Euro emissions standards affect which vans can enter Clean Air Zones — and matter for resale value.
Verdict
If you can afford a Euro 6 van, buy one. The ULEZ exemption and fuel savings offset the higher purchase price over 3-5 years of use.
The Difference
| Standard | Introduced | AdBlue needed | ULEZ compliant | Fuel economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro 4 | 2005 | No | No | ~30-35 mpg |
| Euro 5 | 2009 | Optional | No | ~32-38 mpg |
| Euro 6 | 2015 | Yes (most) | Yes | ~35-42 mpg |
ULEZ Reality
Euro 4 diesel vans are NOT ULEZ compliant. If you need to drive in London, Birmingham, or Bristol, a Euro 6 diesel is required.
Euro 6 Downsides
- More complex engine (DPF, EGR, AdBlue)
- More things to go wrong
- More expensive to service
- AdBlue top-ups (£10 per 10L, lasts 3-5k miles)
- DPF issues if the van does short journeys
Which to Choose
- Euro 4: Cheaper to buy (£3-5k for a good example). Simpler maintenance. Avoid if you need city access.
- Euro 6: More expensive (£6-10k). Less stress about CAZs. Better fuel economy. Higher resale.
