Buying a used diesel car 

When looking to buy a used car it can be confusing selecting between the vast number of models, brands, and engine varieties. We look at what to consider when buying a used diesel vehicle. 

Advantages of buying a diesel car

When comparing diesel cars to petrol, diesel cars are better for longer trips and towing. Diesels deliver more power with more ease compared to petrol engines; this makes them more suitable for longer journeys. One key advantage of diesel vehicles is fuel efficiency, they have a larger mpg rating, meaning for each gallon of fuel a diesel vehicle can go more miles compared to the petrol equivalent. Diesel cars also typically emit less CO2 into the environment. If you are towing a trailer or a caravan a diesel engine is much more suited to the job, their additional power and improved fuel efficiency makes towing much easier and uses less fuel compared to a petrol engine.  

Disadvantages of buying a diesel car

There are some disadvantages of buying a diesel car when comparing the to the petrol equivalent. Diesel cars can be more costly to purchase, the technology inside a diesel car means they often come with a higher price tag. One of the key disadvantages of diesel cars is they are not good on short journeys, this is down to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) which reduces harmful emissions from being released into the environment. This filter needs to get to a certain temperature for it to function, during shorter trips the DPF may not reach the right temperature and can become blocked causing engine issues. Nitrogen Oxide can also be an issue with older diesel vehicles, this gas emitted from old diesel engines has been linked to breathing difficulties and poor air quality.

Clean air zones

Clean air zones have been increasing in cities and built-up areas, they are designed to encourage people to drive more environmentally-friendly vehicles. Many older diesel vehicles do not meet the requirements for clean air zones, meaning drivers must pay to drive through these areas. Diesel engines must comply with the Euro 6 vehicle emission rules to be exempt. Before purchasing a diesel vehicle if you regularly drive into these zones, we recommend checking the licence plate of your new vehicle to avoid any surprises.

Is a used diesel car right for me?

Diesels are typically best suited to those who do regular long journeys such as motorway driving. They are also well suited for commercial vehicles carrying heavy loads over long distances. If you fit into either of these categories a diesel car or van would be a good fit for your needs. Browse the diesel cars we have available at SPOTiCAR and remember every car sold comes with a minimum 12-month warranty.  

Part exchange programme

It’s easy to part exchange your vehicle with SPOTiCAR, our free and quick online vehicle valuation tool will provide you with an estimate based on your details, this estimate will give you a rough idea of what your vehicle is worth through our part exchange programme. Once you have your initial valuation and if you are happy with your price our team will be in contact to arrange an appointment. During the appointment at one of our branches a technician will review your vehicle and provide a final price, if agreed we will take care of all the paperwork and get everything sorted for you.