In the USA the diesel boom took place in the early eighties in response to the fuel crisis of the 1970's. Most auto manufactures were marketing diesel passenger models including Lincoln, Ford and Chevy. These early diesels earned a reputation for being slow, loud and dirty therefore few manufactures stuck with their diesel line when fuel prices came back down. Today VW is the only manufacturer still importing diesel passenger vehicles though domestically produced diesel trucks and SUVs are still available. For those who can afford it a new vehicle is always the best choice but for many a used vehicle may be the only option.

A VW or Mercedes from the eighties can usually be found for under $2000 and if you are willing and able to do your own service work this may be the way to go. Diesel engines have the reputation for running in excess of 200,000 miles if well maintained. This said, like any other used car the engine is not your only concern, the rest of the vehicle carrying the engine needs to be up to par as well. I will only bother laying out diesel specific information here as all other mechanical aspects of the vehicle should be the same as an ordinary gasoline model.

Check back here soon for specific vehicle information.