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

ruking1

Chevrolet is putting a 1.6 L TDI in the Equinox. There are of course GM, Buick models?

I’m not sure how long the newer economics will support the/a/any local & rural dealership/s. If the dealerships are locally owned, I’m sure there are plans in the works to sell it to a bigger organization, like ... Berkshire Hathaway. I would not put it past Uncle Warren (Buffet) to become the new Walmart of new/used cars.

Here is one way. https://www.cardinaleway.com

I actually would not eliminate any of those OEMs. It might be instructive to talk with either the general manager/service managers to see what it would take for them to service your particular diesel cars, regardless of make. Since used car sales are any dealerships most profitable product line, they actually service any and all makes anyway.

gagrice

ruking1 said:

Chevrolet is putting a 1.6 L TDI in the Equinox. There are of course GM, Buick models?

I’m not sure how long the newer economics will support the/a/any local & rural dealership/s. If the dealerships are locally owned, I’m sure there are plans in the works to sell it to a bigger organization, like ... Berkshire Hathaway. I would not put it past Uncle Warren (Buffet) to become the new Walmart of new/used cars.

Here is one way. https://www.cardinaleway.com

I actually would not eliminate any of those OEMs. It might be instructive to talk with either the general manager/service managers to see what it would take for them to service your particular diesel cars, regardless of make. Since used car sales are any dealerships most profitable product line, they actually service any and all makes anyway.

Our GMC dealer will gladly service any vehicle. Just don't want some MW kid screwing up my VW and trying to cover up his goofs. Especially until VW gets their act together on the modification. Give them any reason to not cover their warranty. The two things that have failed were covered and should be covered under the extended warranty they are giving us.

xwesx

The Q7 has been the most problematic vehicle I've ever owned. I will probably look to sell once winter is over. Granted, the extended warranty is great, and the extended b2b coverage was great, too, but still not interested. Having the nearest dealer 360 miles away is certainly a consideration, as well as the likelihood of needing to visit that dealer!!!

ruking1

I think in your application & place, the best car/replacement would be cars any of your local mechanics would be able/want to service. More importantly, cars with the least amount of service!

ruking1

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/01/04/2018-chevy-equinox-diesel-review/

2018 Chevrolet Equinox TDI.

gagrice

ruking1 said:

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/01/04/2018-chevy-equinox-diesel-review/

2018 Chevrolet Equinox TDI.

It is a compliment for me!

You'd have to be just a bit unconventional to own an Equinox turbodiesel. If that strikes you as a compliment rather than a jab, this crossover might be for you.

I like the looks of the Equinox over the Terrain. Equipped as I would want it with brandy leather it is up close to $40k.

ruking1

Indeed, & on all points! I think also the GM diesel/s will hold its value far better.

The 14 MB GLK 250 BT Blue Tec is logging close to 60,000 miles on diesel @ 36 mpg vs PUG (like model) of 19 to 22 mpg (fuelly.com). So, 60,000 miles is (36 mpg/20 mpg) app 1,333 gal of savings. Surprisingly, BT used car sales prices are about the same to slightly less than what I pay new.

Sadly, according to CR, I’ve read an article on the (gasoline no d ) MB GLC 2016/2017 has experienced poor reliability, durability, etc., ratings. The catalog was starting with an underpowered 2.0 L turbo (gasoline) with negligible mpg improvement (with “better” mpg 9 sp transmission) over a V6 3.5 L engine.(7 sp transmission) This according to CR. I assume that since they didn’t put a lot of ink power on the new 9 speed over the previous 7 sp A/T, it’s performing the transmission chores in a workmanlike manner.

Well, that crosses a few more off the new 2018 list. The old but new again ( American made) BMW X5 TDI, sans the 3 rd seat option is looking mighty keen.

But then on the other hand, 2018 is off to the races, VW Tiguan . https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/vw-cuts-2018-tiguan-suv-price-by-up-to-2000/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CNETAsiaBlogs+(CNET+Asia+Blogs)#ftag=CAD590a51e

It would have my attention with a 2.1 L TDI with nlt 369# ft of torque.

xwesx

gagrice said:

ruking1 said:

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/01/04/2018-chevy-equinox-diesel-review/

2018 Chevrolet Equinox TDI.

It is a compliment for me!

You'd have to be just a bit unconventional to own an Equinox turbodiesel. If that strikes you as a compliment rather than a jab, this crossover might be for you.

I like the looks of the Equinox over the Terrain. Equipped as I would want it with brandy leather it is up close to $40k.

Yeah, I found that out, too! Really about the same price as the pickup, which makes me ponder a bit, as both could be handy vehicles to own. I was looking at some used examples (just barely, of course), and it looks like they are seeing about 20-25% depreciation from new, which is typical as an initial hit.

I definitely cannot stomach the idea of paying $40K for an Equinox, but that's not going to deter me....!

kyfdx

$40K is the new $30K

ruking1

Too funny! (End of the new model year to) 1 to 5 years old can be the new ...new (initial depreciation/s) !

If MB can get the then new & new designed 2016/2017 GLC as problematic as they did: after a redesign of its reliable & durable as its predecessor, MB GLK 250 BT, I want to see how the next couple years will shape up. While it has no diesel drivetrain, it’s not looking good.

gagrice

xwesx said:

gagrice said:

ruking1 said:

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/01/04/2018-chevy-equinox-diesel-review/

2018 Chevrolet Equinox TDI.

It is a compliment for me!

You'd have to be just a bit unconventional to own an Equinox turbodiesel. If that strikes you as a compliment rather than a jab, this crossover might be for you.

I like the looks of the Equinox over the Terrain. Equipped as I would want it with brandy leather it is up close to $40k.

Yeah, I found that out, too! Really about the same price as the pickup, which makes me ponder a bit, as both could be handy vehicles to own. I was looking at some used examples (just barely, of course), and it looks like they are seeing about 20-25% depreciation from new, which is typical as an initial hit.

I definitely cannot stomach the idea of paying $40K for an Equinox, but that's not going to deter me....!

IF the Touareg is not worth anymore than the Black Book $19k- $24k it will stay in my garage even after the mod and I get my fat check. A couple dealers have the 2013 Touareg Lux TDI with more miles than mine at $35k. Which is what it would take for me to sell or trade. With the $7300 from VW it would be close to what I paid new.

If I only have one vehicle, it will be the GMC Canyon diesel. Not even a second thought. I love the Touareg as a driver for sure. I am gun shy of the reliability after having the O2 sensor and DEF pump fail under warranty. It has never left me stranded which is a good thing for sure.

gagrice

Ruking says:The 14 MB GLK 250 BT Blue Tec is logging close to 60,000 miles on diesel @ 36 mpg vs PUG (like model) of 19 to 22 mpg (fuelly.com). So, 60,000 miles is (36 mpg/20 mpg) app 1,333 gal of savings. Surprisingly, BT used car sales prices are about the same to slightly less than what I pay new.

That may have been one of your smartest buys. I really liked the two test drives in the GLK diesel. Again if there was a dealer for service close by, I would consider buying a used one like yours. I think that is a keeper. I would not want any Japanese or Korean cars, as no dealers within 60 miles. I have not been in Pahrump long enough to search out good Independent auto repair places. So much of the analysis is computerized. Not for the shade tree mechanic to figure out.

ruking1

The MB GLK 250 BT started off minus-$500 cheaper. While finance was not zero %, it was very close to it. Defacto, used gasoline GLK like models retain less value.

So @ current prices ($2.79 ULSD *1,667 gals/$2.81 PUG *3,000 gals =. $4,651 -$8,430= $3779+$500=). $4,279 fuel savings!

I’m sure new 2017 GM compact trucks flew off the dealers lots, not to mention the diesel. Everything GM automotive lines up for you in Pahrump, NV. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hmy6-4A-Xsfg2nTGdfnN2A?select=_cixE6Z9XREFqFAPkkhIoA&utm_source=ishare&utm_content=photo

Given your location/situation, I’d get your buyback or $7,300 emissions penalty, then sell the 2013 VW Touareg.

So for example, I took the buyback for two germane reasons: 1. Early VW & car articles indications were the 2012 Touareg TDI would likely NOT get emissions fixes (if true, defacto, it would be a forced buyback. The up but down side: it could trigger even higher $ premiums) 2. Monies on 12 Touareg buyback were slightly more than paid new

Two non germane reasons 1.it was a no brainer to get far better ROI with affected TDI funds. 2. Insurance & to a lesser extent, ops $$’s expenses disappear.

Let your GM dealer know you are looking for a used/new compact GM diesel truck, IF you have to have another vehicle &/or TDI. In addition, every dealer has dealer used, fully loaded vehicles, they will let go @ good terms, if one is on the “call list”. The untitled ones can be sold as new & sometimes “certified used” can have a better “used” warranty.

ruking1

Here is a link to an unmitigated “forced” & unmitigated 2x to 8x government disaster? https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2018/01/06/takata-airbag-recall/1010079001/

...” At least 20 people have been killed worldwide and more than 180 injured.”...

The big question, if it was really not such a big deal, why is the government doing things to make Takata do bankruptcy? This is just another example of a total waste of billions $$’s if not a trillion $$’s.

ruking1

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vw-2017-group-sales-rose-around-10-7-230628847--finance.html

In other VW news.

ruking1

The local MB dealer had no GLK 250 BT’s in stock. However, it had two (gasoline) 2015 GLK 350’s @ $5 to $7k less (pricing) than I’ve seen on 2014 250 BT’s.

The year to year practical aspect, given 15,000 miles, 36/20 mpg, is buying 417 gals ULSD vs 750 gal RUG, saving 334 gals. Now, I’m well aware a lot of (gasoline using) folks (95% to 97% of 2015 281M pvf) scoff @ such meager & minor savings. However, 334 gals @ 36 mpg pays for roughly 80 percent of my NEXT years’ commuting (12,024) mileage. We are also saving 2nd/3rd car insurances & separate ops costs.

The use of ULSD requires less barrels of oil in the refining ratio of 20 gal of gasoline/13 gal of ULSD per 42 gal (barrel) of crude oil.

The wife has zero desire to go back to the 2003 Jetta TDI with its 48 mpg to 52 mpg. She’s fully content with the GLK 250, even as she asserts she doesn’t care about cars. Since my daughter had to drive to & navigate Las Vegas, NV for her 3 to 4 mo rotations, one more of my family knows how to drive the clutch/stick shift .

gagrice

ruking1 said:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vw-2017-group-sales-rose-around-10-7-230628847--finance.html

In other VW news.

Likely reason my VLKAY popped up nicely last week. Right at $20 gain per share from the diesel gate crash. Thankfully it is in my IRA so I don't have to worry about the Capital gains. They do force me to take out each year. Even with the 2008-09 crash I am way ahead of what I contributed with my employer. May just keep the VW stock in there. Interestingly, my two best stock buys were Ford and VW. I made a killing on Ford when it crashed. I bought F (Ford) under 2 bucks in late 2008 and sold at about $13 two years later. Glad I got out hasn't done much last several years.

ruking1

Yes, VLKAY ($43.20) is doing really well. It doesn’t hurt to get almost 1% in dividends (May 2017), while you/I wait/decide. It was great in mid Sep (2015) when the prices fell off the (proverbial & literal) cliffs! What a ride ! The road to now, Jan 2018 has been good, albeit bumpy but slowly & UP ! Watching paint dry can be good! $20 gain is a good posting. The dividends more than pay for the monthly ULSD commute bill. Not only that, they bought back two of my TDI VW’s!

ruking1

http://www3.forbes.com/business/11-best-bargains-in-three-year-old-used-cars/12/

Best bargains in three-year-old used cars (all gasoline)

ruking1

https://www.forbes.com/sites/markewing/2018/01/07/vw-atlas-sel-premium-is-the-best-mainstream-family-cuv-in-the-u-s/#3aeac2a83ebb

The 2018 VW Atlas, a fantastic (gasoline 2.0L, 3.5 V6 L) competitor for the segment midsize CUV, would be a total no-brainer with an optional twin TDI engine!

gagrice

ruking1 said:

http://www3.forbes.com/business/11-best-bargains-in-three-year-old-used-cars/12/

Best bargains in three-year-old used cars (all gasoline)

BMW does not seem to hold its value well. A used X3 diesel might be a good choice for me. Still not thrilled with hanging around Las Vegas waiting on a vehicle repair. With gas being 50 cents less per gallon on average over the last year here, a used GM SUV/CUV would acceptable. I kind of like the Buick Enclave. It would be nice to have the extra room when we pick up people at the Las Vegas airport. A 2014 Enclave with 45k miles is about half the price of a new one. Stuck in limbo waiting for VW to get off the dime.

Michaell

gagrice said:

ruking1 said:

http://www3.forbes.com/business/11-best-bargains-in-three-year-old-used-cars/12/

Best bargains in three-year-old used cars (all gasoline)

BMW does not seem to hold its value well. A used X3 diesel might be a good choice for me. Still not thrilled with hanging around Las Vegas waiting on a vehicle repair. With gas being 50 cents less per gallon on average over the last year here, a used GM SUV/CUV would acceptable. I kind of like the Buick Enclave. It would be nice to have the extra room when we pick up people at the Las Vegas airport. A 2014 Enclave with 45k miles is about half the price of a new one. Stuck in limbo waiting for VW to get off the dime.

Here is an X3 diesel in Palm Springs for you...

ruking1

According to cars.com , there are advertising approximately 63 each 2014 MB GLK 250 BT’s in USA catalog. I’m not a black exterior car (24) fan, so 39 each are the choices.

Yes, BMW resale values do not hold well. Just doing preliminary research on the BMW X5 35d, the local dealers are offering a lot of money off the MSRP in inventory. One that I like is app $ 68,000 MSRP.

The solid rear axle is an issue for me.

I’ve long since not been a fan of auto leather seats. Leather seats in autos are sort of a queer conundrum. If it looks like you’ve actually sat in it, it’s a huge perceived & real value drain. If you get the offending cushion & leather redone, the leather usually doesn’t match well and is very expensive to reupholster. If it’s not cleaned & rehydrated twice/once a year it deteriorates. So the obvious thing is to have the driver seat outfitted in sheepskin.

All I’ve done to the “syn leather” upholstery’s are to wipe with a moist 100% cotton toweling. Once a year, use car wash soap on the upholstery and then wipe it off with clean water in a 100% cotton toweling ( VW Jetta 120,000 miles, 60,000 milesTouareg and MB GLK 250 BT 60,000)

2 TDI F/S PU trucks! https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2018-ford-f-150-powerstroke-174500001.html

xwesx

Atlas looks like a nice entry. As mentioned, a complete no-brainer if it had the 3.0L TDI.

gagrice

The plus with leather is the resale. IF as you say they look like new. Best way to do that is spend a few hundred on good quality Sheepskins. Mine were $700, a birthday present from my wife.

gagrice

If any of you want to live in San Diego area, we are selling out. Keeping our diesels. So you have to provide your own. Nissan already sold, tractor still available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-cpBJTM-gs&feature=youtu.be

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/10443/general/x/what-would-it-take-for-you-to-buy-a-diesel-car#latest

ruking1

Fitted sheepskin seats are really both a great option & a must for longer times in the saddle.

This was confirmed to me 45 years ago on AF tanker (& cargo) plane/s during a 13 hr refueling flight. Each of the crews seats were so equipped.

My two longest times in the saddle; (11 hrs travel time with fuel/lunch/potty break, ) 2003 VW Jetta TDI, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6, both were sheepskin equipped. The seats were diametrically different.

kyfdx

I had them once.. on my '67 BMW 2000 CS. I like them, but not enough to buy them for any other vehicle.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

I had them once.. on my '67 BMW 2000 CS. I like them, but not enough to buy them for any other vehicle.

I had fitted sheepskins added to my '79 Pontiac Sunbird, when I was in college in Phoenix.

The Sunbird, having been bought in CA, did not have A/C. The sheepskins were way cheaper than retrofitting A/C to it.

ruking1

Indeed, if one either does not spend a lot of time driving or it doesn’t look like the leather appears well used, no issue. They do handle moisture well also.

kyfdx

Ha... my first car with A/C was in 1990, when I was 32 yrs old. And, that was a 911, so it just had two little oblong vents in the center dash. It blew cold air, but that was about all you could say about it.

Come to think of it... that's why I got the sheepskins.. Black vinyl interior in the BMW.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

Ha... my first car with A/C was in 1990, when I was 32 yrs old. And, that was a 911, so it just had two little oblong vents in the center dash. It blew cold air, but that was about all you could say about it.

Come to think of it... that's why I got the sheepskins.. Black vinyl interior in the BMW.

The Sunbird had tan vinyl.

I moved to Phoenix from CA in February, so had a few months before the weather went from warm to hot.

In Phoenix, it seemed like the weather folks were legally obligated to use the term "warm" for any two digit temperature, and "hot" only when it got to 100 or higher

When I moved back to CA after graduation, I picked up an '85 Accord LX Hatch - with A/C, natch!

ruking1

Geez, I guess I have more the “driver mentality’ than the “systems” operator. Even the buttons on the steering wheel/s: supposedly intuitive are way too distracting to operate while driving. The MB GLK 250BT (A/C) systems controls have far too many precise choices, that the panel needs to be on a hud: which would still be far too complicated on a hud. To me, looking down to find precise setting & it’s many options can be fatal.

ruking1

Another (MB) diesel inventory resource. https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/cpo/inventory/zip-95035/certified-all/year-2014,2017/model-GLK250BT/exteriorColor-WHT,SLV,GRY,BWN,BLU

It is easy to compare/contrast if like model gasoline are more/par/less than diesels.

xwesx

I finally got my Q7 back from the "fix" visit in Anchorage. It doesn't seem noticeably different to me, in terms of driving characteristics. FE may be a little lower, though it is difficult to compare right now since the temperatures are so much colder than they were a week ago (e.g., naturally, that will impact economy!).

Edit: Additional note, I received my settlement payment the same day.

ruking1

Indeed! I was surprised mine posted 42.5 mpg when I fully expected 36 mpg &/or less.

fintail

Surprising lack of non-black E250 on the CPO search tool, didn't see any optioned as I'd want. Autotrader has more non-CPO cars, which are probably worth the gamble.

ruking1

Indeed, YES/NO, black exterior was obviously excluded. The (data points) search can be rearranged in different ways, i.e., to include black & the site is just one more arrow in the quiver for a targeted vehicle. Black only search shows approximately 21 vehicles.

Best of luck, if you are indeed looking.

Ford? https://finance.yahoo.com/m/e272a6e9-d4a6-3ea6-a996-58ca821295e3/ss_ford,-bosch-named-in-diesel.html

It’s done as a matter of course by gasoline, gasoline hybrid, E85, EV, etc.

ruking1

A real interesting forecasted backdrop? https://finance.yahoo.com/news/toyota-sees-u-auto-industry-2018-sales-16-012620873--sector.html

Stair stepping down, 17.55 M to 17.23 M to 16.8 M in new car sales? Good for diesels? It’s interesting that the forecast for used car sales predicts pretty strong (no avg loss) pricing.

https://dealers.edmunds.com/static/assets/articles/2017_Feb_Used_Market_Report.pdf

2016 ( USA market) used cars sold ... 38.5 M !?

TMI on used cars.
https://publish.manheim.com/content/dam/consulting/2017-Manheim-Used-Car-Market-Report.pdf

houdini1

gagrice said:

If any of you want to live in San Diego area, we are selling out. Keeping our diesels. So you have to provide your own. Nissan already sold, tractor still available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-cpBJTM-gs&feature=youtu.be

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/10443/general/x/what-would-it-take-for-you-to-buy-a-diesel-car#latest

Nice place, and looks like you had a pretty good deal on taxes. I checked on Zillow and my house in Kansas is appraised $100,000. below yours and my taxes are about $2,000 more!

xwesx

houdini1 said:

Nice place, and looks like you had a pretty good deal on taxes. I checked on Zillow and my house in Kansas is appraised $100,000. below yours and my taxes are about $2,000 more!

Wow! They'll take their rent from you, one way or another!

One massive disincentive for me to ever finish building my house is that the taxes on it will go way, way up.

ruking1

Yes! They do get the rents from you.

It’s all about “fee simple” aka, pay the fees, get the rights. Many to most do not own the
(parcel,house) land “in perpetuity”.

‘Home owners” really “own” the first right of refusal.

So for example, if one does not pay the yearly (parcel) taxes, the city, county, etc., can during the delinquency period, put the parcel on delinquent tax rolls. aka, advertises (gets people to front the taxes @ app 12-16 % per parcel, they will specify) If the parcel owner defaults, that someone gets the title. If the taxes are paid, that someone gets the advertised % rate. So usually, it makes sense to keep the taxes current.

xwesx

ruking1 said:

Yes! It’s all about “fee simple” aka, pay the fees get the rights. Many do not own the land in perpetuity. ‘Home owners” really own the first right of refusal.

In this day and age, probably "most" is a better connotation here.

Folks out in Delta Junction are at an impasse with local government attempts, as some want to form a borough for creating services, but many others are afraid of what that means for their land rights going forward. Currently, they pay zero taxes on land, and many own vast swaths (free of charge courtesy of Uncle Sam).

ruking1

Yes. I’m wholely unfamiliar with the Federal/state government/s & Indian nations land transfers to local government/s.

In CA, water rights are totally schizophrenic.

If I had to guess, borough creation will probably not benefit the folks that currently pay zero taxes and/or owning yuge parcels of land. (courtesy of Fed gov.) Longer term, its probably more complicated than that.

The real question: are they growing the “urban” boundary/s? It’s a case of “follow the money trails”. services loading, new taxes, bond measures, etc. Just from your description, it sounds like a 30 to 50 year project. I can be wrong of course.

houdini1

xwesx said:

houdini1 said:

Nice place, and looks like you had a pretty good deal on taxes. I checked on Zillow and my house in Kansas is appraised $100,000. below yours and my taxes are about $2,000 more!

Wow! They'll take their rent from you, one way or another!

One massive disincentive for me to ever finish building my house is that the taxes on it will go way, way up.

Can you just leave one board on your deck not screwed down or something, go ahead and move in, and claim the house is still not completed...or would you go straight to jail? :@

xwesx

As with any area that grows, there are those issues of "public concern," like waste disposal, crime, fire protection, access (e.g., roads), development and maintenance of parks and recreation, etc. Everyone (most people?) want these things, but very few want to actually put their money where their mouths are.

And, in rural (semi-rural?) areas of Alaska, diesel is a huge thing - every other pickup is a diesel, and resale on them is phenomenal (insane, more like it!). People regularly list (and likely sell) their ten-year-old, miled-up diesels for 20K+. I can't imagine buying an old truck for that kind of money, but the demand is certainly there. In many cases, the same fuel powers their vehicles, heats their homes, and fires the electric generators. So, there's fear of regulations there, and ANY form of government becomes an enemy.

fintail

"ownership", funny

Also kind of amusing that diesel can be popular in places that are both highly regulated (mostly for good, maybe not always), and places where regulation is shunned (sometimes with a little hypocrisy - those who hate the gvt are also there in the first place because of intense subsidies).

ruking1

It’s easy to see in those (democrat run) states (CA, etc., many others) that insisted on the states keeping state & local taxes deductions. They really don’t want to pay more taxes they advocate other should pay. 46% of the USA population already pay little to no income tax now.

CA is probably even richer in oil than acknowledged USA oil rich areas.

fintail

Yeah, if only we could all live in regressive low cost low amenity states that would most Norwegians would call a goshforsaken heckhole, if not worse

Probably not a good idea to trot down that road.

ruking1

Mine would be sailing out of Coconut Grove, FL in any season but summer & hurricane seasons. I’d of course be under a diesel power boat motor in harbor. Lots of other places up the coast are pretty cool also.