SEVEN USED DIESEL CARS THAT MAKE SENSE TODAY

If you’re in the market for a second-hand car, a diesel can still make a lot of sense.

Modern diesels are frugal, efficient, refined and cheap to run, plus there are plenty of great used examples out there.

The cars on this list all come with diesel engines, are good to drive, have stylish exteriors and are affordable, but which ones are worth buying?

We’ve compiled a list of the seven best used diesels on the second-hand market today.

BMW 3 Series

 The BMW 3 Series is one of the best compact executive saloons on the market and second-hand examples are available with diesel power.

It comes as standard with rear-wheel drive, while the precise steering and refined cabin makes it one of the most entertaining cars to drive.

Under the bonnet, there are several diesel engine options with the entry-level ‘318D’ fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit that develops 148bhp and can return a claimed 55.4mpg.

The mid-range ‘320D’ boosts power to 187bhp and can still achieve around the same 55mpg, while the flagship ‘330D’ is hooked up to a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 261bhp and can manage a claimed 47.1mpg.

Prices on the second-hand market start at £17,000 for a low-mileage 320’, while a 330D model can be picked up for £28,000.

Mercedes E-Class

The Mercedes E-Class brings a premium image, a refined cabin and lots of standard kit for the money.

It’s a great choice for those who cover lots of miles as the supple suspension irons out the imperfections in the road and the interior is well insulated from road, wind and tyre roar.

You can choose several diesel engines with the E-Class, but the sweet spot in the range is the ‘E300d’ model as it uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 242bhp and does a claimed 43.5mpg.

There is a lower-powered ‘E220d’ model that makes 191bhp and is even more fuel-efficient, returning a claimed 53.2mpg.

The second-hand market is full of E-Class cars, with an ‘E220d’ up for £23,000, while a clean ‘E300d’ variant will set you back £25,600.

Peugeot 208

If you want a good-looking, efficient supermini that is fitted with a diesel engine, then the Peugeot 208 is hard to beat.

The latest model uses Peugeot’s ‘Lion Claw’ headlight design, while ‘GT’ cars come with beefy alloy wheels.

The 1.5-litre ‘BlueHDi’ diesel engine is strong and capable, developing 101bhp and 249Nm of torque. It can sprint to 60mph in 10 seconds and the car will deliver a claimed fuel consumption figure of 73.6mpg, making it one of the most frugal cars on this list.

If you’re looking for a used example, expect to spend around £12,300, while a GT model can be yours for £13,300.

Seat Leon

The Seat Leon is a practical, economical and great-to-drive family hatchback that is equipped with diesel power.

Underneath its skin, it shares the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf and is available in five-door hatchback and five-door estate body styles.

Its exterior design features lots of sharp lines and is a much sportier alternative to its German cousin.

Under the bonnet, there is a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that pumps out 113bhp and can return a claimed 64mpg.

Look to spend £14,500 for a five-door hatchback example in FR trim, while an estate variant will cost £15,995.

Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb is one of those cars that does everything right and ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s available as a five-door hatch or a family-friendly estate, and packs one of largest interior cabins of any car on the market.

If you go for the estate model, it provides 660 litres of space, while folding the rear seats down expands that further to 1,950 litres.

The Superb is effortless to drive, thanks to its light controls, refined diesel engine and smooth ride.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine provides a lot of low-down grunt and is extremely efficient, managing a claimed 57.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Prices start at around £18,000 for an estate variant in SE trim, while a hatchback car is on the market for £19,000.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf needs no introduction as it has become the pinnacle of small family hatchbacks.

You can get the latest eighth-generation model in a frugal diesel powertrain that uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged setup that can deliver up to a claimed 67.3mpg.

Behind the wheel, the Golf delivers a comfortable and mature driving experience with nicely weighted steering, good visibility and lots of torque from its diesel engine.

Prices are more than affordable on the used market with a 2022 example priced at £14,500, while sporty R Line cars are more expensive and come in at £18,240.

Volvo XC60

The XC60 is the best-selling Volvo of all time and it’s not hard to see why.

It benefits from a premium image, a sumptuously comfortable interior, lots of standard kit and safety technology.

You can pick up a second-hand example with an efficient diesel powertrain which uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged setup that produces 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, while the car can do a claimed 41.5mpg.

Look to spend £23,200 for a 2019 R-Design example that’s covered 33,000 miles from new.

2026-05-08T16:22:08Z