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What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?
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...."QuickFact: The average family pays $434.00 in North Dakota income taxes. [1]"
@ that time I paid Texas' ONEROUS tax rate.
Got one going back to school for a doctorate. Too bad application in a ZERO % tax state (good fair share) was not made.
It's really sad the current administration wants to kill and is succeeding in killing the oil industry in ND !!!! If they keep racking up wins, the state will go the way of Detroit. Do you REALLY think they will do a ND pipeline hook up? (Bakken). My take? Keep fracking ! But hey, that might be an outlier opinion. Not much support for farming either !?
So, ... if fuel prices go lower or higher or remain the same,.... advantage diesel.
I doubt XL would create any jobs at refineries. They are already at decent utilization rates. The XL oil will likely displace Mexican crude oil in the Gulf with no net gain – no new jobs.
Refinery Utilization and Capacity
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pnp_unc_dcu_nus_m.htm
U.S. refiners attack government exemptions to oil export ban
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/04/us-oil-exports-refiners-idUSKBN0GZ2BU20140904
Crude oil exports – raw crude can be exported
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_exp_dc_nus-z00_mbblpd_m.htm
Speaking of refineries, here is something related to diesel. http://bismarcktribune.com/bakken/refinery-not-expected-to-relieve-fuel-costs/article_4437bb1a-b2e5-5962-95c3-fc997c82c0bd.html "David Ripplinger of North Dakota State University's Agribusiness and Applied agrees the new refinery will have little to no impact on what farmers pay for diesel fuel." ?????????
I still expect to see a drop in diesel prices as the new refinery adds about 10% more production.
The battle for the best mpg continues...
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/29/toyotas-new-tnga-platform-could-boost-prius-to-58-mpg/
What is being ignored here is no one has invented the "killer" app that as a minimum, provides gasser products parity with diesel, let alone ADVANTAGE over it. This is hardly prescient. George Washington Carver demonstrated that diesel can be had from soybeans and canola oil (ND farming products, aka sustainable) Once that happens that would = ='s =. 58 mpg= 58 mpg LIKE models. Only then will RUG/PUG vehicles @ half the (refinery) profit of diesel will make sense.
That is a darn good point. A suggestion I have not heard before. Is it a matter of finding someone to build it?
I also was not aware of our exporting Crude. Though that may not be bad for US produced oil. Seems Alaska took flack in the 1980s for selling crude oil to Korea.
United for Domestic Energy, or CRUDE, which represents the four U.S. refiners, blasted the government for allowing the shipments, saying they contravene a nearly 40-year-old ban on oil exports.
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/29/toyotas-new-tnga-platform-could-boost-prius-to-58-mpg/
Just so no one thinks Toyota is an innovator. The Japanese still excel at being copy cats.
Toyota copies VW with new multi-model platform
Volkswagen’s MQB modular chassis system has been massively successful since it was launched two years ago. In another couple it will underpin every Volkswagen Group product up to Passat size.
Despite the immense development costs, MQB is hugely profitable, allowing significant variations between the cars that use it for little extra outlay.
Toyota has realised as much and revealed its own modular platform, the inelegantly named Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). By 2020 all Toyota’s C-segment models (plus Lexus and Scion variations) will use the platform.
http://onlymotors.com/toyota-copies-vw-with-new-multi-model-platform/
Gas Prices Headed As Low As $1.50 A Gallon
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susankalla/2015/03/31/gas-prices-may-fall-below-2-this-summer/
And under the hood, it's got a four-cylinder Cummins diesel which can pump out 250 horsepower and 600 (!!!!!!!!!!) pound-feet of torque. Oh yeah !
http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/there-is-is-nothing-special-about-the-special-forces-ne-1694594128
HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) Issue
U.S. closes probe into 240,000 diesel VW vehicles
David Shepardson, Detroit News Washington Bureau 9:55 a.m. EDT March 31, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/2015/03/31/us-closes-probe-diesel-vw-vehicles/70713086/
VW stepped up to cover the cost of the HPFP issue on (my) 2009 VW Jetta TDI, out of warranty.
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/2016-mercedes-benz-gle-puts-m-class-pasture-230000048.html
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM475595/INCR-EA11003-61863.pdf
Volkswagen’s Alltrack Is a German Outback Alternative
Collin Woodard
http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/volkswagens-alltrack-is-a-german-outback-alternative.html/
1 Audi A6 TDI
3 Volkswagen Passat TDIs
1 Volkswagen Toureg TDI
1 BMW X5 Diesel (current body style)
1 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Blue Tec
1 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 Blue Tec
1 Mercedes-Benz S350 Blue Tec
1 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
1 Volkswagen Jetta JSW TDI
8 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (1 2000-ish, 1 2003-ish, 2 2009-ish, 2 2012-ish, 1 2015
Unfortunately, diesels seem to be somewhat of a cult car. There are "diesel people" who seem to be carrying the torch, but otherwise it is a difficult sell to someone walking into a dealership to buy a car. For those that "fight the good fight," I applaud you. People still see the diesel price premium on the window sticker (on the lower end of the market) and at the pump compared to their gasser equivalent. There are people out there who don't think enough stations have diesel fuel.
I'm not saying it is right, but Toyota makes it easy. People want a durable (even if they are only going to keep it 3 years), reliable, easy car that gives them outstanding gas mileage. The Prius is literally a no brainer. You get 40 - 50 mpg without even trying. You "make a statement" that you are an environmentalist. You get a cheap lease payment (especially now) plus you "spend less" every month on gas.
Like I've said before, I'm a believer but just haven't found the right car yet.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I have the same trouble spotting diesels. Anymore they just look like regular passenger cars; the pickups sometimes have "sootier" tailpipes, but for someone who's not make/model conscious like me, the diesel fleet mostly just look like all the other cars and trucks out there.
That was just for those that might think the Toyota has ever had an original idea. Even the Prius hybrid design was stolen and they ended up paying for it. I would say the Germans and Japanese are at the leading edge of robotics in manufacturing. Though I am sure Korea, Taiwan and China are very close behind. We got UAW robots.
Sakichi Toyoda was a pretty reknown inventor back in the day. His automatic power loom was my favorite. Wouldn't surprise me to learn that some of the material in your Hawaiian shirts were woven on one of his loom designs. That background led to the idea that if something breaks, you stop the assembly line to fix the problem.
With all the "extra" employees VW seems to have responsible for building one car, I bet they fix a lot of stuff caught by an inspection after the car rolls off the line.
Fun speculation at least (in other words, got squat for diesel news....)
I think what VW and Toyota are doing is more automation in their factories. Not sure that would bode well with UAW workforce. The 1998 UAW strike against GM was over automation, and sending jobs to Mexico. The auto worker of the future will need a good mind more than a strong back.
It was just a gorgeous sunny morning, as was the drive up ! There was no real traffic to speak of ! I followed a guy up the mountian that seemed to know what he was doing, so it was a pleasure to share the road with him for app 60 miles. Lead dog duties slingshotted back and forth.
We passed a pretty graphic 4 car accident scenario in an area where one has to work VERY hard to get into an accident, let alone multiple!! There were way too many emergency vehicles (3 fire trucks 2 more coming, ambulances, 5 CHP's, 4 tow trucks, flares all over, and too many good sams, so I fear there may have been deep injuries to loss of life. Again, no real traffic to speak of ?????
Volkswagen Group: Struggling in the U.S., Succeeding Everywhere Else
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/2015/04/06/volkswagen-group-struggling-in-us-succeeding-everywhere-else/
This does NOT jump out in front of one, or hit between the eyes like a 2x4, but it might be easy to infer why this decrease in VW US market sales benefits both consumers and VW's DIESEL side.
(aka- BUYERS market)
NAPA has this months special: DEF (Diesel Particulate Fluid) @ $8.99 for 2.5 gal container, normally $14.99.
So for my last ($16.18, 4.5 gal) DIY fill @ 13,500 miles= $.0011986 cost per mile driven: DEF.
12 VW Touareg TDI consumption = .0427 oz per mile driven.
(further tmi: 1 gal treats 2,998 miles of emissions)
14 MB GLK 250 BT consumption = 12,100 miles for 2 gal = .02116 oz per mile driven.
(further tmi:1 gal treats 6,049 miles of emissions)
Back to bragging about torque and towing for diesel marketing?
Most diesels in that segment competition to ev's , hybrids, are NOT recommended to tow.
I'm sure towing is an "outlier" activity. But on the other hand, IF one tows, albeit a lot, the TDI makes a lot of sense, albeit SUV's/CUV's to "light trucks". It does make one wonder , IF ev and hybrids are so good, why oems don't adapt and use them for TOWING ?? !!
Just in terms of PROJECTED per year H/H fuel savings of $710. , that anticipate savings should not sway those NOT in the market (for a diesel) to switch TO diesel.
On the yearly mileage of two diesels, I also anticipate app $710 per year fuel savings ( $800, a little more). That triggers banking the savings. @ 2,99 gal, ULSD, for 41 mpg commute, that still is app 11,000 miles.
Agreed, I've found the right car (Touareg TDI) but I just can't afford it yet.
Here is a used 12 VW Touareg TDI, 52k miles, $35,850 OBO
http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f47/12-tdi-lux-in-va-198513.html
The exterior color has grown on me. While my interior is black, I really like the brown interior.
BMW 535 xd (this is only the 2nd or 3rd one I've ever seen)
Audi Q5 TDI
VW Toureg TDI
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Here is a used 12 VW Touareg TDI, 52k miles, $35,850 OBO
http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f47/12-tdi-lux-in-va-198513.html
The exterior color has grown on me. While my interior is black, I really like the brown interior.
Thanks ruking, I actually like the exterior color, the brown interior I could probably get used to.
I'm out of the market for a couple of years due to a move, job change, etc., so I had to go with a 3 year lease on a Volvo S60 for the short term. Plus if I got one I'd want a 15 with some of the new features.
My plan now is to save over the next couple of years, and when the resdesigned 2017/2018 comes out. If I like that then I'll splurge on one, if not I'll go for a CPO version of the current model.
Here is a used 12 VW Touareg TDI, 52k miles, $35,850 OBO
http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f47/12-tdi-lux-in-va-198513.html
The exterior color has grown on me. While my interior is black, I really like the brown interior.
Thanks ruking, I actually like the exterior color, the brown interior I could probably get used to.
I'm out of the market for a couple of years due to a move, job change, etc., so I had to go with a 3 year lease on a Volvo S60 for the short term. Plus if I got one I'd want a 15 with some of the new features.
My plan now is to save over the next couple of years, and when the resdesigned 2017/2018 comes out. If I like that then I'll splurge on one, if not I'll go for a CPO version of the current model.
They LOVE it on the SOS/DD upgrade !! He really wants to take both of mine through its paces in the North Tahoe area (Interstate 80).
I am not sure what will happen with the VW Touareg going forward under the relentless yearly change cycle, the new platform and 5 year product cycle concepts.
It has been Porsche's (Cayenne) deliverer to @ least 2015, even though not well received by the purists. Porsche now has the Macan (compact CUV). The VW Touareg /TDI has been an almost total sleeper in the VW line, albeit @ half the price of Porsche's Cayenne versions. I think now VW plans @ least 3 CUVs under the Touareg's size and price points, Tiguan being one.
This will probably be outlier, but I really like (component) the performance and engineering of the Aisin 8 speed A/T in the Touareg TDI. It is fully capable of 627 # ft of torque for a 406 # ft of torque TDI !!
TMI: My father (IWO JIMA veteran) might have had some perspectives on that issue (since passed away). But hey, it is pretty seamless.
But then, I like the Tremec 6 speed M/T in the Corvette. Now that he would probably like, even as the (robustness) safety factor is not as great.
While we babble on about the Keystone XL pipeline, here is a good one.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-to-build-pipeline-from-iran-to-pakistan-1428515277?mod=WSJ_hppMIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond
China to Build Pipeline From Iran to Pakistan
Long-thwarted project gets go-ahead as Islamabad anticipates lifting of sanctions on Iran
By SAEED SHAH
April 8, 2015 1:47 p.m. ET
China’s Pollution Assault Boosting Solar, Electric Vehicles (Bloomberg)
Wash DC's power grid remains COAL fired !! ???
Coal fired /nuclear power plants are the KEY('s) to PLUG IN USA's EV success!!!
TMI: keep in mind fully 39 % + of US electrical power is provided by coal fired plants. Add 19 % nuclear provided and the majority (58 %) of energy is/are provided by these sources. Solar & wind are remarkably INEFFICIENT and INEFFECTIVE. It does however have a GREAT fairy tale quality to it. Another part of the realities are the premature costs of closures, on going remediation, massive disruptions to the economies, not to mention the multiple mistakes in policy and implementation. We may also make the same mistakes all over again, as with 95% PVF RUG/PUG fuel. The power production and grid systems are already financial armaggeddons waiting for triggering scenarios.
Major energy sources and percent share of total U.S. electricity generation in 2014:
Coal = 39%
Natural gas = 27%
Nuclear = 19%
Hydropower = 6%
Other renewables = 7%
Biomass = 1.7%
Geothermal = 0.4%
Solar = 0.4%
Wind = 4.4%
Petroleum = 1%
Other gases < 1%
http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=427&t=3
Another way to say it for the majority of gassers, (95%+) in the small car segment who are supposedly concerned about economy: why are they still getting gassers instead of DIESELS? (min of 30% BETTER fuel mileage)
Instead, a lot of gasser folks will say RUG is (for example) .40 cents cheaper than diesel, ergo, why switch to DIESEL ????
By Andy Tully
18 hours ago
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-gasoline-prices-remain-low-212347645.html
Another convenient (AEROPORT) gusher? FRACK ON ! ?
100 billion barrels of oil in ground near London Gatwick: firm
http://news.yahoo.com/100-billion-barrels-oil-ground-near-london-gatwick-115246305.html
“The intention of these regulations," Archer told The Detroit News last month, "was that the limit should be met on the road, not just in the laboratory."
Are 'Clean Diesels' Actually Not Nearly As Clean As Claimed? (greencarreports.com)
~37 MPG (US) combined seems pretty respectable, though.
TMI: This same dealer fixed the HPFP issue on the 09 Jetta TDI.
Got a look @ a Tungsten Silver 15 Golf TDI Sport Wagon ! A lot looked different, but overall it felt and looked the same: given the new platform. I declined test rides while waiting.
Altima Prius Passat 1.8L Passat TDI
Miles/year 6000 6000 6000 6000
City miles/yr 4200 4200 4200 4200
HWY miles/yr 1800 1800 1800 1800
Cost fuel/gal $2.50 $2.50 $2.50 $2.60
MPG city 19 32 19 26
MPG HWY 44 55 39 51
Cost city $553 $328 $553 $420
Cost HWY $102 $82 $115 $92
Fuel cost/yr $655 $410 $668 $512
Premium $0 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Payback yrs 12 19
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/04/07/toyota-auris-jdm-turbo-engine-official/ This was an interesting article because it show that RUG engines continue to make efficiency gains. People talk about how diesels get 30% better mileage, however, RUG engines are actually getting closer to 13% (1 gallon of diesel has 113% of the energy of one gallon of gasoline).
http://inhabitat.com/falling-price-of-battery-packs-may-usher-in-age-of-affordable-electric-cars/ Down the road an electric car/small SUV might be something we might try as a second vehicle (primary for local trips). Electric rates are only 8 cents a kw/hr here in ND. A lot will depend on the price of fuel and cars in 5 – 10 years. Here is one estimate. The Leaf is almost the same exact size as the Crosstrek. The Leaf cost was calculated at 8 cents/kw/hr and 59 cents per 25 miles.
Crosstrek Leaf
City miles/yr 4200 4200
HWY miles/yr 0 0
Cost fuel/gal $2.50 $0.08
MPG city 19 126
Cost city $553 $99
Fuel cost/yr $553 $99
Premium $0 $3,000
Payback yrs 7
For the mileage you do, 1 to 5 year old vehicles makes even more sense that the NEW examples you cite. Indeed, both the diesels depreciation AND the premium (self admitted..."The $3k premium is still the issue") do precipitously drop off.
ANY car should be able to do 100,000 miles. In your case, 16.67 years is a no brainer. Good reason to keep an 2003 TDI. A car approaches more of a convenience item. I bet if you think it through, you can do without a car ! ? OR have as little $$'s in a car as possible. I mean really, 500 miles a month: HEAVY per mile FIXED costs! ? So for example, $1200 insurance per year = .20 cents per mile driven. My .087 cents per mile driven diesel ($2.99/34.5 mpg) pales in comparison.
Now if you HATE DIESELS, add up all the excuses and they absolutely makes no sense at all ! It makes sense to me ! Why go EV @ all? Even used, the acquisition costs are @ least 2x to 3x a gasser? I saw a 40k EV @ Costco that seemed the equivalent of a 13k Civic ! To switch due to lower fuel/electrical prices? It is almost nonsensical, especially in your case.
You want to pay more per mile driven fuel ? ( truly ,given your posts, that is a consistent theme) I am totally fine with your decision. Indeed the 95% + using gassers are also on board. On the 03 Jetta TDI, (your $2.60 per gal ) that is $218./$312. per year.
New 15 car sales are projected to beat last year's 14 sales @ 16.5 M . So why go new? Last years' USED car sales were estimated to be 44 M. I'd say play in the majority of gassers area and in the much heavier volume arena: used.
We have one gasser going on 21 years old. My short term goal is 30 years old. By then, we would have had 360 payments of ZERO $ per month
Separately, I still have not received sample results for the gear oil on my Forester. I messaged them this morning to get an update (just making sure all is in order). They received the sample Monday (4/6), so I'm surprised I haven't heard anything yet.
Again this is not rocket science and UOA technical data, AND analysis for Vietnam Era jet A/C like F4 Phantoms have been standard operating procedure for a VERY long time (55 years that I know of ). AKA you could have compared ONE against the FLEET (app 4,100/5,200). TMI is a bit more complicated. Why it has not trickled down to autos...., IS anyone's guess.
I am also thinking of just changing the M/T fluid @ 250,000 miles. But that might be too soon.