Columbus
Columbus
Diesel cars for sale earn their place when buyers need a vehicle that can handle long distances, heavy loads or regular towing. Compared with a similar petrol engine, a diesel usually delivers more of its pulling force lower in the rev range. That helps when moving a loaded ute, pulling a trailer or climbing regional roads.
Diesel has also built a reputation for using less fuel on long, steady runs. Actual fuel use still changes with the engine, vehicle weight, load and driving conditions. Diesel vehicles for sale on Cars24 include dual-cab utes, cab-chassis models, family SUVs, vans and a smaller number of passenger cars.
If most trips are short school runs, shopping stops or brief commutes, you can also browse our petrol and hybrid options. Some diesels have a DPF that requires certain driving conditions to complete regeneration, with instructions varying by engine.
The diesel cars Australia buyers see on Cars24 currently range from $10,790 to $69,290. Model, year, variant, kilometres, condition, body type and drivetrain all influence where each vehicle sits within that range.
We have curated a list of top Diesel cars for sale among Cars24 buyers. Compare and make your pick.
Model | Vehicle type | Current inventory | Current price range |
Ute and cab-chassis | 18 | $19,990 - $31,790 | |
Ute and cab-chassis | 16 | $16,390 - $51,990 | |
Seven-seat SUV | 13 | $13,990 - $41,590 | |
Seven-seat SUV | 12 | $18,290 - $35,490 | |
Ute and cab-chassis | 12 | $15,190 - $34,990 |
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Diesel vehicles cover very different jobs, from passenger cars and family SUVs to vans, utes and cab-chassis models. The diesel SUV Australia buyers compare for family travel includes seven-seat versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, although seating and AWD vary by year and variant. Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and Holden Colorado listings also come in different cab and body layouts. Holden no longer sells new vehicles in Australia, so check a Colorado’s service history, condition and likely parts or repair needs.
Regular use | Vehicles to compare | What to check |
Motorway or regional travel | Passenger car, SUV or van | Real fuel use, service history and the exact engine |
Towing, tools or heavy loads | Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton or Holden Colorado | Cab size, 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, legal towing and load limits, plus signs of previous work, towing or off-road use |
Family travel | Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento | Seats, third-row access, luggage room, AWD availability and towing limits |
Short stop-start trips | Compare diesel with petrol or hybrid | Diesel particulate filter requirements and whether the vehicle regularly gets longer drives |
When comparing diesel cars for sale, set a budget that covers more than the advertised figure. This should include diesel fuel, insurance, rego, tyres and scheduled servicing, along with fuel and AdBlue where required.
Depending on the engine and its condition, repairs to the emissions system, turbo or fuel injectors can also arise. Add any towing or work accessories you need, then get an insurance quote for the exact variant.
Eligible buyers can apply through Cars24 Finance, which provides access to 30+ lenders. Applications remain subject to lender approval and terms. Compare the deposit, interest rate, fees, loan term, balloon payment and total amount repayable. A longer term can reduce the weekly repayment but increase the total cost.
Low kilometres can look reassuring, but they do not tell you how well a diesel has been used or maintained. Check these areas before buying.
DPF history: First confirm whether the car has a diesel particulate filter. Ask about DPF warning lights, failed regeneration or previous repairs. Regular short trips deserve closer attention, though they do not automatically mean there is damage.
Servicing and oil: Check that servicing followed the schedule for the exact engine and that the correct oil was used. This matters for the turbo and DPF where fitted.
Cold start: If possible, hear the engine start cold. Watch for difficult starting, warning lights, uneven running, excessive smoke or unusual noise. A qualified mechanic should diagnose the cause.
Emissions equipment: Check the history of the DPF, EGR and AdBlue system where fitted. Diesel vehicles do not all use the same equipment.
Turbo and injectors: Ask about previous turbo or injector repairs. Hesitation, poor response, leaks or warning lights require professional inspection.
An RWC does not confirm the condition of the engine, turbo, injectors or DPF.
Seller type changes what you receive when comparing diesel cars in Australia. An eligible Cars24 Select vehicle includes Cars24 Edge benefits: a 300-Point Inspection, Car Condition Report, RWC and PPSR, rego transfer service, three-month warranty, three-month roadside assistance and the 30-Day Return Guarantee*. These are presented together under Cars24’s terms, so buyers can see what applies before purchasing.
Verified dealer vehicles follow the named dealer’s terms and therefore, inspections, warranties, returns, test drives and delivery options can differ between listings. Cars24 Select benefits apply only to eligible Cars24 Select vehicles. The 300-point inspection records the car’s condition at the time of inspection but cannot guarantee the future life of diesel parts such as the turbo, injectors, EGR or DPF.
They can be, particularly for regular motorway travel, regional driving, towing or carrying loads. For a week filled with short suburban trips, petrol and hybrid options deserve equal attention. Compare the exact car’s condition, service history, fuel use and insurance rather than buying on diesel’s reputation.
City driving does not automatically rule diesel out. The main question is how the DPF works, if the car has one. Regeneration varies between vehicles, so read the owner’s manual and ask whether the car has previously shown DPF warnings or needed filter work.
No number works across every engine. A complete service record, the type of driving and the car’s present condition tell you far more than kilometres alone. With a high-kilometre diesel, check upcoming service items and arrange an inspection with a qualified mechanic.
Ask to hear the engine start cold, then check for warning lights, rough running, excessive smoke, hesitation or leaks. Read the service record for that engine and ask about past DPF, turbo or injector work. Finish by checking the inspection and warranty attached to the listing.
Costs vary between models. Budget for fuel, rego, insurance, tyres and scheduled servicing, plus AdBlue where required. DPF, turbo or injector repairs can be costly if a fault develops, but they are not standard expenses for all diesel vehicles. Price the exact engine before deciding.
No. A DPF catches soot, while AdBlue is used by a separate emissions system. A car’s model, engine, year and Australian specification determine what is fitted. Check its owner’s manual or listing. The Cars24 AdBlue guide explains the fluid in plain English.
Diesel pulling power can help, but it does not decide what the vehicle can legally tow. Check the braked towing limit, available load capacity and maximum towball weight for that variant. Passengers, luggage, tools and accessories must also stay within the vehicle’s limits.
Put your regular driving first. Diesel can suit longer trips, towing and heavier loads. Petrol is also worth comparing for shorter urban use, while hybrids can reduce fuel use in stop-start traffic. Diesel hybrid cars combine diesel and electric power and differ from the petrol hybrids commonly sold in Australia.
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