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What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?

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Comments

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    Elon says it's going to be all electric in 20 years.

    And who's going to argue with a guy who runs the only private company to sucessfully launch stuff into space?

    Funny why an EV company such as Tesla is IGNORING the opportunity/s to capture a 180,000 unit EV FLEET, albeit mail, parcel and perhaps DRONE delivery fleet. !! ????

    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Drove around town today - the "diesel differential" is down to about 60 cents compared to regular and lots of premium pumps are running the same as diesel ($2.79 is the cheapest I saw today).
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    Close /Resort

    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.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Costco
    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.
  • avalon02whavalon02wh Member Posts: 785
    Looking at the latest http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/ I see that diesel is still 64 cents more than RUG.

    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.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    I am still cheering for SUB $ 1.85 per gal ULSD in CA, no matter how delusional that might be !! :DB) I have yet to only pay the LOWEST prices, given any EIA.gov, AAA, quote, pronouncement, or dismissal (GASSER OR DIESEL). I would call on the IRS to back up this .gov (propaganda ) arm to give tax CREDITs for the FYI differences ! B)

    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).
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    For as good as ULSD IS,... 15 ppm sulfur, 5 to 10 ppm nominally delivered (anything OVER 15 ppm is massively FINE able)

    (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/
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    edited February 2015
    avalon02Another 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:

    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.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    BUT wait....

    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    ruking1 said:

    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.

    Sounds good - are people willing to pay a buck more a gallon for "clean" fuel?

    Once-golden biofuels market flattened by cheap diesel
    (cumberlink.com)
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    The system does not WANT "clean/ER fuel", especially at lower costs and lower taxations and environmentally cleaner.

    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    ruking1 said:

    From a (gasser/diesel).02 cent perspectives, if this situation is not tailor made for an EV, what is? (albeit, much more expensive than it has to be) Or,... when is Uber coming to your town?

    Remember this question? Turns out that ABQ and Santa Fe have Uber and it's being proposed for Las Cruces. Maybe I'll quit car shopping (not that I've really started, lol).

    Diesel drivers could be in for tax bump (utsandiego.com/news)

    Has diesel had its day in Europe? (Automotive News)

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    This OLD article might save you NEW $$'spent in/for blind spot detection options.

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I've been doing that for years (even put up a CarSpace guide about it back in the day), but I still have blind spots. Hard to avoid them driving minivans though.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    I've been doing that for years (even put up a CarSpace guide about it back in the day), but I still have blind spots. Hard to avoid them driving minivans though.

    You haven't lived then, till you have towed in a tractor trailer rig. It is hard to imagine a wide screen TV 220 degree rear looking screen camera set up. :D

    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????? ;)

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    How's Tahoe doing again? No base still? Got your drought plans in order?

    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... :D
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    How's Tahoe doing again? No base still? Got your drought plans in order?

    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... :D

    The long and the short of it: SHORTS !!! It's 30 F now , but it is supposed to hit a COLD :p 61 F Simply GORGEOUS.

    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.

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Shorts? Me too also - even though it started out at 41ish, it's 56°F now and my front porch gets the full blast of the morning sun so it gets nice and toasty. I wish they'd figure out computer screens so that they'd work a bit better in bright sunlight (although it won't be too many weeks before I'm hunting for shade).

    Got cold? Some things never change. B)

    Union Co.’s new truck needs a warmer garage
    (pal-item.com)
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    Shorts? Me too also - even though it started out at 41ish, it's 56°F now and my front porch gets the full blast of the morning sun so it gets nice and toasty. I wish they'd figure out computer screens so that they'd work a bit better in bright sunlight (although it won't be too many weeks before I'm hunting for shade).

    Got cold? Some things never change. B)

    Union Co.’s new truck needs a warmer garage
    (pal-item.com)

    Reminds me of that joke, how many (whatever group/s you wish to vilify) people does it take to change a light bulb?

    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.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,681
    edited February 2015
    I grew up driving a cargo van and grain (dump) trucks mostly, so there was no such thing as an inside rearview mirror. Side views were for monitoring beside and behind you, while convex sideviews allowed for "blind spot" monitoring. I carry that to every vehicle I own: Every single one has convex mirrors on both sides (and zero blind spots).
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    I got those too @xwesx, but I still try to look over my shoulder. My peripheral vision isn't as good as it used to be either, especially out of my left eye. Unlike you, I'd like a warning gizmo too. ;)
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    stever said:

    Shorts? Me too also - even though it started out at 41ish, it's 56°F now and my front porch gets the full blast of the morning sun so it gets nice and toasty. I wish they'd figure out computer screens so that they'd work a bit better in bright sunlight (although it won't be too many weeks before I'm hunting for shade).

    Got cold? Some things never change. B)

    Union Co.’s new truck needs a warmer garage
    (pal-item.com)

    I can't imagine them not plugging in a truck to keep the crankcase warm and battery blanket and charger. They have to make some sort of warmer for the DEF tanks.
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    edited February 2015
    Anyone remember those Wink inside mirrors, I think 5 angled mirrors, in a long frame that took up about 2/3's width of the windshield? Gave a 180 degree rear view, but you had to remove the sun visors to make it fit.

    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.

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    slorenzen said:

    Anyone remember those Wink inside mirrors, I think 5 angled mirrors, in a long frame that took up about 2/3's width of the windshield? Gave a 180 degree rear view, but you had to remove the sun visors to make it fit.

    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.

    Yes ! We had one those also ! $15 aftermarket?

    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
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    A little TMI video about the 3.0 L TDI ? (seems to be ? the VW/Audi/ Porsche) How It Is Made.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C66Q3PG4MA8&feature=youtu.be



    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    Red state, blue state, green state. And what's love got to do with it? :D

    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.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    stever said:

    Red state, blue state, green state. And what's love got to do with it? :D

    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.

    Interesting the Prius is 300#'s less. It makes one wonder on the weight basis what the Prius mpg would post with a 24/7 two more adults @ 150 #'s each? (3 adults vs one in the Jetta TDI)

    I have been posting wha a 09 Jetta with three adults normally posts.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    That would be the usual complement of riders in our vehicle 75% or more of the time.

    But - two people means 100 mpg, not 50. :D
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    Yeah 123 mpg in the 09 Jetta TDI aint bad. ;) Too bad the haters, et al. don't let in the REAL European fuel sippers ! :( A 75 mpg Polo would be more like 225 mpg. :D
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    That's just me *cough* and six other guys at some commune in Vermont.

    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.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    That's just me *cough* and six other guys at some commune in Vermont.

    It's really just the market and supply and demand. Past history (stinkpots, semis, gelling, cold starts and the GM diesel debacle) plays a bit part too.

    Then you should talk about the good ole days of LEADED regular/premium gasoline. ;)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    Well, you can't rely on the profit motive to keep the air clean. Or to keep the flames down on the Cuyahoga River. Lots of people hate Nixon but he got a lot of stuff cleaned up by enabling a bunch of regs.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    I am not sure what you mean, it IS the profit motive ! ? The haters, anti diesel, et al. MAKE it uneconomical to bring in the very things that will ACTUALLY accomplish what they SAY they really want BUT really ...don't.

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If people really wanted diesel cars, they'd be pounding on the doors of the dealership. The only reason they are were so popular in Europe was because the regulators made it economical to buy them.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    If people really wanted diesel cars, they'd be pounding on the doors of the dealership. The only reason they are were so popular in Europe was because the regulators made it economical to buy them.

    I think then by default you understand what I am saying.

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    No, regulators subcumb to political pressure. If people really wanted diesels they'd be raising sand at the dealers, who would complain to the manufacturers. The manufacturers would go to the pols they own, hand in hand with NADA, and get the taxes flipped around so that gassers cost more to own and operate.

    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.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    No, regulators subcumb to political pressure. If people really wanted diesels they'd be raising sand at the dealers, who would complain to the manufacturers. The manufacturers would go to the pols they own, hand in hand with NADA, and get the taxes flipped around so that gassers cost more to own and operate.

    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.

    We then disagree. I DO think they want DIESELs! DIESEL PVF is currently @ less than 2.5% and growing slowly ! The TOTAL diesel PVF is app 5%. ("light" trucks) Do they want diesels @ European levels (app 51% + diesel) ! ??? to American GASSER (95% levels?) Clearly NOT !

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Pure gasser is doing fine though - they are hitting CAFE targets early and making the mpg and emissions distinction between a gasser and a hybrid much smaller. That's a good thing. Why buy a Prius (or a TDI for that matter) if a Camry gets close to the same mileage?

    Going from, say 38 to 44mpg isn't nearly as big a deal as going from 17 to 38.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    Pure gasser is doing fine though - they are hitting CAFE targets early and making the mpg and emissions distinction between a gasser and a hybrid much smaller. That's a good thing. Why buy a Prius (or a TDI for that matter) if a Camry gets close to the same mileage? (longer term crisis) Even VW is finally getting the message after multiple and repeated 2 x 4 hits to the corporate forehead

    Going from, say 38 to 44mpg isn't nearly as big a deal as going from 17 to 38.

    Everything I am reading seems to indicate the small to smaller car markets are shrinking, even as that PVF is @ 25%.

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    Right, why switch? The cons outweight the pros.

    Meanwhile you and @gagrice get to enjoy being outliers. And y'all don't even tow.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    stever said:

    Right, why switch? The cons outweight the pros.

    Meanwhile you and @gagrice get to enjoy being outliers. And y'all don't even tow.

    Too funny !!! Yes, it is pretty seamless on the "dark side".

    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.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    edited February 2015
    If people really wanted diesel cars, they'd be pounding on the doors of the dealership. The only reason they are were so popular in Europe was because the regulators made it economical to buy them.

    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
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    For me anyway, knowing Europeans pay $8. per gal makes me all the more appreciative of both price ( lower @ 2.99) per gal. AND diesel's better fuel consumption. So @ 24.1 mpg ( US AVG) that is .3319/.124 cents per mile driven. Still the price and taxation of fuel is still FAR too high.

    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.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,496
    A gasser convert, but still sings the praises of diesel:

    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

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2015
    The 2500 series TDI is STILL considered a "light" truck. !! ??

    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.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,681
    Let's just hope he isn't too disappointed when it comes time to sell the Hemi. :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2015
    gagrice said:

    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.

    Sure, have to ask @fintail, but I think lots of EU countries have different tax rates that vary by the size of your engine.

    (Guess what scruffy looking old guy went to the Las Cruces VW dealer over lunch and was totally ignored. B) Funny how you become invisible after you hit 60).

  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    (Guess what scruffy looking old guy went to the Las Cruces VW dealer over lunch and was totally ignored. B) Funny how you become invisible after you hit 60).

    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.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The '09 van that hasn't been washed since we got it last April. B)

    Hey, it's silver and doesn't show dirt. If I was going to trade it, maybe I'd detail it.
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