Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric: which car is right for you?

The engine type decides more than your fuel bill: it affects servicing costs, resale value and even your loan terms. To choose well, start with three questions: how far do you drive each month, is it mostly in the city or out of town, and how many years do you plan to keep the car?

Petrol

The most common and simplest choice.

• Pros: the widest choice of cars, servicing and parts everywhere, easy to resell.
• Cons: at high mileage, fuel costs more than with the other options.
• Best for: drivers with average mileage who value simplicity.

Diesel

For long distances and high mileage.

• Pros: economical on the motorway, strong pulling power — good for heavy loads or towing.
• Cons: the fuel system and particulate filter on modern diesels can be expensive to repair, and problems multiply when the car only does short city trips.
• Best for: high-mileage drivers who often travel to the regions.

LPG (autogas)

Popular with taxi drivers and anyone who drives a lot.

• Pros: the cost per kilometre is much lower than petrol.
• Cons: the gas tank takes up boot space, and a poorly installed system can damage the engine.
• When buying: check that the equipment was installed professionally and how it's reflected in the car's documents.

Hybrid

One of the most efficient choices for city traffic.

• Pros: low fuel use in traffic and city driving, with the electric motor taking over at low speeds.
• Cons: usually a higher purchase price; on a used hybrid, always have the battery's condition checked.
• Credit: the minimum down payment for a hybrid up to 1 year old is 20% — less than the 40% for a petrol car.

Electric

The lowest day-to-day cost — if you know where you'll charge.

• Pros: the lowest cost per kilometre, no oil changes and much less mechanical servicing, quiet and comfortable in town.
• Cons: the charging network is still concentrated mainly in Baku, so long trips need planning. On a used EV, have the battery's remaining capacity checked.
• Credit: the minimum down payment for an electric car up to 3 years old is just 10%.
• Before you buy: make sure you can charge at home or at work — that's what most determines how convenient an EV will be.

In short

• Low mileage, want simplicity — petrol.
• High mileage, long trips — diesel or LPG.
• Mostly city driving in traffic — hybrid.
• Charging at home, mostly city driving — electric.

Still deciding? See models that fit your situation in Smart pick, for example fuel-efficient cars. Buying on credit? Check how the engine type changes your down payment in the car loan calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Which fuel type is the cheapest to run?

The lowest cost per kilometre is usually electric, followed by LPG. But the total cost also includes the purchase price, servicing, insurance and resale value, so run the numbers with your own mileage.

Is a diesel car a good choice for city driving?

Not if you mostly do short city trips: the engine and particulate filter never fully warm up, which raises the risk of repairs. Diesel pays off with long, regular motorway driving.

What should I check when buying a used hybrid?

Have the battery's condition checked with a diagnostic at a garage, and ask about any battery replacement or repair history. Battery life depends heavily on how the car has been used.

Are loan terms different for electric cars?

Yes. The minimum down payment for an electric car up to 3 years old is 10%, and some banks also offer lower interest rates on electric cars.