The big dilemma: which car is worth buying, petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?

Choosing a new car has become harder as the automotive industry changes and new drivetrain types compete for buyers. The article weighs practical experience and costs while asking which option suits different drivers and which choices may become dead ends.

Diesel cars are described as reliable but increasingly complicated because of environmental regulations. Some parts are expensive, and modern diesels remain noisier and more prone to vibration than ideal. Diesel fuel currently costs 10 percent more than petrol, while buyers also face unanswered questions about possible punitive taxes, city restrictions, long-term maintenance and future resale values.

The article considers diesel worthwhile mainly for drivers who cover several tens of thousands of kilometers a year, typically on motorways. It gives the drivetrain a score of 5 out of 10.

Petrol cars are quieter and smoother than diesels, and their fuel is currently more affordable. They may also face fewer access restrictions in western European cities as they age. Their disadvantages include roughly 20 percent higher consumption than diesels and the growing complexity of modern engines. Downsized engines, often below 1.5 liters, raise durability concerns, while turbochargers, direct injection and dual-mass flywheels are common. Petrol receives 6 out of 10.

Full hybrids are presented as a mature and reliable option with significantly lower consumption than ordinary petrol cars. Toyota, Ford, Hyundai and Kia, Renault, Honda, Nissan and other manufacturers offer such models. They avoid the inconvenience of charging, though buyers must pay attention to the battery and inverter, among the few potentially expensive components.