Buying a Used Diesel: What to Check Before You Buy

Buying a used diesel can be excellent value - but there are a few diesel-specific issues worth checking before you hand over your money.

DPF condition. The diesel particulate filter can be expensive to replace. Ask for service history and look for evidence of regular motorway driving, which keeps the DPF healthy. Warning lights related to the DPF are a red flag.

Injector condition. Listen for excessive rattling at idle, which can indicate worn injectors. A pre-purchase diagnostic check will reveal any stored fault codes.

EGR valve. A common wear item on diesel engines. Carbon build-up causes poor idling and reduced performance. Check for dark smoke from the exhaust and rough running.

Service history. Regular oil changes are especially important for diesels. Look for complete service records.

If you're considering a used diesel purchase and want a pre-buy inspection, give us a call - we can check the vehicle over and give you an honest assessment before you commit.