- good gas mileage is only one aspect
- trouble free - it doesn't need electronic during running, thus greatly reducesd the chance of failure. how many times did you see a diesel truck lying on road side?
- durability - an diesel engine normally last 300kmi to half a million miles
- value keeper - because its durability, car mileage isn't a real matter, therefore you see a car with diesel engine still very expensive
- no emission test - many states do not require diesel smog test
the drawbacks:
- slightly louder engine sound;
- in cold area in winter, you may need special oil and/or fuel or requiring heater block
- expensive when you purchase new
i have three diesel cars in my family, all running worry free. please note, i drove many gas cars before switched to diesel, and will never turn back.