As long as the diesel engine doesn’t need major work.
I just bought a Scion FR-S. It came down to that or a TDI Golf. I went with the Scion because it was a LOT more fun to drive on my 122 mile round trip commute and it meets all my needs.
The big thing that got me looking at the Golf was that I think Diesel is actually dropping in price relative to gas, and I like not having to hit a filling station every few days.
However, my best friend sold european cars for decades and was the sales manager at a Volkswagen dealership the last few years. I said that I would need to plan ~$2,000 a year in repairs. And because I no longer live in a megalopolis and the nearest volkswagen dealer is 90 minutes away, I backed off. It was also kind of expensive though I confess that in the LONG run it would probably be cheaper to drive.
Another take on the subject:
Dual batteries, double the oil volume, fuel filters. Hmmmmm..”.
I would not have one simply because they are next to impossible to start when the actual temperature is 30 degrees below zero without being preheated by a block heater or garage. If you do get one going, they will bang and clatter until warm, which I don’t think is a good thing.
Bought a used 2002 VW Jetta TDI in 2011 for my 50 mile 1 way commute. Put more then 60000 miles on it getting 52 miles a gallon. Best investment in a car I ever made.....
I will not buy another diesel that runs with a diesel particulate filter. What a jackassed concept. I’ve owned several TDIs and if I had known my 2012 had one I would not have bought it.
*IF* I keep this one till out of warranty (doubtful) the first time something in the dpf system breaks it’s coming out of there.
I bought a new ‘06 Duramax for my company when my ‘03 Silverado was getting 12mpg and gas prices soared in summer of ‘05. Got “Employee Discount” on last day, Sept. 30th.
The day I bought it diesel prices jumped higher than premium for the first time in my life. I was sick. Until I drove the truck just like I had driven the gas one. Consistent 17 mpg. Even at the high price of diesel, I was saving a lot on fuel costs.
Sold it 5 years & 60k mis. later for $12k less than I paid for it.
A no brainer.
Oh, yeah. Defective fuel injectors replaced twice under factory warranty.
Love my 2011 Ford F250 with the 6.7 liter diesel. Great for towing a heavy trailer in the mountains. After 2 years of ownership no mechanical issues.
Rest In Peace, old friend, your work is finished..... 
If you want ON or OFF the DIESEL ”KnOcK” LIST jut FReepmail me..... This is a fairly HIGH VOLUME ping list on some days.....I’d be willing to bet they didn’t factor in the cost of diesel in this ‘study’.
Personal rant:
Two years ago I purchased a 97 VW Passat TDI Sedan for $2,700 and put another $1500 into maintenance, tires, shocks etc., and last month spent $1000 having its fuel pump rebuilt and reinstalled. Ignoring fuel costs. So, after two years I am out just over $5K but have a car that runs like new, gets just over 50 mpg (with the rebuilt fuel pump...42 mpg prior)and is worth just about what I have into it. I get over 800 miles a tank and expect to get another 100K to 200K on its 1.9 Turbo Diesel engine.
One year ago my brother purchased a smallish Toyota Suv Hybid for about $35K, which gets at best 25 mpg around town and maybe 30 mpg on the road. It has dropped almost $8K in resale value. If he had his druthers he would have kept his Expedition and just lived with the 14 miles mpg because of its room and it would not have fallen in value nearly as much...meaning he would have been better off financially.
BTW All 96 and 97 Passat TDIs for all essential purposes are actually Audi with VW badges. The Wagons are considered premo because if they are in decent shape and running good go for as much a $9K and get around 1200 miles a tank.