Diesel vs Petrol Van: Which One is Cheaper to Run in NZ?
Diesel vs Petrol Van: Which One is Cheaper to Run in NZ?
If you’re in the market for a van - whether it's for your business, family, or weekend getaways - fuel type is a key factor that can impact your running costs in a big way.
At City Motor Group, we often get asked: “Is a diesel van cheaper to run than a petrol one in New Zealand?”
The answer? It depends. Here's a breakdown.
Fuel price vs efficiency:
Diesel is generally cheaper per litre than petrol in NZ, but diesel vehicles are subject to road user charges (RUC), while petrol includes tax at the pump. Diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient, especially for long trips and heavy loads. Petrol vans are typically better for short city driving with frequent stops.
Maintenance and running costs:
Diesel vans are more expensive to maintain due to their complex engines and emissions systems. Petrol vans have lower maintenance costs and simpler engines.
Road User Charges (RUC):
Diesel vehicles in NZ must pay RUC, currently about $76 per 1,000 km for light vehicles. For someone driving 15,000 km a year, that’s around $1,140 in RUC on top of fuel costs. Petrol vehicles don’t pay RUC, as it's included in fuel prices.
Real-life cost comparison:
Example for 15,000 km/year:
Diesel van:
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7L/100km fuel efficiency
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~$2.40/L fuel cost
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~$2,520 fuel per year
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$1,140 RUC
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Total: ~$3,660/year
Petrol van:
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10L/100km fuel efficiency
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~$2.80/L fuel cost
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~$4,200 fuel per year
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No RUC
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Total: ~$4,200/year
Diesel can be cheaper - if you're doing higher mileage and maintaining it well.
Which van should you choose?
Go for diesel if you drive long distances, tow often, or carry heavy loads. Go for petrol if you mostly drive in the city and want lower maintenance costs.
Final thoughts from City Motor Group:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your driving habits. At City Motor Group, we offer a great range of petrol and diesel vans to suit different needs and budgets. Come visit us in Penrose or check out our range online.