Diesel vs Petrol: A car-buying guide

Diesel cars have come a long way in recent years. While petrol may have been obvious ten years ago, the introduction of luxury diesel alternatives and improvements in technology have closed the gap. Want to make the right decision for your next car purchase? The guide below outlines all the variables to factor into your decision.

How much will you save?

The main reason people opt for diesel cars is to save money on fuel. However, because diesel cars are usually a few thousand dollars (10-15%) more expensive than their petrol-alternatives, you need to factor that into your purchase decision. Some car companies claim that diesel vehicles use around 30% less fuel than petrol vehicles. This figure will vary depending on the size of the vehicle and how you drive it and in some cases may be closer to the 15-20% mark.

According to a study by the NRMA Motoring & Services, which compared four vehicles with petrol and diesel variants, the vehicles with diesel used 20% less fuel on average. The highest reduction in fuel consumption was from the Holden Epica by 33%. The lowest was the Hyundai Sonata, which saw a fuel consumption reduction of 13%.

What about performance?

Petrol cars are generally more powerful than diesel. However, power isn't everything. Diesel vehicles can deliver a large amount of torque at low revs, so if you're travelling at 1,500 - 2,500rpm you'll power ahead. This makes diesel better for cruising, whereas petrol cars are better for speed.

Higher servicing costs of diesel cars

Diesel vehicles come with notoriously higher costs for servicing and upkeep. These vehicles need diesel-specific oils, filters and coolants that can come with a higher price-tag. According to an RACQ factsheet, a Hyundai i30 Active petrol costs 5.95c per kilometre in services and repairs, while the diesel costs 6.37c per kilometre. If you look at your fuel savings on that same vehicle, the petrol version will cost you 9.49c per km and you'll pay 6.78c per km for diesel. That's a fuel saving of 28.55%.

If you don't maintain a diesel vehicle you can run into a lot of problems, especially with the engine. Diesel cars are much better for drivers of long distances. A diesel engine, if it conforms to the Euro 5 emission standard, will have a filter built-in, and it's only when the car is driven a certain distance will the filter perform effectively. If it doesn't, you'll be feeling the regret with a sizeable mechanic's bill.

Compare a range of car loan options

{"visibility":"visibilityTable","ctaLabel":"Calculate","tableCode":"AUFCL_COMPARISON_V2_TABLE","nicheCode":"AUFCL","fields":[{"name":"LOAN_AMOUNT","value":"20000","options":"","label":"Loan amount","suffix":"$","useSuffixAsPrefix":true,"useDropDownOption":false,"tooltip":""},{"name":"PERIOD","value":"3","options":"","label":"Loan term","suffix":"years","useSuffixAsPrefix":true,"useDropDownOption":false,"tooltip":""}]}

1 - 12 of 108

Updated regularly

Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.85%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $630.83	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with. Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Simplify New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.21	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Credit Concierge New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $100,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.29% to 16.45%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.41% to 17.91%	Application Fee $553	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment $637.97	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV New Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $635.67	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a. A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Credit Concierge Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $1,000,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.8% to 17.45%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.56% to 18.91%	Application Fee $553	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment $642.74	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a. A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
Simplify Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.21	Go to siteMore Info Compare
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.74% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.85% to 8.99%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $644.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV Used Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $647.01	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.

loading

Load More

Showing 12 of 12 results

Questions to ask before you buy

Would you buy the vehicle for that price regardless of the future costs saving?

If you're willing to pay the cost for the car you're getting based on its features and performance, then you're likely to be happy with it as a diesel vehicle.

Are you buying a new or used vehicle?

Diesel vehicles need to be properly maintained over their lifetime to avoid any major mechanical and engine issues. If you're buying secondhand you'll need to make sure it has no problems before you make your purchase.

How far do you drive?

As mentioned in the guide above, how far you drive has an effect on a diesel car's upkeep. If you're driving less than the national average of 15,000 km per year, or eight to ten km per day, then you may not see the fuel savings you're expecting and you may actually be worse off.

Have you secured your finance?

Remember the initial upfront costs may be higher so compare your options before you go car-hunting. Many lenders offer pre-approval so you know how much you have to spend before you buy your car. You can also consider a car loan broker that can find the loan for you.

Written by

Elizabeth Barry

Lead Editor

Elizabeth Barry was the lead editor for Finder. She has over 10 years' experience writing about a range of topics with a focus on personal finance. You’ll find her writing and commentary in a range of publications and media including Seven News, the ABC, MSN, the Irish Times and Singapore Business Review. See full bio

Elizabeth's expertise

Elizabeth has written 291 Finder guides across topics including:

• Banking
• Personal finance
• Investing