FEARS that the used market for fleet diesel vehicles could collapse with huge numbers reaching the market in a couple of years with nobody to buy them have been allayed by research in BCA's latest Used Car Market Report.

The report found that acceptance of diesel in the used market is on the increase, and in fact mirrors strong sales in the new car sector. About 19% of motorists in this year's survey had bought a diesel-engined car in the last two years, which is equivalent to 1.25 million units. This is up 4% on last year.

And the figure is likely to rise further with 20% saying they would buy a used diesel. Three quarters stated better fuel consumption as a reason for buying, while just under half claimed 'the engine lasts longer' and a third reckoned diesel engines were more reliable. Only 13% chose diesel for environmental reasons.