Petrol cars for sale with Drive
Although hybrid cars and electric cars are becoming more popular, the majority of used cars on the market are still powered by petrol engines. That makes petrol cars the most widely available used cars to buy, offering you a broad range of models to suit every budget and need. Modern petrol cars are smooth, refined and often very efficient, while still offering plenty of performance and character. From city cars to supercars, the best petrol cars remain favourite among driving enthusiasts.
Why buy a used petrol car?
The biggest appeal of petrol cars is affordability. Petrol-powered cars tend to be cheaper to buy than their hybrid or electric counterparts, particularly when it comes to smaller cars. And while fuel costs can be slightly higher than diesel because of lower fuel economy, modern petrol engines are still often very efficient, especially the lighter, smaller cars, such as city cars.
Petrol cars are also smoother and quieter to drive than diesels, and many deliver a more engaging, entertaining driving experience thanks to their responsiveness and willngness to rev (petrol cars rev higher than diesel cars). That's part of the reason whiy most sports cars, hot hatches and performance cars still use petrol engines.
What are the best makes and models of petrol cars?
There's a huge choice of used petrol cars to suit all lifestyles. If you're looking for a small, affordable city car, top choices include the Hyundai i10, the Kia Picanto and the Toyota Aygo X. Moving up a size, small hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo, the Ford Fiesta, and the Vauxhall Corsa are all great options with punchy and efficient engines.
Need more space? The SEAT Leon comes with a mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI petrol engine that balances performance and fuel economy, while the Mazda CX-30 SUV is another strong choice with its clever petrol engine that gives diesel-like efficiency. If you’re after a sports car then Porsche has made its name with some of the most exciting petrol engines around, while super saloons such as the BMW M3 are brilliant fun family cars.
What should I look for when buying a used petrol car?
When shopping for a petrol car, think about your typical driving habits. Petrol engines are well suited to short journeys and use around town, but for longer distances or lugging heavier loads, a diesel might make more sense.
Larger petrol SUVs can be very thirsty, so check their rated fuel economy and running costs carefully. That said, smaller petrol-engined cars can be very frugal, espeically if they're fitted with mild-hybrid tech that gives the engine an extra efficiency boost.
Gearbox choice is something else to thing about – manual cars are often more fun to driuve, but an automatic might more sense in heavy traffic. As with any used car, check the maintenance and service records for evidence that the car you're interested in has been looked after.
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