ULEZ Compliant
The new ULEZ rules have seen major changes in the used and new car sale market, with a growing number of customers focusing on finding a ULEZ compliant vehicle that sits within their budget – but this can be a tricky task.
With an increase in demand for such vehicles following the changes across London & Essex, the market is awash with cars – but you might find it difficult to come across one for under £3000 that is well-matched to your needs. So, we have put together a guide to assist you in your search for the best ULEZ compliant cars to buy around London and Essex.
Whether you are looking for something reliable, efficient, or simply cheap to run, there are plenty of great options available. Below, then, we have taken a look at some of the most popular models in this price range, and highlighted some of the key features that make them great options to consider if you’re looking to buy a ULEZ compliant car in London.
What Is ULEZ?
In simple terms, ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) is a scheme designed to reduce air pollution in the UK by introducing low emission zones in cities and other areas. The scheme requires all vehicles driving within these zones to meet certain emissions standards or face penalty charges.
As of 8th April 2019, ULEZ was introduced in London; it covers the same area as the Congestion Charge Zone.
2023 saw the expansion of ULEZ to the North and South Circular Roads, and many motorists are concerned that the area in question will continue to be extended – hence a growing demand for ULEZ compliant cars across London and Essex.
What Are ULEZ Compliant Cars?
In order to be eligible under the new rules, and therefore avoid the hefty penalty fines in London, all vehicles must meet certain emissions standards. Petrol cars and vans that were registered after 2006 must emit no more than 100g/km of CO2, and diesel cars and vans registered from September 2015 must emit no more than 115g/km of CO2.
Cars must also meet Euro 6 standards for diesel vehicles, and Euro 4 standards for petrol vehicles.
If your vehicle does not meet these standards, you will have to pay the daily charge when driving within the ULEZ area – £12.50 for cars, vans and motorbikes, and £100 for lorries, buses and coaches.
What Are The Benefits of A ULEZ Compliant Car?
While the ULEZ charges may seem like a hassle, they are designed to help improve air quality in London – and it is worth considering the numerous benefits of owning one of these cars.
Efficiency
One of the main advantages of owning a ULEZ compliant car is the improved fuel efficiency, which will save you money on petrol or diesel in the long run. These cars are usually designed with more efficient engines and emission control systems – which is why they are exempt from charges – so you can be sure that your car will run as cost-effectively as possible.
Lower Insurance Costs
In many cases, cars which meet the ULEZ emissions requirements also qualify for lower insurance premiums – so you can make some savings here, too. This is usually because of the smaller engines, which generate less power and are therefore deemed to make the vehicles housing them less “risky” from an insurer’s point of view.
Environmental Benefits
Perhaps the most significant benefit of buying a ULEZ compliant car is on the environmental side of things. With so many cars on the roads, the task of reducing emissions in cities is essential – and this kind of legislation helps to reduce air pollution levels in cities like London. By buying a ULEZ compliant car, you will be helping to improve the air quality in your city – and that’s something we can all be proud of.
Future Proofing
Opting to buy a ULEZ compliant car can also help ensure you are future proofing your car, as the ULEZ restrictions may become even tighter in the near future. By choosing a car which meets these standards now, you can be sure that it will continue to meet them in the years to come – saving you money on any potential ULEZ charges in the future.
How To Choose The Right ULEZ Compliant Car
So, with so much choice available, how do you go about buying the right ULEZ compliant car? Well, there are a few things to consider – and here are some of the most important:
Cost
The cost is always an important factor when it comes to the decision to buy a car, but it is especially important when opting for a ULEZ compliant one. You can find plenty of reliable cars that meet the emissions requirements within your budget, – but you may need to look around a bit to find the right one for you.
Fuel Type
Fuel type is another important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a ULEZ compliant car. Petrol and diesel cars are both allowed in the zone, but many of the newer petrol cars will be more efficient and less polluting than their diesel counterparts. As a rule, petrol cars will also generally be cheaper to run, and this is something worth bearing in mind, especially when commuting to London from surrounding areas in Essex.
Size
The size of your car can also be an important factor when it comes to ULEZ compliance. Smaller cars, such as the Suzuki Swift (2005-2010), are likely to be more efficient and less polluting than larger vehicles. So, if you’re looking for an efficient option that satisfies the emissions requirements, a smaller car could be the way to go.
You do, however, need to ensure you get a car that suits the needs of your family and lifestyle, so you should be sure to bear this in mind when making your choice.
Technology
Finally, it’s worth considering the technology of the car you choose. Modern cars often come with a range of technologies that can help to reduce emissions, such as stop/start systems and regenerative braking. It’s worth taking a look at what features your chosen car has, as this could make all the difference when it comes to meeting the ULEZ requirements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a ULEZ compliant car is a great way to save money on emissions charges in the long term, and it also helps to reduce emissions levels in cities like London and around Essex.
With so much choice available, you can be confident of finding a reliable and efficient option that meets all essential criteria for you and your family – but there are some other crucial factors to bear in mind when making your decision.
Carefully consider the cost, fuel type, size, and technology of the car that you require, and you’ll be sure to find a ULEZ compliant option that suits your needs – all within your budget!
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