the remaining years before the 2030 ban on new sales.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary):
For Brands and CPGs: The automotive industry is witnessing a continued, albeit potentially temporary, demand for diesel fuel and related maintenance products.
For Retailers: Used car dealerships may benefit from increased sales of diesel vehicles. Electric vehicle retailers and manufacturers need to address consumer concerns about price and range to attract this segment.
For Consumers: Those purchasing used diesel cars now may enjoy a more affordable vehicle in the short term but could face future challenges related to environmental regulations and the declining availability of diesel fuel and parts in the long term.
Strategic Forecast: This pre-ban surge in demand for used diesel cars is likely to be a temporary phenomenon. As the 2030 ban draws closer and the availability and affordability of used electric vehicles improve, the trend is expected to reverse, with demand for diesel cars gradually declining.
Final Thought: The "Diesel Holdout" trend illustrates the complexities of transitioning to new technologies, as practical considerations like affordability and range can lead consumers to cling to familiar options even in the face of impending regulatory changes and environmental concerns.
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