Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid vs EV
By Motor Match • 11/09/2025
When it comes to buying your next used car, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric? With so many options now on the market, it’s not always easy to know which fuel type will suit your lifestyle best.
Which Used Car Should You Choose?
When it comes to buying your next used car, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric? With so many options now on the market, it’s not always easy to know which fuel type will suit your lifestyle best.
At Motor Match, we’re here to make that choice a little simpler. Let’s take a look at the benefits of each option and help you decide which one might be the right match for you.
Petrol cars: affordable and flexible
Petrol engines have always been the most popular choice for UK drivers. They’re often more affordable to buy compared to diesels and hybrids, and they tend to be cheaper to maintain too.
Best for you if:
- You mostly drive shorter journeys
- You want lower upfront costs
- You prefer a quieter, smoother drive
Petrol cars are also a great choice if you’re after a wide selection of models on the used car market, you’ll find plenty of options at Motor Match.
Diesel cars: efficient on longer journeys
Diesel engines might not be as common as they once were, but they still make a lot of sense for certain drivers. Diesel cars are more fuel efficient on longer motorway journeys, and they’re great for towing too.
Best for you if:
- You drive a lot of miles each year
- You regularly use the motorway
- You need extra pulling power for towing
If you mainly stick to short trips around town, a diesel probably isn’t the best choice, but for high mileage drivers, it can still be the most economical.
Hybrid cars: a bit of both
Hybrid cars give you the best of both worlds, with a petrol (or diesel) engine working alongside an electric motor. They’re becoming increasingly popular on the used car market as more drivers make the switch to greener options.
Best for you if:
- You do a mix of city and motorway driving
- You want to cut down on fuel costs
- You’re not quite ready to go full electric
Hybrids can be especially handy for city driving, where the electric motor kicks in to save fuel and lower emissions.
Electric vehicles (EVs): the future of driving
EVs are becoming more and more common and the used market is growing quickly too. With zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs, they’re perfect if you want an eco-friendly drive.
Best for you if:
- You have access to home or workplace charging
- You mostly drive shorter daily journeys
- You’re looking to future-proof your next car
EVs are ideal if you’re ready to embrace the latest technology. Plus, with more public charging points popping up across the UK, running an electric car is easier than ever.
So, which one’s right for you?
There’s no one size fits all answer, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget and driving habits. Whether it’s the flexibility of petrol, the long distance economy of diesel, the balance of a hybrid or the eco-friendliness of an EV, you’ll find plenty of options at Motor Match.
Why not take a look at our latest used car offers and see which fuel type could be your perfect match?
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