Diesel sales in the used car market increased by 3.2% in the second quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in the year 2017. Despite the negative image cultivated by the media, second-hand oilburners stirred a general fall of 0.4% in the market, with nearly 8,000 fewer cars changing hands in the three months from April to June.

Sales of used petrol cars fell by 3.3% during the same period, while sales of hybrid, electric and hydrogen cars reflects the new car market by recording a 25.3% growth in the second quarter of 2017.

Despite the fact that the new car market by giving back to the diesel engines, the values of second-hand variants have not declined, according to figures published by the Society of motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

SMMT boss Mike Hawes said: “Motorists take advantage of the exciting models of high-tech filtered down from the new sector – including some of the latest low-emissions diesel and alternatively fuelled vehicles. However, with sales so closely that reflects the new car market, some cooling is expected in the coming months.”