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LPG Cars: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

September 27, 2024

Quick Summary:

So, you’ve decided you want to buy an LPG car—great choice. LPG cars have always been popular for their cost-efficiency and eco-friendliness, but choosing the right model can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of LPG.

From key features to safety considerations, and even resale value, there’s a lot to consider. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about picking the perfect LPG car, so you can hit the road with confidence.

What to Look for in an LPG car

When it comes to buying an LPG car, there are some key features you should keep an eye out for. Like any car, there’s always the stuff you need and the stuff that’s just nice to have, so you may have to make a few trade-offs along the way. No model will tick every single box perfectly, but that’s okay.

Here, I’ll give you my personal tips on the most important things to consider so you don’t feel too overwhelmed.

Dual fuel compatibility

First things first, let’s talk about dual fuel compatibility. The beauty of most LPG cars is that they can switch between running on LPG and regular petrol. This is super handy because you’re not locked into just one type of fuel. If you can’t find an LPG station on a long trip, no stress, you can flip over to petrol and keep going.

When you’re shopping around, make sure the car you choose has this flexibility. A dual-fuel system can be a game-changer in terms of convenience and practicality, especially if you’re driving in areas where LPG stations are less common. It’s kind of like having the best of both worlds.

Fuel efficiency

Next up: fuel efficiency. We all know how important this is, especially with fuel prices bouncing around like crazy. Fuel efficiency for LPG cars can vary based on factors such as the car’s weight, engine size, and driving habits.

While LPG burns faster than petrol, its lower cost per litre means you usually save money overall.
When checking out different models, look at their LPG consumption in litres per kilometre. Also, pay attention to real-world reviews.

Some cars might look great on paper, but how they perform in day-to-day driving could be another story. If you’re looking to get the most mileage out of your LPG tank, opt for a model with a smaller, more efficient engine—it’ll stretch that tank a bit further.

Tank size

The size of the LPG tank is another thing you’ll want to think about. It directly affects your driving range, which basically means how far you can go before you need to refuel. Bigger tanks give you more range but will take up more boot space—so if you’re someone who likes to pack a lot, this might be a trade-off to consider.

To give you an idea of your options, a small tank size is generally considered to be 50–60 litres, mid-size would be 60-70 litres and large is anything above 70 litres.

For long-distance drivers, a larger tank might be worth the extra space it hogs. But if you’re mostly sticking to city driving, a smaller tank should do the trick and leave you more room for groceries (or, you know, a suitcase or two).
Just think about your typical driving habits and pick a tank size that fits your lifestyle.

Safety Features in LPG Cars

When you’re buying a car, safety is always a top priority—and LPG cars are no different. In fact, because LPG is a pressurised gas, safety features are even more important.

But don’t worry, modern LPG cars come with several built-in safety measures that keep everything running smoothly and, more importantly, safely. Let’s take a look at the key safety features you should be aware of when considering an LPG car.

Automatic fuel cut-off

One of the most crucial safety features in an LPG car is the automatic fuel cut-off system.

This system is designed to shut off the flow of LPG if something goes wrong—like in the case of an accident or if the engine stalls. It works as a safeguard to prevent any leakage of gas, which could be dangerous.

So, when you’re checking out potential models, make sure they have this feature. Keep in mind an automatic fuel cut-off may be easier to find in second hand models, as brand new LPG Cars are no longer produced.

It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad it’s there just in case.

Pressure release valves

LPG is stored under pressure, and that’s why pressure release valves are so important.

These valves help manage the gas pressure inside the tank and prevent it from building up to dangerous levels. If the pressure gets too high, the valve will automatically release some gas in a controlled way to keep everything safe.

Make sure the car you’re looking at has a good, reliable pressure release valve system. This feature ensures that even in extreme temperatures or unexpected situations, the tank remains stable and safe.

Tank certification

Another key safety aspect is the certification of the LPG tank itself. The tank has to meet strict safety standards to ensure it can handle the high pressure of the gas. Certified tanks go through rigorous testing for durability, pressure resistance, and overall safety.

When buying an LPG car, you can ask about the tank’s certification. Look for tanks that meet recognised standards (depending on your country) to ensure you’re getting the safest option.

Also, keep in mind that LPG tanks need to be inspected and certified regularly, so factor that into your long-term maintenance plan. If you want to know more about this check out our in-depth tank inspections article here, or book one in with us today.

By focusing on these safety features, you can drive an LPG car with peace of mind, knowing that these systems are working behind the scenes to keep you and your passengers safe.

What to Consider When Buying Used LPG Cars

Buying your LPG car second hand can save you a lot of money compared to buying new. But like with any used vehicle, there are a few extra things to keep in mind, especially when it comes to the LPG system.

To make sure that buying second hand actually saves you money, make sure that you do all the proper checks so you don’t face higher maintenance bills down the road. Let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind.

Common issues for used LPG cars

When you’re looking at used LPG cars, be aware that some of them may have undergone aftermarket LPG conversions. While these conversions can function well, there have been cases where they haven’t been installed properly and lead to some serious issues down the line. It’s something to be mindful of when assessing the condition of the car.

If you’re considering purchasing a car with high mileage, be aware that over time, the LPG system can wear out, sometimes at a faster pace than other parts of the car. Here are a few common issues to watch out for:

Misfiring: If the engine is misfiring, especially when running on LPG, it could be a sign that the system hasn’t been maintained properly.
Fuel Leaks: Any sign of gas smells around the tank or under the hood is a huge red flag.
Tank Corrosion: The LPG tank itself should be inspected for any signs of rust or corrosion. This is a safety concern, so don’t skip it.
Poor switching between fuels: If the car struggles to switch between petrol and LPG, it could be a sign that the dual-fuel system isn’t functioning correctly.

Make sure you keep these issues in mind when considering a second hand LPG car. If you’re keen to learn more about what you should consider when purchasing a second hand car, you can read the full blog.

Pre-purchase checklist

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you give the car a test drive. See how it drives on both petrol and LPG modes and take note of how smoothly it runs. Check for any lag, misfires, or weird noises, especially when switching between fuels.

Another tip is to get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you commit to buying. LPG systems are complex, and while a regular mechanic might spot the basics, it’s a good idea to go with someone who has experience with LPG systems.

The pre-purchase inspection will also include checks for whether the LPG tank is certified and up to date. By Queensland law, all LPG cars must obtain a gas certificate to sell the vehicle.

Tanks also need regular recertification (usually every 10 years) and need to be serviced regularly. If you want to know more about LPG Gas certificates, we have just covered it extensively and you can read the full article here.

By following these steps, you can make sure that buying a used LPG car doesn’t turn into a headache later. Keep this checklist handy, and you’ll be ready to make an informed decision.

Resale Value Considerations for LPG Cars

Thinking ahead to the resale value of your LPG car is smart—it’s not just about getting a good deal today, but also making sure you’re setting yourself up for a decent return when it’s time to sell.

Not all LPG cars hold their value the same, so it’s worth knowing what to look for upfront. Let’s break down a few tips to help you choose a model that’s likely to retain value and some factors that can either boost or hurt resale down the line.

First off, the make and model you choose play a huge role in how well your LPG car holds its value. Well-known brands with a reputation for reliability tend to keep their resale value better than niche or less popular brands.

For example, LPG versions of mainstream models from manufacturers like Toyota or Ford might have stronger resale value simply because they’re more trusted by second-hand buyers.

Also, consider whether the LPG system is factory-fitted or aftermarket. Factory-fitted systems are generally seen as more reliable and are more likely to maintain value over time compared to an aftermarket conversion.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right LPG car might feel like a big task, but with the right information, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re focused on fuel efficiency, safety, or getting the most bang for your buck, there’s an LPG car out there that’ll fit your needs.

Remember to weigh your options carefully, especially if you’re looking at used models, and keep an eye on features that’ll help retain the car’s resale value. By following these tips, you’ll be cruising in your LPG car knowing you made a smart, informed decision.