Hehe no bike really is for the british roads. They are too rough with too many angry car drivers and too many road hazzards IMO. I used to bike in the states, I am afraid to ride on the roads here. They would be so bad if it wasn't for the farmers bringing so much crud on the roads right after a nice sharp bend.
Diesels go a long time and both should be decent. You know the signs of abuse, just go with the cleanest 1 IMO.