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What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?
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Perhaps the real issue is that it is IN the REAL WORLD ! ???????
(F. Porsche designed and implemented VOLKS wagon/s and they still make the ICONIC Porsche line) .
Way off topic, I got to say I am enjoying global warming. 90 miles to the south, (Pebble Beach, Monterey, CA), the ATT Pro AM , ( Not many of the world RANKED golfers, no TIGER, but Clint Eastwood?) is being broadcasted on CBS. It is an almost picture PERFECT day down there @ 75 F. Caddies in shorts and golfers in short sleeve golf shirts. Celebs are "celeb-ing" it up.
South Lake Tahoe is @ 61 F. Good maybe to ski early morning (8:30 am opening, day after P Day). Maybe time for a back 9 in the afternoon.
Definitely NOT getting the monies worth out of the 4 matic, AWD. But the CUV's do fit almost anything. Relatives tell me its 25 F in Boston, MA and snow showers. http://www.wsj.com/articles/another-winter-storm-bears-down-on-new-england-1423926212?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird
ULSD $ 2.97 / $ 2.89
RUG $ 2.63 / $ 2.52
MG $ 2.73 / $ 2.62
PUG $ 2.83 / $ 2.72
Makes one wonder why the environmental conservatives don't go after this BUFF !!??
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/once-again-the-usaf-is-looking-to-re-engine-its-b-52-fl-1685747978
If they keep it to 2040 as INTENDED, this design will be OVER 88 years old.
RUG $2.63
PUG $2.81
ULSD $2.77
It is good owning a diesel. I have 612 miles on this tank and a quarter tank left. Hoping the price follows the oil price. :@
With the oil refinery strikes it is not likely. Well it was ok while it lasted.
Another interesting bit about diesel is that the local VW dealer is discounting the 2.0 TDI SE Passats by $3,500 while the 1.8T SE gasoline models are only discounted about $1,300. Here is an example:
2015 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SE Detailed Pricing
$28,920 MSRP
$1,339 You Save
$27,581 Best Price
2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI SE Detailed Pricing
$32,365 MSRP
$3,583 You Save
$28,782 Best Price
The reason is obvious as to why they are giving such a discount. The RUG to diesel price differential is killing sales of diesel powered cars here. The extra 2 grand might be able to swing a few people, however.
Those that analyze the effects of the current lower RUG/PUG prices or ULSD prices for that matter, indicate the effects are not very much and are not effecting the general economy to the extent hoped. IF it affects the decision between a diesel or RUB/PUG decision, it is certainly an (extreme) outlier decision process.
Indeed I have indicated the actual saving for a daily 15,000 miles (AVG yrly mileage) yearly commute PER month. The price drop probably will NOT last long, aka 1 year.
( ergo, $30.48 per month @ - minus $1.00 per gal). The monthly savings barely pays 6% of the cost of new tires.
Since your local dealer probably only has a few TDI's and @ lower percentages, aren't those the points ? Defacto the dealer simultaneously wants to move the 1.8 T also? It is also apparent that NEITHER (gasser or diesel) is probably for you ! (despite cheaper RUG/PUG prices) Does lower RUG/PUG prices induce you to buy a 1.8 T gasser? Not me, for one.
MB GLK 250 MSRP is MINUS - $500. off the MB GLK 350's. MB MAY be more intent on upping that models diesel percentages. I have read the 14 MB 250 BT %'s might be 15%. But even MB keeps the actual figures hidden better than a FEDERAL secret.
So 23 mpg @ PUG prices, $2.83= .123 cents VS 39 mpg@ ULSD prices $2.97=.07615 or PUG being 62 percent MORE !!! is @ BEST, a minority of a minorities consideration in why the MB GLK 350;s GASSER % IS the majority (85%).
SIDEBAR: notice ULSD has the HIGHER price per gal than PUG (=$2.97- $2.83 or) +.14 cents.
One outlier reason MIGHT be in 100,000 miles, they would be just fine spending $4,685.00 more for fuel (@ consumption rate and today's prices).
(vs RUG/PUG,30 ppm to 90 ppm sulfur- over 30 ppm to 90 ppm sulfur is off line FEE mitigatable.
)
..."Environment -- In 2000, biodiesel became the only alternative fuel in the country to have successfully completed the EPA-required Tier I and Tier II health effects testing under the Clean Air Act. Biodiesel contains virtually no sulfur or aromatics, and use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons (-67%), carbon monoxide (-48%), and particulate matter (-47%).
Home-grown -- Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable alternative fuel. A U.S. Department of Energy study showed that the production and use of biodiesel, compared to petroleum diesel, resulted in a 78.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, biodiesel has a positive energy balance. For every unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel, at least 4.5 units of energy are gained. This takes into account planting, harvesting, fuel production, and transportation to the end user.
Increased Lubricity -- Biodiesel increases the lubrication of your car's engine. More lubrication will increase the longevity of the engine. Even biodiesel levels as low as one percent can provide up to a 65% increase in lubricity with diesel fuel.
Operating Performance -- Biodiesel has a higher cetane rating than most US diesel fuel. Biodiesel offers similar power with its fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. "...
http://www.valleyoil.com/biodiesel/
That does not surprise me in the least. When I bought my new VW Passat Wagon TDI, the price I paid cash was $3000 under invoice. The dealer I bought from in Oregon had 6 of them he got from a dealer going out of business. 13 months and 8000 miles later I sold it for $3000 more than I paid for it. To a buyer from AZ that saw my ad on Craigslist. Took one day, and I had so many calls even after I pulled the ad when the cash was in my bank. Of course back then you could not legally buy a new one in CA. It had to be used with at least 7500 miles on it. A dealer up in Orange county specialized in used VW diesels. When I was in for my 20k mile service my dealer was not discounting much at all. That was in December. Maybe now he is.
Gas isn’t as cheap as you think
Yahoo Finance By Rick Newman
February 13, 2015 10:24 AM
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gas-isn-t-as-cheap-as-you-think-152406684.html
Once-golden biofuels market flattened by cheap diesel (cumberlink.com)
They have not and will not let 100% B-100, aka biodiesel PVF engines specifications to be developed . The specifications are (@ least) so 50 years ago !!!
So for example, the last I checked the PROPEL B-20 (new and improved HPR, aka next GEN?) ) it was AND REMAINS CHEAPER ($2.89) than "cheap" ULSD. So, a tip of the hat to the entrepreneurial spirit !!
http://dieselhpr.com/learn-more
TMI: it is the SAME (Chevron) station the Editor @ Edmunds.com testing the VW Passat TDI stopped to fill.
Again, it is the same principle that would apply. A 1% OVERSUPPLY (to RUG/PUG) of diesel and/or BOTH biodiesel can crash/crush prices. So, the relative SLOW ULSD price drops are influenced by the (loop holed) EXPORTED LSD/ULSD. Since the BIODIESEL market is relatively small, I do not know what percentage is EXPORTED.
TMI: ..."In North America, most states adopt ASTM D975 as their diesel fuel standard and the minimum cetane number is set at 40, with typical values in the 42-45 range."... . So 40% higher cetane (= +16 cetane) = 56 cetane. SO in theory, this optimizes burn and consumption rates AND by default SHOULD boost mpg.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetane_number
Diesel drivers could be in for tax bump (utsandiego.com/news)
Has diesel had its day in Europe? (Automotive News)
How To: Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots
Less obvious than it sounds.
FEBRUARY 2010 BY TONY QUIROGA ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS PHILPOT
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots
In a VW Touareg TDI, the option is "buried" in a $2,500 (interactive) package. MB GLK 250 $875 stand alone, $2900 (interactive) package.
By the way, how is all this global WARMING working for everyone ! ?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/snow-day-for-the-dc-area-roads-covered-and-schools-offices-closed/2015/02/17/0ec0c714-b690-11e4-a200-c008a01a6692_story.html?hpid=z4
What are they going to do when it REALLY snows?????
I had a trailer back in Chattanooga in the mid-70s that I pulled behind my CJ-5. That was enough to convince me that pulling a trailer wasn't my cup of tea.
As far as not being a diesel fan, besides my wife's sensitivity to the fumes, I think the turkey hunter "helping" me start my campfire with a milk jug of diesel back in the same CJ-5 era was another factor. Oh, the scars...
Got a pow wow in So CA for 3 days next week , RFP new biz. I am going to have to tuff it through 73 F + degrees projected ! Can't do the shorts routine, as client is picking up the tab. Well @ least sans tie is the new dress regulation.
Got cold? Some things never change.
Union Co.’s new truck needs a warmer garage (pal-item.com)
GEEZ like a A/C powered heater blanket around the DEF tank in 12 F won't solve the problems ??? But then it sounds like GUPPERMENT. Why spend $100. , when $ 4 M will do.
I've been adjusting my mirrors like that URL suggested for years, plus the convex stick-on on the left outside mirror.
Easier on the neck that way.
To me, the $850 to $2,950, audio lane warning system does NOT encourage good and safe SIGHT patterns. Nor does it seem to encourage turn signal use.
Slow diesel news day here!
MB 250 BT posting 38 mpg for tad less than 1/2 tank (7.4 gal) and after 100 miles on local routes and 85 mph in the SLOW lane.Fuelly.com lists 14 MB 350 PUG @ 23.5 mpg.
ULSD $2.99
RUG $ 2.67, MGUG $ 2.77, PUG $ 2.87
Even so:
Oregon Is Greener Than Thou
Environmentalist self-righteousness is so unaware of itself as to be entertaining.
By HOLMAN W. JENKINS, JR.
Feb. 17, 2015 7:22 p.m. ET
http://www.wsj.com/articles/holman-jenkins-oregon-is-greener-than-thou-1424218950?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion
Who Needs a Hybrid When There's a Diesel Jetta? (ABC News)
Diesel Rises for Second Straight Week to $2.86 (truckinginfo.com)
The second story is noteworthy to me because diesel is still under $3 most places. Guess I should top up my propane now, but chances are it'll stay the same price or fall during the heat of the summer.
I have been posting wha a 09 Jetta with three adults normally posts.
But - two people means 100 mpg, not 50.
It's really the market and supply and demand. Past history (stinkpots, semis, gelling, cold starts and the GM diesel debacle) plays a bit part too.
arewere so popular in Europe was because the regulators made it economical to buy them.But I think the gasser hybrids are an even better example. Despite the proverbial and LITERAL full court press, the PVF is lucky to even be 2%. Another is it is so obvious, that it is hidden in plain sight is gasser hybrids does not shift any of 100% of the population FROM GASSER.
A lot of that is going on trying to force the EV and hybrid incentives to go away.
Bottom line, I don't think Americans really want diesels.
Indeed gasser/hybridsi are growing slowER and slowly, despite having all the "PRESS LOVE". With all that LOVE and attention, the gasser/hybrid is @ 2% or less.
(what % are gasser hybrid "light" trucks?)
Again, the numbers, %'s indicate "want" for diesels are higher.
Going from, say 38 to 44mpg isn't nearly as big a deal as going from 17 to 38.
I am glad you are acknowledging what I have been saying.
The larger to large car markets are GROWING (75% and growing slowly). MOST really want larger cars (to light trucks") . They also want closer to 38 mpg vs closer to 17 mpg !!!!! 38 to 44 mpg in this segment would be another tool it this segments quiver. I also say this BECAUSE I am able to achieve a higher of 49.9 mpg IN a CUV (SOS/DD down grade leg) . Is it common? NO !
You may deny it kicking and screaming, but I am only one example, who have made that "change," decision. I went from 14 to 16 mpg SUV's (happen to be gassers) to 31 to 39 mpg CUV's (similar weight) albeit DIESELS. HUGE ? 107% better mpg!!!! AKA 52% savings?
Now, IF gassers could mimic diesels' advantages, and par pricing, why ...switch?
They won't, don't, can't: ergo ...switch.
For me, given the diesel advantages, switching back to gassers or even gasser hybrids would take radical changes from even the radical changes, you have noted. So, ....zzzzzzzz wake me when it happens.
Meanwhile you and @gagrice get to enjoy being outliers. And y'all don't even tow.
I was on a site reading about towing, (Acura MDV) getting 9/10 mpg vs (VW Touareg TDI) @ a poor 17 mpg.
ONLY 70% better mpg !!
In either scenario, I am fine with folks being fine with what they are fine WITH.
@ 95% + RUG/PUG PVF, am I looking for change of religion to 51%+ DIESELS ? NO !!
Am I looking for religious conversions adding to the 5% overall with less than 2.5% diesel cars? NO !
Just as long as the diesel hater's et al. aren't doing the ISIS gig: trying to behead diesels.
I would bet if you stopped a thousand people on any US street and asked what they know about diesel cars, far less than 1% would have a clue. Europeans are far more knowledgeable when it comes to the basics of cars. They also have far more choices than we do when it comes to power plant. Looking at the VW Golf in the UK there are over 100 different configurations available. And of course when you are paying $8 per gallon for fuel and diesel is a bit cheaper, they are more likely to buy diesel.
http://www.carpages.co.uk/guide/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-guide.asp
So @ 40.25 mpg (avg of 4 diesels) that is .07429 cents per mile driven= - minus .04971 cents CHEAPER. (like model, I am ok with paying less),
Also, I would like to pay par to LESS ( minimum of -33% LESS) fuel taxations to acknowledge we consume LESS fuel (33% less) that RUG/PUG and a premium for NOT USING RUG/PUG.(since that is another stated goal) We should NOT be penalized for doing PRECISELY what is being asked.
A customer of mine had an '06 Dodge Ram 2500 HD Diesel as his work truck commutes to work in a Jetta TDI Cup Edition (2009 maybe?). Anyway, he's a diesel fan. So I was surprised to see him in a brand new black 2015 RAM with a big honkin HEMI badge on the side.
What gives? I asked. He told me the '06 Ram needed some work (chassis and suspension) which is understandable after 120K miles. He said he got sick of driving the 2500 around all day that it rode hard and it is just a heavy vehicle. He told me it was time for a change.
You know they make a 1500 with the ECO Diesel now? Yes. He drove it and didn't love it. The block is really heavy and it was a LOT more money than this. I really love how smooth and powerful the V8 is.
Best part. someone gave him $16K for his 2006 RAM with 120K that needed $3K worth of work. Diesel resale rocks!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
So unless one really has a need for the 2500 FRAME gasser or diesel, right sizing (whatever than could , would, should, mean) is definitely one way to go. To drop to a 6 cylinder TDI from an 8 cylinder TDI , even in a 1500 series might be a real come down.
So for example, IF he got the (not available ) smaller (block) Cummins V8 TDI (550 # ft?) THAT might be a closer like model to the V8 Hemi, 1500 series.
So for sure, there are gaps and HUGE holes. It was good he was able to use his diesels far better resale values ( I do NOT know what a like model gasser would fetch) to meet his current needs, wants, price points, etc.
(Guess what scruffy looking old guy went to the Las Cruces VW dealer over lunch and was totally ignored.
What were you driving? I noticed when I had the ragged out old Ranger PU and went into a dealership to look around I got a lot less attention than when I drove the Sequoia into the dealership. I think salesmen look more at what you have to trade in, than how you look or are dressed.
Hey, it's silver and doesn't show dirt. If I was going to trade it, maybe I'd detail it.