The diesel used cars buyers can’t get enough of – see if yours has risen in value
Is diesel making a comeback? It seems hard to believe, but nearly a decade after "dieselgate" severely damaged the fuel's reputation, motorists are beginning to consider buying a used diesel car once again.
Figures issued by used car valuations specialists Cap HPI reveal that values of near-new diesel cars increased slightly during the first month of 2025, defying a widespread industry trend and outperforming all other fuel types.
While prices of used petrol, hybrid, and electric cars all dropped in January compared to the previous month, diesel cars actually increased by 0.2 per cent - a small rise, but notable given the overall trend.
What's more, the figures come off the back of sustained increases in diesel cars' values relative to other fuel types throughout this year. Stocks of newer diesel cars are becoming increasingly difficult to find as new car buying trends start to filter through to the used market, which means supply is falling more rapidly than demand.
Most strikingly, out of the 10 used cars that increased in value the most in January 2025, six were diesel models. These are the cars in high demand.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (2015-2021) – up by 4.9 percent
BMW introduced its first MPV at a time when people carriers were losing favour to seven-seater SUVs, but the Gran Tourer still deserves consideration. Although it can't match the practicality of larger MPVs, such as the Ford Galaxy, it's more enjoyable to drive and boasts a high-quality interior, typical of a BMW. As a diesel, it's both powerful and fuel-efficient.
£6,500
2017 218d, 65,000 miles, full service history, £9,995
Faults with diesel particulate filters (DPF) blocking up, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler leaks, noisy timing chains on high-mileage vehicles with patchy servicing records
Kia Ceed (2018-2022) – up by 4.9%
The latest Ceed is unassuming in its approach - and that's its most appealing quality. This is the kind of car that fits into your life without drawing attention, performing family hatchback duties with minimal fuss, especially if you choose a model that's still covered by the remaining seven-year manufacturer's guarantee. Diesel variants are scarce, but worth seeking out; the mild hybrid model can achieve a fuel economy of around 60mpg. Inside, the Ceed is a bit understated, but it's free from unnecessary features with straightforward, easy-to-use controls and ample space in the rear seats and boot.
£5,500
2019 Ceed 1.6 CRDi 2 Sportswagon, 51,000 miles, full service record, £8,900
Full service history to uphold a seven-year warranty
Peugeot 308 (2013-2021) – up by 4.9 per cent
The alternative petrol engine, the 1.2-litre Puretech, is known for its "wet" timing belt (it runs in the engine oil), which has a tendency to cause issues, making the diesel the more dependable of the two options. Early models came with a 1.6-litre engine, while later versions switched to a more efficient 1.5; in its most economical form, this latter engine can achieve 60mpg-plus on a long journey. The 308 is comfortable, too, with a tastefully finished interior, although the rear seats are rather cramped in hatchback models; the estate is a far more practical choice.
£3,000
2015 Peugeot 308 1.6 BlueHDI Allure, 93,000 miles, full service history, £4,800
Faulty rear axles, creaking rear suspension, loose front suspension, faulty air conditioning units, faulty brake light switches
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2014-2022) – up by 5.0 per cent
The Tourer, which has five seats, and a slightly less upright design. It remains very flexible; the rear bench can be slid and folded in a variety of ways, making this a very versatile family car. The Active Tourer's lower weight makes it slightly more agile to drive than the Gran Tourer and, of course, it's a touch more fuel efficient too – so if you don't need the two extra seats, it's certainly worth considering.
£4,500
2014 218d Sport, 72,000 miles, full service history, £6,795
Diesel particulate filters becoming blocked, EGR cooler leaks, and noisy timing chains on higher-mileage vehicles with irregular maintenance records.
Renault Megane (2016-2021) – up by 5.1 per cent
The latest Megane is fully electric, but it's this fourth-generation model that used car buyers are really looking for. It makes a stylish impression with its smart design and while Meganes aren't as well-built as the equivalent VW Golf, they are pleasant to drive and absorb bumps comfortably. They come with a lot of features at a low price, which is certainly part of their attraction. The most fuel-efficient 1.5-litre diesel engines can achieve almost 65mpg.
£5,000
2016 Renault Megane 1.5 dCi Dynamique S Nav, 79,000 miles, full service history, £6,633
Faulty particulate filters, electrical malfunctions, and fragile interior fittings
Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport (2017-2020) - up by 5.4%
You wouldn't typically describe the Insignia as a car that's in high demand, but for the time being, it appears that used car buyers can't get enough of them. And why not? With its sleek, low profile, the Insignia is more fuel-efficient than its equivalent SUV counterpart, and if you look beyond its unimpressive image, it's not a bad-looking car at all.
Lower-spec models offer a great deal of space for the price, while higher-end variants are comfortable and well appointed. Additionally, diesel variants are smooth and economical, with fuel efficiency of over 50mpg achievable by the 1.6-litre models. The 167bhp 2.0-litre is also worth considering, offering a satisfying boost of performance in the mid-range.
£4,500
2017 Insignia 1.6 Turbo D SRi Nav Grand Sport, 45,000 miles, full service record, £8,650
Timing chain rattles, gearboxes with a notchy or noisy feel, and worn interiors are often indicative of cars that have been previously owned by a fleet.
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