The values of some used diesel cars are actually increasing despite the fading appeal of the powertrain in the new car market, say leading vehicle valuation experts.
In the first half of 2025, just 58,722 new diesels were registered, down 11.3% on 2024. This continues a decline that can be traced to 2017, amid the fallout from the Dieselgate scandal and concerns about future vehicle taxation and emissions penalties.
Diesel’s days appear numbered. Only a few car makers still produce diesel models – among them Audi, BMW and JLR (especially with the Defender) – and other types, such as petrol, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, are experiencing rising demand.
For most diesel models, this is reflected in increased rates of depreciation, but, bucking this trend, some have actually increased in value over what they were worth a year ago.
For example, according to Cap HPI, a three-year-old diesel Honda HR-V with 60,000 miles is worth 11.3% more today than the same model was at the same point last year. In addition, the value of an equivalent Mercedes CLS has risen 8% and a Ford Mondeo 6.5%.
Explaining the figures, Dylan Setterfield, head of forecast strategy at Cap HPI, said: “There is still demand for diesel in the used market from both consumers and dealers, with fuel economy continuing to be a significant factor for high-mileage drivers.
“New [diesel] car volumes have been decreasing for some time, and this is translating into reduced used car volumes. We expect these reductions to be partially offset by the ongoing reduction in consumer demand and that prices will behave similarly to petrol [car prices] in the next few years.”
However, the market is experiencing wild valuation extremes and some models are instead depreciating at higher than expected rates compared with what they were worth last year.
Those suffering the biggest falls in value include the Ssangyong Korando 2.2D, with a three-year-old example with 60,000 miles worth 24.5% less. An equivalent Vauxhall Astra is down 20.2% in value and a Range Rover Evoque down 12.7%.
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That aside, I'd add a few points of my own.
The dieselgate "scandal" could only be described as such because the tests themselves were flawed. An engine might chuck out more pollution if it's subjected to real world driving conditions? Shocker!!!
Perhaps people who actually enjoy driving but aren't particularly well off still buy (sightly older) diesels - I drive a ten year old Leon - and those who might spend a bit more have forgotten about the nonsense.
Diesel is still a viable fuel thanks to decent mpg and longer engine service life which in turn means as the cars get older, they're less likely to be scrapped whilst still in otherwise good nick.
Conversely if you don't have new EV money you might be looking at petrol and the compromises involved with downsized, sometimes quite stressed, turbocharged engines built to a cost (ecoboost and puretech spring to mind).
Diesel is only dying out as an option in new cars because corporate and governmental messaging has influenced people, so people who like driving but need an affordable option are going to stay loyal to it.
Emmmm, billions of pounds in fines and prision sentences would suggest otherwise.
Simple. Some people need to tow. Caravan ownership is still huge in the UK and trailers for horses, food outlets or work whatever. EV's and hybrids are limited in tow capacity at any sensible price and EV's when towing have pitiful ranges but can't get on most charger slots with a tow so have to be uncoupled first then recoupled, what a faff. A diesel can just pull through a fuel station.
Fewer rolling roadblocking caravans on the road, just one more BEV advantage.
You'd be surprised how many cars (both ICE and EV) you have to overtake on a motorway if towing a caravan at 60mph, resulting in you having to use the middle lane.
If only B roads had middle lanes.