Are you on the hunt for a reliable used car that won’t incur those pesky ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charges? Many cities around the world are increasingly tightening their restrictions on vehicle emissions, ushering in the era of ‘low emission zones’ or ‘clean air zones.’ Among these, the ‘Class D’ clean air zones are the ones that impact privately-owned cars the most. These zones dictate specific emissions criteria, and any vehicle failing to meet these standards faces the prospect of incurring charges when venturing into the designated areas.
While clean air schemes of various types have been in operation in cities like Bristol and Birmingham, London’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) scheme shines as one of the most noteworthy. What began as an initiative focused on the most congested and central parts of London expanded significantly in October 2021, stretching its boundaries to encompass the areas between the north and south circular roads. However, the ULEZ expansion continued, and on August 29, 2023, it broadened its reach to encompass all of the London boroughs, making almost all areas within the M25 part of the ULEZ.
So, what’s the key to avoiding those ULEZ charges? For petrol cars, it all comes down to meeting the Euro 4 emissions standards, which became mandatory for all new vehicles as early as 2005. Diesel cars face more stringent rules, as they need to adhere to Euro 6 emissions standards, which only became mandatory in September 2015, though many diesel cars before this date already met these requirements. If your beloved vehicle falls short of these standards, you’ll find yourself shelling out a daily £12.50 charge every time you enter the ULEZ.
Now, let’s delve into the best ULEZ-compliant cars that can help you navigate these stringent emissions regulations without breaking the bank:
Citroen C1 – Affordable and Eco-Friendly: The Citroen C1 proves that you don’t need to break the bank to own a ULEZ-compliant car. This compact city car, introduced in 2005, boasts Euro 4 emissions compliance, ensuring you can navigate London’s streets without incurring the £12.50 daily charge. While it might not be the roomiest option, its petite dimensions make it a breeze to maneuver through city traffic. Furthermore, its small petrol engines translate to cost-effective fuel consumption and insurance premiums. You’ll be pleased to know that used Citroen C1s can be found starting at a wallet-friendly £1,500.
Toyota Prius – Affordable Hybrid Excellence: As the first widely successful mass-market hybrid, the Toyota Prius has long been a symbol of eco-friendly driving. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly hybrid options on the market, with high-mileage examples available for as little as £3,500. For those willing to stretch their budget slightly, we recommend the third-generation Prius, introduced in 2009. All versions of this generation are ULEZ-compliant and offer a spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers. It’s frugal on fuel and has earned a reputation for impeccable reliability, with many examples racking up over 250,000 miles. You can snag a well-maintained third-generation Prius with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer for around £7,500.
Mazda 6 – Affordable ULEZ-Compliant Diesel: Owners of older diesel cars face the toughest challenge when it comes to avoiding ULEZ charges. Euro 6 emissions regulations, the gold standard for diesel vehicles, weren’t introduced until a full decade after Euro 4 became mandatory for petrol cars. Fortunately, several diesel models met these requirements well before the September 2015 cutoff, including the third-generation Mazda6, launched in 2013. All diesel models of this generation are ULEZ-compliant. The Mazda6 is available as both a saloon and an estate, boasting a stylish design, a practical interior, and a strong reputation for reliability. Prices for used models start at a tantalizing £3,000.
Fiat 500 – Style and Urban Charm: The Fiat 500 has achieved icon status in urban areas since its revival by the Italian automaker in 2007. Its diminutive dimensions and nimble driving dynamics make it a joy to navigate through city streets. Despite being on the road for over 15 years, its fun and youthful styling has aged remarkably well. A variety of special editions, including the ‘Colour Therapy’ and ‘byGucci,’ have added extra flair to this chic Fiat. While most Fiat 500s are equipped with petrol engines, exempting them from ULEZ charges, a handful were sold with diesel powertrains. It’s essential to steer clear of these diesel variants if you aim to avoid ULEZ fees. Used Fiat 500s typically start at around £2,000.
BMW 3 Series Touring – Pet-Friendly Practicality: If you’re in the market for a practical estate car that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure, the BMW 3 Series Touring should be on your shortlist. With a capacious boot and ample rear seat space, it’s tailor-made for families. Additionally, it’s roomy enough to accommodate a larger canine companion comfortably in the rear cargo area. We recommend the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series Touring, available between 2012 and 2018. Earlier diesel variants from this era may not meet ULEZ standards, so if you aren’t planning extended motorway journeys, the smooth 320i is a fantastic choice. Prices for a well-maintained example typically start at £9,000.
Ford Fiesta – Widely Available and Affordable: The Ford Fiesta enjoys universal appeal, making it an excellent choice for new drivers or anyone seeking an affordable runabout. Our recommendation falls on the sixth-generation petrol models, available from 2009 to 2017. Throughout these years, the Fiesta consistently topped the charts as the best-selling car, resulting in a vast pool of used models to choose from. Opting for a petrol model from this era guarantees ULEZ compliance, as they are at least Euro 4 vehicles. This generation of the Fiesta boasts modern styling, enjoyable driving dynamics, and commendable fuel efficiency. However, it’s prudent to steer clear of diesel variants, as their ULEZ status is uncertain. You can typically find a used Fiesta from this era for approximately £1,500.