It wasn’t that long ago that diesel cars were the obvious choice for many UK drivers. Long-distance commuters, business travellers, and even families looking for fuel economy would almost instinctively opt for diesel. But after the emissions scandal and years of bad press, diesel has been the black sheep of the motor trade. Now, in 2025, something surprising is happening: people are starting to look at diesel again, especially in the second-hand market. But why? Is it value for money, practicality, or something else entirely? In this article, we’ll take a real-world look at what’s going on with diesel cars in the UK today.
The Rise, Fall, and Resilience of Diesel
Diesel’s popularity in the UK peaked around 2014. Back then, nearly half of all new cars sold were diesels. The government even promoted them as a greener choice due to their lower CO₂ emissions. But that reputation didn’t last. In 2015, the Dieselgate scandal hit, and suddenly, the truth about nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions was front-page news.
Sales plummeted. Cities began introducing Clean Air Zones (CAZs), and taxes were restructured to discourage diesel ownership. At the time, it looked like the beginning of the end for diesel. But in practice, it wasn’t so simple. While the new car market turned towards hybrids and EVs, diesel continued to quietly serve drivers who needed efficiency, torque, and high mileage from their vehicle.
Why Are People Still Buying Diesels?
To understand diesel’s recent resurgence, you have to look at the drivers themselves. For someone who lives in a rural area or regularly drives hundreds of miles each week, the cost difference between diesel and petrol—or electric, for that matter—is still noticeable.
Take the case of Tom, a self-employed kitchen fitter from Shropshire. He needs to tow a trailer full of heavy units, tools, and timber. An electric van isn’t practical yet for his kind of work, and petrol just can’t compete on torque or range. His 2017 Ford Transit diesel still gives him over 40mpg, and with proper care, he expects it to last another five years.
What’s Happening in the Second-Hand Market?
The used diesel market is where things get really interesting. Because so few new diesel vehicles are being sold today, the supply of high-quality second-hand diesels is shrinking. Combine that with demand from drivers like Tom, and prices are beginning to firm up.
Recent figures from AutoTrader and CAP HPI show that used diesel vehicles have appreciated in value by 1.6% over the past 12 months—significantly better than the 0.5% increase seen for petrol. For older diesels in good condition, particularly Euro 6 compliant models, demand is outstripping supply.
Popular models like the BMW 320d, Skoda Octavia TDI, and even larger SUVs like the Kia Sorento diesel are still very much in demand among second-hand buyers. These cars offer a combination of long-distance comfort, efficiency, and reliability that’s hard to match at the same price point.
Are Diesels Still Good Value for Money?
In many cases, yes. Let’s break it down:
Fuel Efficiency
Diesels often offer 15–20% better fuel economy than their petrol counterparts. If you’re doing 15,000+ miles per year, that adds up quickly.
Longevity
Well-maintained diesel engines can easily last 200,000 miles or more. Some drivers have pushed theirs past 300,000 with only routine servicing.
Depreciation
Diesel cars took a big hit in value post-Dieselgate, but that’s turned into a benefit for second-hand buyers. You can now find high-spec, diesel-powered executive cars and estates for a fraction of their original price.
Practical Utility
Diesels still rule the roost when it comes to towing, load-lugging, and motorway cruising. If you tow a caravan, trailer, or horsebox, there really aren’t many better options.
However, it’s not all roses:
- Some local authorities are beginning to charge extra fees or even ban older diesels from city centres.
- Maintenance costs can be higher, especially if parts like the diesel particulate filter (DPF) or EGR valve need replacing.
- Insurance premiums and road tax might also be slightly higher depending on the model and emissions rating.
Environmental and Legal Considerations
Modern diesels are far cleaner than they were even a decade ago. Euro 6 and the upcoming Euro 7 standards require major reductions in NOx and particulate emissions. Many newer diesels now include AdBlue systems, DPFs, and advanced catalytic converters that meet strict standards.
Still, for urban dwellers or those primarily doing short journeys, a diesel may not make sense—both from an environmental and mechanical perspective. Short trips don’t allow diesel engines to fully warm up, which can clog up the DPF and lead to costly repairs.
Who Should Consider Buying a Diesel in 2025?
Diesel is still a smart choice if you:
- Drive long distances regularly
- Do a lot of motorway driving
- Tow a caravan or trailer
- Live in a rural area
- Want strong fuel economy over the long term
It’s probably not for you if:
- You live in a city centre with a CAZ
- You drive fewer than 8,000 miles a year
- You mostly do short, stop-start trips
Voices from the Trade
Dealerships across the UK are noticing the trend too. Simon Clark, a used car dealer in Yorkshire, says,
We’re seeing a bit of a swing back toward diesel, especially in SUVs and estates. People are starting to realise they offer a lot of car for the money. We can’t keep Euro 6 diesel Qashqais and X-Trails on the lot. They’re in and out within days.
Similarly, auto mechanic Rina Johal from Leicester points out,
I see fewer problems with newer diesels than older petrol cars, actually. If they’re looked after, they’re bulletproof.
Are Diesel Car Values Really Going Up?
It’s a fair question, especially considering that for years, diesel cars were viewed as a depreciating liability. But in 2025, the numbers—and anecdotal evidence—suggest that values are not only stabilising but in some cases, going up.
Let’s take a simple example. A 2017 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI that was worth around £8,000 in early 2023 is now fetching closer to £9,000 in some parts of the country. Not a huge increase, but certainly a reversal of the trend we saw between 2016 and 2021, when diesel values were on a steady decline.
This trend is especially true for vehicles that tick certain boxes: low mileage, full service history, Euro 6 compliance, and a reputation for reliability. Models like the BMW 320d, Audi A6 TDI, and even utilitarian diesels like the Ford Ranger have seen strong resale value retention over the last 12–18 months.
It’s not just private buyers who are influencing this shift either. Small business owners, tradespeople, and fleet buyers are all playing a part. With electric vehicle infrastructure still patchy in rural areas, and electric vans often too expensive for small operators, many buyers are turning back to diesel—not because they love it, but because it works.
That said, not every diesel is rising in value. Older models, especially those that don’t meet Euro 6 standards, are still struggling. In Clean Air Zones, these cars can be costly to run due to daily charges. So it’s a split market—while modern, well-maintained diesels are creeping up in value, older, less efficient models continue to fall.
Final Thoughts
So, are diesels making a comeback? In the sense of new car sales, probably not. The future is undoubtedly electric. But in the used market, diesel is far from dead. It’s finding a second life among drivers who value long-range efficiency, strong pulling power, and solid build quality.
If you’re in the market for a second-hand car and your driving needs align with what diesel offers, don’t write them off. In fact, now might be one of the best times to buy. Just be sure to do your homework—check for Euro 6 compliance, examine the service history carefully, and understand the long-term maintenance requirements.
As with any car purchase, it all comes down to the right vehicle for the right person. And for a significant segment of UK drivers in 2025, that still means diesel.
How Chinese Budget EVs Are Reshaping the UK Car Industry