One thing more and more drivers need to look out for is ultra low emission zones (ULEZ) and clean air zones (CAZ). They can make driving more costly, resulting in daily charges for vehicles that don’t meet the right criteria. If you are looking for a second hand car, you need to make sure it is compliant. We want to help, offering some advice here about the issue. It could also help car brokers to chase the right models in this regards.
What is the rule?
To comply with low emission criteria vehicles need to have an engine that meets the right standards. For petrol cars it must be Euro 4 at least. With diesel it must be Euro 6. The numbers show how efficiently the engines handle emissions. The lower the number, the higher the volume of harmful emissions.
Now, all new cars have engines that will meet these standards. However, it is a little trickier with used. The Euro 4 petrol standards date back to 2006. But, that doesn’t mean that every vehicle from after that point will have an engine that complies. Manufacturers could still use older non-compliant ones in models that were launched before that year. The exact same goes for Euro 6 diesel engines, although they date from 2014.
Some models that could work for you
Peugeot 108
This is a good choice if you want a budget friendly city car that is quite nippy. It has a 1.2 litre engine so you can run-around with ease. Plus, the interior is surprisingly spacious and the boot is a good size for weekly food shopping. If you choose a model from 2015-2017 there is also no road tax.
Ford Focus
It is not surprising that the UK’s favourite car is on the list. This is a model that all car brokers will find themselves dealing with. Buyers love the combination of quality, comfort, and quiet drive. In terms of emissions, this is a great choice. Models from 2014 onwards are ULEZ compliant. The cars also have really good fuel economy, making them a very smart choice.
Nissan Qashqai
At one point this was another of the UK’s most popular cars. As a result, there are a lot of used models on the market. That is quite good news if you are looking for a ULEZ compliant SUV that is comfortable for families. However, you will likely find older models have a lot of mileage. The best bet here is probably 2019/2020 models as they should have fewer miles on the clock.
Toyota Prius
While the Prius has always divided opinion when it comes to looks, it has excellent eco credentials. The emissions are very low, meaning you comply with ULEZ and will likely remain complaint even if there is a change to lower them further. At the same time the cars are comfortable for families. However, again you need to be selective when you choose one. Generally it is best to avoid ex fleet ones.
An interesting time for car brokers
Rules like the ULEZ and CAZ can make it harder for some buyers to decide what vehicles to choose. But, if you do your homework you should be able to find a model. The ones above are a great bet, but there are many more to suit different needs. For example, you could choose the reliable Honda Jazz or even a sporty Audi A3 (2016 onwards).
Car brokers could increasingly find they need to find models to comply with these emissions rules for dealers. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the ones people will likely be seeking so you know what to be on the lookout for yourself.
If you want to look to see if car broking is a good opportunity for you, browse our website. There is lots of info about the benefits and how you can start your own business. Then we also have our fantastic materials to get you started. You can even contact us for advice.
