Is a Used Diesel Car Still Worth It?
Diesel engines have developed a controversial reputation in recent years. The Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, traffic restrictions in European cities and the rise of hybrid vehicles have all changed public perception. However, the reality is more nuanced: a well-maintained diesel car, in the right hands, remains an excellent choice for a specific type of driver.
If you cover more than 25,000–30,000 km per year, mainly outside the city, a Euro 5 or Euro 6 diesel can help you make significant savings on fuel. However, if most of your journeys are short and urban, a diesel may cause more problems than it solves.
Key Inspection Points When Buying a Used Diesel Car
1. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
This is one of the most common and expensive issues found in modern diesel vehicles. The DPF traps soot particles and cleans itself at high temperatures, usually during continuous driving on motorways or open roads. If the car has mainly been used for short urban journeys and stop-start traffic, the DPF may be blocked or, even worse, removed — which is illegal in Greece.
How to check it: An electronic diagnostic inspection will reveal the condition of the filter. Ask the seller whether the vehicle has ever required forced DPF regeneration. Replacing a DPF can cost between €500 and €2,000.
→ More information about DPFs: Wikipedia – Diesel Particulate Filter
2. EGR Valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
The EGR valve recirculates part of the exhaust gases back into the engine to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. In diesel vehicles mainly used for short urban journeys, where the engine does not reach its optimum operating temperature, soot deposits can build up inside the EGR valve and reduce performance.
Symptoms include increased fuel consumption, exhaust smoke and fault codes ranging from P0400 to P0409. Cleaning or replacing the EGR valve can cost between €150 and €600.
3. High-Pressure Fuel Pump (Common Rail)
The common-rail fuel pump is at the heart of a modern diesel engine. It is sensitive to fuel quality and proper maintenance. Fault codes relating to the injectors or fuel pump should be taken seriously, as repairs or replacement may cost between €800 and €3,000.
How to check it: Start the engine when it is cold. It should start smoothly and without difficulty. An uneven idle or black smoke during acceleration may indicate a problem.
4. Turbocharger
Almost all modern diesel cars are fitted with a turbocharger. Turbochargers are durable, but they require proper care, including oil changes according to the manufacturer’s service schedule and a brief warm-up and cool-down period before and after driving. If the previous owner ignored these practices, the turbocharger may have suffered damage.
Symptoms include loss of power, blue exhaust smoke and a whistling noise from the turbocharger. Turbo replacement can cost between €800 and €2,500.
5. European Emissions Standards
This is one of the most practical considerations for drivers in Greece:
- Euro 4, up to approximately 2011: Already restricted in many European cities, with a higher risk of further limitations
- Euro 5, approximately 2011–2014: Generally accepted, but with some uncertainty regarding future restrictions
- Euro 6, from approximately 2014 onwards: The safest option, as it complies with stricter emissions standards
For urban use, choose at least a Euro 6 diesel. The vehicle’s European emissions standard is stated on its registration document.
Diesel vs Petrol – Which One Suits You?
- Diesel is suitable if: you drive more than 25,000 km per year, mainly on motorways and open roads
- Petrol or hybrid is suitable if: you mainly drive in the city or cover fewer than 20,000 km per year
- Hybrid: often the best option for urban driving, offering good fuel economy
See also: The Best Used Cars Under €10,000
Buying a Used Diesel Car
A used diesel car is not necessarily a bad choice, but it requires knowledge and a thorough inspection. If you travel frequently, choose a Euro 6 diesel with a documented service history. If you mainly drive in the city, consider a petrol or hybrid vehicle instead.
At Besikos Cars, every diesel vehicle in our inventory is inspected for its DPF, EGR valve, turbocharger and fuel pump, and information about its condition is available before you make your purchase.
🔗 See also: View the available diesel cars in our inventory →
