Should you switch from petrol or diesel before manual cars vanish?
If you’re thinking about your next car purchase, here’s something worth considering: manual gearboxes could be gone within the next five years, and diesel engines won’t be far behind.
Industry analysts reckon that electric vehicles (EVs) are already eating into demand for traditional cars, and the economics will eventually make manual gearboxes completely unviable. It’s not a sudden ban — it’s the market deciding that automatics and electric powertrains simply make more financial sense.
Why does this matter to your wallet? Because it affects what cars are available, how much they cost, and what you might get if you sell yours.
What’s changing and when?
Manual gearboxes aren’t disappearing overnight. But as fewer people buy them and manufacturers stop making them, finding a manual car — especially a new one — will become harder and more expensive. The trend is already visible: most new cars sold in the UK are now automatics. Diesel, which was once pushed as the eco-friendly choice, is also on its way out due to stricter emissions rules and the shift towards electric.
Should you be worried?
Not necessarily. If you already drive a manual or diesel car, it’s still perfectly fine to keep it running for as long as it’s roadworthy and safe. But if you’re planning to buy a replacement soon, you might want to think about timing.
If you love driving a manual, act sooner rather than later — choice and availability will shrink. If you’re considering diesel, factor in potential future costs: as these cars become rarer, repair parts and specialist servicing might become pricier.
What to do now
If you’re thinking of upgrading your car in the next few years, do some homework. Compare the cost of manual versus automatic, or petrol versus electric. Check insurance quotes — EVs and automatics sometimes cost more to insure. Look at fuel and charging costs too. Government grants for EV buyers are changing, so check the current rates at gov.uk.
Visit Consumer Reports or Which? for independent car reviews, and get a mechanic to check any used car before you buy.
The shift to automatics and electric isn’t bad news — it’s just the market evolving. Plan ahead, and you’ll make a smarter choice for your budget.