Are second-hand cars more environmentally friendly?

Newer cars tend to be more efficient than older models, but this isn’t always true, so double check the stats for any specific model you’re interested in. Manufacturers always quote the best possible fuel economy figure, so see if you can find a realistic estimate for mpgs. Keep in mind that cars built after 2018 have had their emissions checked with a WLTP test. This gives much more realistic fuel economy ratings than for older cars.

Once you’ve got a realistic or WLTP figure for a car’s fuel economy, that shouldn’t change. A well-maintained car built in 2015 is exactly as efficient now as it was then, so you can be confident that it’ll still be offering the same fuel economy years down the line. Just make sure that it has been well looked after though – if a car develops certain issues and these go unchecked, the efficiency could be affected.

All in all, the efficiency is determined more by the model you’re buying, not so much whether you’re buying it new or used. A used model with better quoted WLTP figures will outperform a new car with lower figures.

Some cars are more efficient on longer journeys whereas others are better on shorter town trips. While everyone does a bit of both, think about what you use your car for most and pick one that’s most efficient for that. If you’re considering a plug-in hybrid, remember most only offer those really impressive fuel economy figures if you keep the battery charged, and they tend to deliver the most benefits for regular everyday driving.

No matter how efficient a new car might claim to be, actually building it is a different matter. Parts have to be made, shipped and put together, and then the whole car has to be transported to its new owner. So even if a used model has slightly higher emissions, it might balance out against the extra carbon needed to make a new car.

Electric and hybrid cars need extra battery materials to be mined and produced. Plug-in hybrids still require all of the same materials as a petrol or diesel car on top of these, so they need to offer excellent efficiency to balance this out and be greener than a used car. The environmental benefits of buying clothes, electronics and anything else second hand applies to cars too.

Scrapping a car still needs energy and releases emissions. Some parts can be recycled, but in general, it’s more environmentally friendly to reuse instead by buying or selling a used car.

Buying a used car is better for the planet than it may seem at first, and there are lots of used eco friendly cars out there. Whether you want a compact city car, a practical estate or a stylish SUV, there’s an environmentally friendly used option for you. For more information on individual models, check out a detailed review or browse our range of used cars today.