The short answer is yes — but only if you choose carefully.
Diesel vans remain popular for one simple reason: they’re built for real work. Most Euro 6 and Euro 6d-T diesel vans meet modern emissions standards, giving you access to many low-emission zones without daily charges. They also offer strong fuel economy, loads of torque for towing or carrying weight, and a huge choice of models on the used market. For long runs, heavy loads or mixed-route driving, a diesel still delivers excellent value.
But there are important caveats. Older, pre-Euro-6 vans can become expensive quickly if you regularly drive into clean-air zones. Legislation is slowly tightening, and while diesel isn’t disappearing soon, resale values for older models may drop faster. Maintenance is another factor: DPF issues, worn injectors or patchy service history can turn a cheap buy into an expensive headache.
So, are used diesel vans still a sensible buy in 2025?
Absolutely — if you buy wisely. Look for Euro 6 compliance, good mileage for the age, solid service history and a van that suits how you actually drive. Long-distance couriers, builders and trades still get excellent value from diesel. But if most of your trips are short, urban or stop-start, a petrol or electric alternative might now make more financial sense.
