Is diesel still a smart buy in the UK or becoming a risky choice?

[abdulsamad]

I’ve been thinking about this lately while helping a friend shop for a used car in the UK. With all the low emission zones, ULEZ charges, and tightening regulations, diesel doesn’t seem like the obvious choice it once was.
From what I see, diesel still makes sense if you’re doing long motorway runs regularly. Better fuel efficiency and torque are hard to ignore. But for city driving, the extra charges and potential future restrictions feel like a gamble. Maintenance can also get pricey if issues like DPF clogging show up.
Interestingly, some buyers are now shifting toward hybrids or even exploring japan second hand vehicles because they often come well-maintained and with lower mileage for the price. I came across a site called Nobuko Japan while researching options, and it actually helped me understand import choices a bit better.
Still, I’m curious what others think. Are diesel cars still worth considering in 2026, or are they slowly becoming obsolete in the UK market? Would you buy one today?