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What to Consider When Buying a Used Car

6th Mar 2022
Tips and Advice

In an attempt to improve emissions, the government has been cracking down on higher emissions cars through the tax system, as well as rewarding the cleanest ones. The Euro Standards were introduced in 1992 and we are now seeing Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones pop up in cities around the country. These regulations may impact you if you’re looking at buying a used car.

We’ve put together this blog to help you understand the Euro Emission Standards and make an informed decision about your next car.

What are the different Euro Standards?

Over the years, different Euro Standards have been put in place as a way to rank the efficiency of any used cars being created. 1993 marks the compulsory introduction of catalytic converters for petrol-engined cars. The Euro Standards apply to cars after the dates listed below:

  • Euro 1: January 1993
  • Euro 2: January 1997
  • Euro 3: January 2001
  • Euro 4: January 2006
  • Euro 5: January 2011
  • Euro 6: January 2015

How does this affect me?

If you are searching for second-hand cars to buy, you’ll need to take the Euro Standards into consideration as you could end up paying a significant amount of tax, or daily charges if you drive in an Ultra Low Emission Zone. This means you will not only need to look at the make, model and specification of used cars, but also the emissions rating.

By buying a Euro 6 car, manufactured after 2015, you can ensure that it doesn’t exceed the limits for harmful exhaust emissions. Cars registered on or after the 1st of March 2001 are taxed based on CO2 emissions and fuel type. This means cars that meet Euro 6 standards will pay much lower tax than those that don’t. There aren’t just low emission zones across the UK, they are also increasing in EU countries. So if you regularly drive in London, Bath, Birmingham, Portsmouth or you’re planning a European road trip, you may want to consider what used car you choose to buy.

Are you looking for used cars for sale? Caledonia Vehicles stocks a wide range of Euro 6 vehicles to help you save money. Whether you’re on the hunt for a BMW Series 4 or a Volkswagen Golf, we have an excellent selection for you to choose from. To find the best used car prices, visit our website today.

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