The 10 Older Diesel Cars You SHOULDN'T Replace Via Scrappage Schemes
British motorists are currently being encouraged to trade their old diesel cars for low-emissions models with scrappage schemes offered by the biggest manufacturers. But there are some diesels built before 2010 that you should cling onto, just because they are that good. While the value of some used diesel cars might be in decline, there are some 'performance' diesels that are still great - even by today's standards - and could potentially rise in value. And he鈥檚 urging owners to keep them on British roads rather than panic sell or trade them in as part of the industry-wide scrappage schemes being offered by manufacturers. Can you find cheaper car insurance? He explained: 'Some old and decrepit diesels clearly need putting out of their misery. Others, however, deserve preserving as examples of pure automotive brilliance. Every time a new scrappage scheme comes into play, we also see some really iconic, and often rare, cars disappearing from UK roads.
For many car enthusiasts, it鈥檚 a sad thing. Boasting what was the most powerful diesel engine BMW sold in the UK, the 335d is very fast, but also usable on a daily basis. Its rear-wheel-drive, and available in a touring version too. This is the ultimate 鈥榮leeper鈥?- a car with high performance but an unassuming exterior. And what car enthusiast woulnd鈥檛 want a V10! There鈥檚 345bhp from a 5 litre V10 might not sound a lot but 850nm of torque sure is. That鈥檚 more than most trucks. A luxury mile-muncher that鈥檚 starting to become affordable as depreciation kicks in. It鈥檚 also cooler than a BMW 5 series or Mercedes-Benz E class. The RCZ is a rare sight on UK roads, and diesel models are in small numbers. Despite the stunning design and reasonable reviews it's a rare occurrence to see an RCZ on the roads, especially a diesel one, which means in a few years time it could be fast-tracked into the ranks of future classics.
Why would you keep this diesel Alfa? Looks, plain and simple. Designed by Giugiaro, in 鈥楽portwagon' - aka estate - version, these things look epic, with the right wheels, roof bars and tan leather trim. The Golf is the perfect everyday car. The GTD is the diesel version of the GTI and is virtually as quick. DSG box it's a fast, fun, practical tool you'd happily drive every day. This is one car ripe for a good return, purely because they are so rare. Alpina variants of quick Beemers are just cool - always have been, always will be. The D3 is also available in Saloon or Touring models. This was one of the first diesel-powered hot hatches. When the Fabia VRS was first launched it was only available in diesel format, coming with a 1.9 litre mill. As standard, it鈥檒l produce 130bhp but with a remap you鈥檒l get an extra 40bhp. One the great, unsung hot-hatches available with a distinctive cream and black leather interior. A race-bred performance diesel, this Audi鈥檚 3.0 litre engine gives the B7 some serious grunt while making it perfect as an every day commuter. The 鈥楧ooper鈥?is cheap, fun, economical while also boasting excellent handling. There鈥檚 a satisfying gear change, too. In standard form you get 112bhp, but it鈥檚 simple to remap to create 140bhp, which is ample power in such a small package.
We鈥檒l have to wait until the next-generation GTI to get that. The GTI is offered in S, SE and Autobahn trim levels. Our Autobahn tester came fully equipped with features, like leather seats, the eight-inch touchscreen, heated seats, the Fender audio system, adaptive cruise control and the six-speed DSG transmission. 26,415. The GTI Autobahn is the more grown up trim level, since its interior is mostly dressed in black, the leather seats are supportive but not nearly as fun to look at as the plaid seats. Trim levels aside one of the main reasons why the GTI makes the perfect every day car is because it鈥檚 interior is actual usable. You can easily bring along four of your friends and their gear thanks to decent rear legroom and 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up. Fold down the rear seats and the GTI can load in the latest from Ikea.
