If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, there are plenty of features to consider. With new technology and advancements in fuel efficiency, the type of fuel your new vehicle uses is worth paying attention to. While diesel used to be solely the domain of large trucks and equipment-style vehicles, there are more and more cars, crossovers, and SUVs utilizing diesel fuel today. Gone are the days where diesel vehicles poured black smoke and stunk up the roads. Thanks to diesel becoming cleaner and more companies making diesel-fuel options available for their popular models, a diesel fuel car might be what you are looking for. There are a few pros and cons to choosing diesel, so we’ve rounded up both sides for you to consider while you carry on your search for the perfect car.
Pros
One of the standout pros of diesel engines is their superior fuel economy. Stylish and economical new car models that take advantage of a diesel-fuel option are gas-sippers and great options to reduce your number of trips to the pump. It is typically reported that a diesel engine will get between 25-30% better fuel economy than a gas engine in the same model.
Diesel fuel, in general, has become more palatable and user-friendly thanks to technological advances of the last couple decades. Overall, the noise and black smoke issues have largely been eliminated, and riding with a diesel engine is much smoother than it used to be.
Diesel is also much kinder to the environment than in the past. It is more fuel efficient, emits less carbon into the atmosphere, and runs cleaner than the diesel engines of old.
Another pro of a diesel engine is the reduced maintenance needed for the ignition. Since a diesel engine doesn’t contain any spark plugs or distributors, you can avoid any issues with these parts and save time and money worrying about problems with your ignition.
In the long run, diesel engines are also known to be more durable. If they are maintained properly, they almost always have a higher resale value than a gasoline fueled car, so if you are someone who takes good care of your vehicle this is a bonus when it comes time to upgrade.
Finally, diesel engines provide more torque, meaning you get powerful acceleration and increased passing power on a highway, and you can tow heavier loads while maintaining a smooth ride. If you’re looking for a powerful vehicle or frequently need to tow, a diesel engine could give you the edge you need.
Cons
While diesel engines can save you money by reducing your trips to the gas pump, they will cost you more up front. The diesel option on any model is pricier, and on a new car can be $2000 or more over the gasoline engine option depending on the vehicle.
Diesel has definitely cleaned up its act, but it still emits carcinogens, nitrous oxides and soot into the air. If you want better fuel economy but air quality and environmental protection are also high priorities for you, you may want to consider electric or hybrid vehicles.
Diesel ignitions may not need as much maintenance, but the engines do need to be taken care of properly. In general, oil changes and regular checks on the air, oil and fuel filters are needed. If you’re up to speed on basic diesel engine maintenance this shouldn’t be a problem but for some it’s a turn off.
Diesel engines provide the power, but the ride can be a bit bumpy and noisy compared to a gas-powered engine. If that trade-off doesn’t suit you it could be considered a downside to choosing diesel.
Finally, while diesel is more economical in that gets more mileage out of a single tank of gas, it can be pricier per gallon when you get to the pump, and it’s not always available. Gas prices are always changing, but in the past decade diesel has been more expensive than regular unleaded gasoline and usually costs about the same as premium fuel.