Well built and economical, with estate (Avant) versions for more space.
Watch out for: Check for DPF warnings and a full service history.
A practical diesel SUV that suits towing.
Watch out for: Check any remaining warranty is valid and the service history is complete.
Roomy and comfortable, with a diesel suited to towing and long trips.
Watch out for: Test DCT automatics and check for DPF warnings.
Spacious, with a good reliability reputation.
Watch out for: Check the service history and test all the electrical equipment.
Comfortable and economical on long runs.
Watch out for: Check for DPF and AdBlue warnings and that the service history is complete.
Is a diesel right for you?
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Yes, if you regularly drive long distances, do high annual mileage or tow.
Diesel checks before you buy
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DPF: look for warning lights and ask how the car has been used. A car used only for short trips is a risk.
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AdBlue: many newer diesels use AdBlue. Check for warning lights and that the system works.
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High mileage: diesels often cover big miles, so check the MOT mileage history for gaps or drops. See how to spot mileage fraud. Checks to run before you buy any of these
A good model can still be a bad car. Whatever you pick from this list, the history of the individual car matters more than the badge.
1.
Run the registration through a free vehicle check and make sure the make, model, colour and year match the advert. 2.
Read the MOT history for mileage that rises steadily and for advisories that keep coming back. See how to check MOT history. 3.
Check for outstanding finance, write-off and stolen markers with a full report before you pay anything.
4.
Match the V5C to the seller and to the VIN on the car. Our V5C guide shows what to look at. 5.
Take our free used car checklist to the viewing so you do not miss anything on the test drive. Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still worth buying a diesel car? It can be if you do high mileage or tow. For mostly short trips, a petrol or hybrid is usually cheaper and less trouble.
What is the most reliable diesel car? Diesels from the VW Group, BMW and Mercedes have a good reputation when serviced properly, but a car’s own service history matters more than the model.
Can I drive a diesel in ULEZ? Generally only if it meets the Euro 6 standard. Check the exact car with our ULEZ checker before you buy. What kills a DPF? Lots of short journeys, where the filter never gets hot enough to clean itself. A long run at motorway speed now and then helps.
Which CarVerified report covers this?
The cars on this list are popular, which also makes them common on finance and common in insurance write-off records. Silver Plus adds the finance check, and Gold is the most complete report.
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Free check: start with the free vehicle check for the make, model, colour, year and MOT and tax status. •
Silver: the core vehicle history check. Finance is not part of Silver, but it can be unlocked separately. •
Silver Plus: adds the outstanding finance check, which matters on any car that may have been bought on PCP or HP. •
Gold: the most complete report, adding ex-taxi, salvage and valuation checks. See all our lists in best used cars UK, or go straight to the best used cars under £5,000, best used cars under £10,000, best first cars under £5,000, best automatic cars under £10,000, best family cars under £15,000, best reliable petrol cars, best used hybrid cars, best used EVs.