Diesels a “Maybe” for 31% of U.S. Car Buyers

Nearly one-third of Americans who expect to buy a car or light truck in the next two years would consider diesel power, according to an online survey by the National Assn. for Convenience and Fuel Retailing.

The top reasons for considering an oil burner rather than a conventional gasoline engine: better fuel economy (59%), better for the environment (33%), greater reliability (30%) and less maintenance (29%).

In commenting on the survey results, Consumer Reports notes that the higher price of diesel fuel in the U.S. is more than offset by a diesel's superior fuel economy under most driving conditions.

But CR suggests consumers are misinformed about other perceived good reasons for buying a diesel. The magazine says diesels typically emit more smog-forming emissions than modern gasoline engines. It also says its closely followed reliability surveys find no significant difference between gasoline and diesel powerplants.

Historically, Americans tend to show more enthusiasm for alternatives to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles when they talk to pollsters than they do in the dealer showroom. Two years ago, 31% of consumers surveyed by J.D. Power and Associates said they would consider buying a diesel. But diesel sales accounted for less than 6% of U.S. light vehicle sales in 2012 the same proportion as in 2010.