Should you be concerned about buying a diesel car?

During 2015, the VW emissions scandal became public, as it emerged that between 2008 and 2015, the manufacturer was fitting its cars with technology to fool emissions tests, in favour of reductions in fuel consumption. This not only had an enormous impact on the reputation of the brand, but also on vehicle manufacturers in general.

 The fallout, combined with continuing changes in vehicle emissions legislation across the world, but in Europe in particular, has resulted in almost all vehicle manufacturers setting their sights on developing electric vehicles (EVs), which are their primary offerings today. This trend will continue as the EU has banned the sale of both diesel and petrol cars by 2035, while in the UK the date is currently even earlier at 2030. 

So, what does that mean for owners of diesel cars and for those considering buying one?

Although all the publicity from vehicle manufacturers appears to be on EVs, the fact is that many of the models that presently have a diesel engine will remain in production until the ban comes into force, which means that in mainland Europe at least, consumers will be able to purchase one for another decade or so. 

In addition, because in some countries the necessary infrastructure for an all electric solution is still lagging behind where it needs to be, hybrid vehicles are likely to remain popular right up until any ban comes into force.

Obviously, the decision to buy a diesel car can only be yours, but any concerns regarding their durability and fuel efficiency can be laid aside because, as a general rule, they remain very robust and fuel efficient, as diesel technology is highly developed. 

Fears concerning whether they can be properly maintained can also be allayed, because the independent workshops that service and repair diesel cars now, will still be able to do so for the foreseeable future. This is because, despite the recent reduction in diesel car sales in favour of petrol or EVs, the percentage of diesel cars already on European roads, is still large. 

In addition, the typical lifespan of a diesel vehicle is more than 10 years, which means that those sold in 2035, are still likely to be on the road in 2045 and beyond. 

Therefore workshops will still be extremely familiar with the technology and perfectly able to work on them and parts suppliers will still provide the competitively priced replacements that need to be fitted. 

So, if you are looking for a reliable and fuel efficient car, that can be effectively serviced and maintained by your local independent workshop over the long term, there is no reason to fear considering a diesel.