Petrol or Diesel? what to choose when buying used car in india

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide between a petrol or diesel used car in India in 2025:

Petrol vs Diesel: What to Consider for Used Cars (2025)

1. Running Costs & Usage Pattern

Diesel cars offer higher fuel efficiency and lower running cost per km, which makes sense only if you drive over 15,000km/year. Otherwise, the savings are slow to recover compared to the typical higher purchase and maintenance costs
Petrol cars have slightly higher fuel running costs per km, but recent narrowing of petrol-diesel prices means the gap is much less now—so unless your annual mileage is high, the savings on diesel are modest

2. Maintenance & Engine Longevity

Diesel engines require more expensive maintenance, especially on high-mileage/older models. Modern BS6 diesels have costly parts (like DPFs, injectors, turbochargers) that are prone to faults as they age. So maintenance costs after 5–7 years can be higher than petrol
Petrol cars are simpler, quieter, and cheaper to repair. They’re less likely to have costly failure points and are more forgiving for infrequent or low-mileage use, which suits most urban and first-time buyers

3. Government Regulations & Resale

Diesel cars face strict age and emission bans:
- In Delhi NCR: No diesel vehicle can be registered for use after 10 years (even if it’s in perfect condition)
- Petrol cars have a 15-year limit in many major cities, after which re-registration is needed.
Uncertainty about future diesel bans or higher taxes is increasing with EVs and stricter green regulations, making diesel cars riskier for long-term ownership or resale
Resale perspective: Petrol cars are easier to sell and fetch better value, as more buyers are wary of diesel bans and future restrictions

4. Driving Experience

Diesel cars provide more torque, making them better for highway drives or carrying heavy loads. If you do mostly city driving or rarely travel long distances, petrol cars are more convenient, have better refinement, and are easier to live with for short trips

5. Purchase Cost

Diesel variants usually cost more (even used), but the premium is falling as demand drops and regulation tightens. Petrol cars are cheaper to buy, especially in the used market.

Verdict Cheat Sheet

In 2025, for most average and city-centric users, a used petrol car is the safer, lower-risk, and more practical choice for cost, maintenance, and resale. Diesel still makes sense for high-mileage highway drivers outside major metros but comes with higher maintenance and regulatory risk.

Before buying, always check:

Age of the diesel car (if over 7–8 years, avoid in urban areas).
Service records for both types.
Local city/state rules on age, re-registration, and bans (especially for diesels).

This approach protects your investment and ensures stress-free ownership in the evolving Indian used car market.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

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