Used diesel cars for sale

It depends what kind of driving you want to do. If you’re a low-mileage driver, who mostly pops into town and back, then a diesel is not for you. If you’re someone who wants to pound up and down the motorway, day after day, racking up 20,000 miles or more every year, then a diesel starts to make sense as it will provide better long-haul fuel economy than a petrol-powered equivalent.

It will depend on how the car has been serviced and looked after — always buy on the basis of condition and history, not mileage — but once you’re up above 150,000 and heading to 200,000 miles start to pay close attention at purchase time for excessive wear and tear.

First and foremost, check the service record and the car’s overall condition — a well-kept high-miler is always preferable to a low-mileage car that’s been abused. Equally, big miles on a diesel is actually preferable as it probably means fewer issues with the car’s exhaust particulate filter.

The best all-round diesel-engined car is probably the BMW 3 Series Touring estate. Track down a good used 320d, or even a higher-performance 330d or M340d with their six-cylinder engines, and you have a car that’s fun to drive, practical for family use, and hugely economical.

Yes, as long as you’re a driver who covers lots and lots of miles each year (20,000+, preferably) then a used diesel is an excellent buy, as nothing will give you fuel economy that’s as good.