Diesel is back in car buyers' good books.

Despite a push towards zero emissions driving, increased choice in the used EV market and more anti-fuel policing measures, car owners are choosing to snap up second-hand diesel cars.

New used car sales figures from valuation experts Cap HPI show that six out of the 10 of the used cars in January that increased in value the most were diesel - an engine type that in recent times as been demonised. 

And while other fuel types either flatlined or declined in value, diesel saw a 0.2 per cent increase: hybrids remained flat, petrol fell 0.1 per cent, plug-in hybrids dropped 0.6 per cent and electric vehicles fell 1.1 per cent – the biggest decline of the month.

So, which diesel cars are seeing the biggest appreciation and should you buy a diesel car? 

Here are the diesel cars that have risen in value the most in 2025:

6. BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer 2015 to 2021 - up 4.9%

BMW's offering gives drivers seven-seater practicality and a premium badge.

While a more expensive option than MPVs of old, the 2 Series gives you an upmarket interior, and a slightly more fashionable exterior than typical family wagons, as well as refined driving.

It rose 4.9 per cent in value – up £779.

5. Kia Ceed 2018 to 2022 - up 4.9%

The Kia Ceed is a family hatchback that offers generous room, practicality and fuel economy for a very attractive price.

It's not the most inspiring car in the world but it offers fuel efficiency of around 60mp for the diesel engine.

Rising 4.9 per cent that equates to £557.

4. Peugeot 308 2013 to 2021 - up 4.9%

The Peugeot 208 has long been a staple of small families and younger drivers.

Available as both a hatchback and an estate, the 308 is known for being good value and relatively frugal.

It was the third used diesel car that rose 4.9 per cent in value - in this case £531.

3. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 2014 to 2022 - up 5%

A smaller version of its Grand Tourer sister car, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer only offers two rows of seating.

While still delivering MPV practicality, the five-seater minivan is over 20cm smaller than the Grand Tourer.

BMW has previously stated that four-fifths of 2 Series Grand Tourer and Active Tourer customers are new to the brand.

Its value rose five per cent, the equivalent of £652.

2. Renault Megane 2016 to 2021 - up 5.1%

The hatchback/estate that is good looking but sensible and surprisingly fun for a family-focused car, the Renault Megane is a popular buy.

While it wasn't as spacious as some rivals, it was always very well stocked with equipment as standard and had verry running costs.

Its value went up 5.1 per cent – or £600.

1. Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport 2017 to 2020 - up 5.4%

Another family diesel car that's gone up in value; the Vauxhall Insignia is a mid-sized family car that doesn't cost a fortune.

The Grand Sport saloon is packed with kit and safety features and is generally considered to be a premium car just without a premium badge.

The Insignia rose in value the most out of the six cars that made the top 10, rising 5.4 per cent - or £600.

What's happening with diesel? 

Erin Baker, of Auto Trader, said: 'Prices of used diesel vehicles are broadly in line with the direction of the wider retail market, which is relatively flat against the last few months. 

'However, there are a number of vehicles from this fuel type which are bucking the trend and recording some very steep growth particularly in the older age groups, where consumer demand has been outstripping supply into the market. 

'It's helped popular diesel models like the Skoda Rapid Spaceback and Ford Mondeo record a double-digit month-on-month increase in price.'

Auto Trader's diesel best performers  

Auto Trader took a look at which diesel models had risen the most in value in January across its buying and selling platform for This is Money.

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback (between five and 10 years-old) saw a month on month increase of 18.7 per cent, with the average price of this diesel model now £7,103.

Just behind it was the Ford Mondeo (over 15 years-old) which rose 16.1 per cent and now costs on average £2,493.

Two plus-15 year old Volvos were the next best riser; the C30 and V70 rose 9.4 and 7.6 per cent respectively.

Taking up fifth place on Auto Trader's list is the Audi A4 Allroad (also 15 years and older) which rise 7.5 per cent and now costs and average of £8,204.

Why should you buy a used diesel car? 

Erin Baker says: 'Manufacturers may well be pulling back on diesel powered cars in favour for greener alternatives, but it does remain a popular option for a certain demographic of driver.' 

Used diesel cars that are larger tend to keep their value better than equivalent petrol cars because they are usually cheaper to run. And diesel engines are normally more hard wearing than petrol too.

They also tend to return better fuel consumption figures, which again makes them cheaper to run especially if you're someone who drives a lot of miles each year.

Another bonus is that almost every car registered after September 2015 will meet Euro 6 standards and so will be ULEZ compliant.