Eric Larca of Brewster purchased his second diesel car, a 2006 Jetta, for about $25,900 when he lived in Connecticut. He said he was pleasantly surprised to find out that the car gained value with age. According to the Kelly Blue Book Web site, the suggested retail price for his car is now about $27,400.

Diesel cars are appreciating!!

"If that doesn't convince you to buy one, I don't know what would," Larca said. "Seems like a no-brainer to me."