Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutDiesel car experience in AustraliaNow I will summarize the relevant issues and hope it will be helpful to those who want to know more.
### 1. Current status of diesel vehicle market in Australia
Australia is one of the countries with the highest per capita car ownership in the world, with diesel vehicles accounting for 23% (ABS data in 2023). From the pickup truck leader Toyota Hilux to the family SUV Mazda CX-5 diesel version, to the commercial truck Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, diesel power covers all scenarios. The registration fee for diesel vehicles by state governments is 10-15% lower than that for gasoline vehicles, but regions such as Victoria have begun to impose higher emission taxes, and policies are showing a trend of differentiation.
#### Three core advantages of diesel vehicles
1. **Fuel economy**: The average fuel consumption of diesel vehicles is 30% lower than that of gasoline vehicles of the same level. For example, the diesel version of Toyota LandCruiser consumes only 8.5L per 100km, which has obvious advantages in long-distance crossing
2. **Torque performance**: Peak torque can be generated at 2000rpm, especially suitable for towing RVs (common 3.5-ton towing requirements)
3. Durability: The design life of diesel engines is generally more than 500,000 kilometers, and the residual value of used cars is 5-8% higher than that of gasoline cars.
#### Three major pain points that cannot be ignored
1. **Maintenance cost**: Special engine oil needs to be replaced every 15,000 kilometers ($180-250/time), and the DPF particle filter cleaning fee is as high as $800
2. **Environmental restrictions**: Sydney and Melbourne have designated low-emission zones, and vehicles below Euro V are prohibited from entering the CBD
3. **Fuel premium**: The current diesel price is $0.25/L more expensive than No. 91 gasoline, but the range advantage can offset part of the price difference
### 2. Key indicators for car purchase decision
1. **Annual mileage critical point**:
- Less than 15,000 km: petrol cars are more cost-effective
- More than 20,000 km: The fuel savings from diesel vehicles can cover the additional maintenance costs
2. **Usage scenario matching**:
- Recommended diesel vehicles: Frequent towing of boats/RVs, mining operations, long-distance commuting
- Choose diesel vehicles carefully: only for short-distance travel in the city (prone to DPF clogging)
3. **Emission standard red line**:
- Be sure to choose Euro VI (after 2018) models to avoid policy risks in the next 10 years
- Differences in testing between states: Western Australia still accepts Euro IV, while New South Wales has mandated Euro V
### 3. Calculation of the full life cycle cost (taking popular models as an example)
| Project/Model | Toyota Hilux Diesel (4×4) | Mazda CX-5 Gasoline |
|-----------------|----------------------|------------------|
| Purchase price | $52,000 | $38,500 |
| Five-year fuel cost (30,000 km/year) | $18,360 | $24,840 |
| Five-year maintenance fee | $4,200 | $2,800 |
| Five-year total cost of ownership | $74,560 | $66,140 |
*Data source: RACV Vehicle Operating Costs Report 2024*
### 4. Practical skills for repair and maintenance
1. **DPF regeneration tips**:
- Complete at least 1 20-minute highway driving per month (with the speed maintained above 2000rpm)
- Avoid supermarket diesel and give priority to high-end fuels such as BP Ultimate
2. **Filter replacement cycle**:
- Fuel filter: every 40,000 km (shortened to 30,000 km in dusty areas)
- Air filter: every 2 oil change cycles
3. **Winter cold start protection**:
- Anti-condensation agent should be added below -5℃ (10ml per liter of diesel).
- 5W-30 low viscosity engine oil is preferred
### 5. Policy trends in 2024
1. **New Energy Impact**:
- Victoria imposes an environmental surcharge of $600/year on diesel vehicles
- Tesla Cybertruck is launched and impacts the traditional diesel pickup truck market
2. **Fuel tax reform**:
- The federal government plans to implement carbon tariffs in 2025, with diesel vehicles receiving an additional $0.02 per kilometer
3. **Modification restrictions**:
- NSW completely bans diesel vehicle ECU tuning, violators will be fined up to $11,000
###
Answers to five frequently asked questions
**Q1: Is a diesel car suitable for housewives who pick up and drop off their children? **
It is recommended to choose carefully, as short-distance driving can easily cause the DPF system to become clogged, and the repair cost may exceed $2,000. If the daily activity radius is less than 10 kilometers, a hybrid model is preferred.
**Q2: Is it worth buying a used diesel car? **
Focus on Euro VI models after 2018. It is recommended to require the production of complete DPF cleaning records and check the vehicle emission compliance certificate provided by VACC.
**Q3: Can diesel vehicles be refueled with vegetable oil for emergency use? **
The law allows the addition of no more than 5% of biodiesel (must comply with AS 3570 standards), but long-term use requires the fuel system to be modified, otherwise the high-pressure pump may be damaged.
**Q4: Which brand of diesel vehicles has the lowest failure rate? **
The 2024 JD Power Reliability Report shows:
1. Toyota (failure rate 9.2%)
2. Isuzu (11.5%)
3. Kia (13.1%)
**Q5: Is it convenient to refuel a diesel vehicle in remote areas? **
Diesel is available at 98% gas stations across Australia, but the octane number is marked differently from gasoline. You need to look for "B10" (biodiesel content mark).
In summary, choosing a diesel car in Australia requires precise matching of usage needs, with a focus on annual mileage, towing requirements and policy trends. It is recommended to use the diesel car cost calculator provided by RACQ (available for free on the official website) before purchasing a car, and make a rational decision based on your own situation.
Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandSelection and use of diesel vehicles in AustraliaIf you are considering buying a car, you may wish to save this article as a reference for decision-making. In the next issue, we will reveal "How to legally drive on the road in Australia with a Chinese driver's license", so stay tuned!
English (Australia) 
简体中文 
日本語 
한국어 
香港中文