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

fintail

Some people want to think a certain someone is omnipotent. Not tired of winning yet, I suppose.

I also wonder if gasoline engines are also "cheating". I suspect there are some skeletons out there just waiting to be unearthed. Note to self: beware of Bosch for certain engine management operations.

A buyback sounds tempting - buy out the E and hope for a little jackpot, but I am doubtful. If Daimler is raked over the coals (I too doubt it, I don't think this regime is into it), it would either kill future values, or make the cars sought-after. How is VW diesel resale pre and post drama?

ruking1

kyfdx said:

ruking1 said:

Not to get political, but Trump could have reversed the VW diesel gate decision. Absolutely no effort was made. Given a plethora of reasons: political, economic & otherwise; I think there are a lot of things behind the scenes that we will never be privy.

Forget the politics. How would you reverse that? After the massive amount of money that had already been paid out, and cars returned to VW? Not only that, this was a negotiated court settlement. The president doesn't have the power to reverse court decisions, especially negotiated settlements. It seems you've lost track of the calendar. My Audi was returned and I'd already received a check for $25K. How do you fix that?

I had xwesx’s Audi Q7 in mind.

kyfdx

Well, yeah, he could fix one car.

ruking1

fintail said:

Some people want to think a certain someone is omnipotent. Not tired of winning yet, I suppose.

I also wonder if gasoline engines are also "cheating". I suspect there are some skeletons out there just waiting to be unearthed. Note to self: beware of Bosch for certain engine management operations.

A buyback sounds tempting - buy out the E and hope for a little jackpot, but I am doubtful. If Daimler is raked over the coals (I too doubt it, I don't think this regime is into it), it would either kill future values, or make the cars sought-after. How is VW diesel resale pre and post drama?

One might want others to think that some think Trump might be omnipotent, certainly not
I or do I. Going through with the what $ 30 B billions in diesel gate are notices both to Germany, states ownership, unions & the European Union! Why should Trump get in the way of VW shooting themselves in the foot ? It would seem that Mercedes-Benz might be following in the same suit. But, we shall see ! Not only that, think of the $30 billion in USA multiplier effects! Life is good!

I for one (anecdotally) was happy to get the monies back! Albeit, I got paid very little to drive 180,000 miles ! But, it sure beats a lot of $$’s in depreciation and maintenance. My own opinion is VW paid way too much money for less than 2.5% marketshare.

kyfdx

They were penalized for illegal activities. Far in excess of any profits they may have made. That is the deterrent effect of legal penalties. That's why we send people to jail. (in this case, as well).

I think in this case, the punishment might actually work as a deterrent to others that may contemplate committing the same crime. Too much? It's amazing what happens when CEOs and other company officers fear for their freedom. Sucks for the shareholders, though. But, time heals all wounds, and capital losses.

fintail

Some definitely think it, that's why the union is in such good shape right now.

$30BN in terms of the overall economy is a drop in the bucket - especially if the money is diverted to swamp-fillers. Yeah, big notices to a system where the average person has a better quality of life than across the pond. I am shocked Germans (and Norwegians) aren't lining up to emigrate These penalties won't stop much, just like the historic penalties levied against the FIRE sector haven't really changed things. And now mature first world countries will refuse to extradite, based on the insane state of the incarceration industry in the US. The threat of prison also won't be a "notice".

It'd be fun to see a buyback on the E of something like 10K over payoff - I'd do it.

ruking1 said:

One might want others to think that some think Trump might be omnipotent, certainly not
I or do I. Going through with the what $ 30 B billions in diesel gate are notices both to Germany, states ownership, unions & the European Union! Why should Trump get in the way of VW shooting themselves in the foot ? It would seem that Mercedes-Benz might be following in the same suit. But, we shall see ! Not only that, think of the $30 billion in USA multiplier effects! Life is good!

I for one (anecdotally) was happy to get the monies back! Albeit, I got paid very little to drive 180,000 miles ! But, it sure beats a lot of $$’s in depreciation and maintenance. My own opinion is VW paid way too much money for less than 2.5% marketshare.

ruking1

Too bad criminals were not made to repay 3 x’s what was damaged/stolen from prison time work hours.

Well not really, if the ultimate aim is to get rid of PVF diesels!

So evidently, VW considers the United States an important ( EV, gasoline) market.

kyfdx

I'm just glad that I came out ahead...

ruking1

Yes, it’s a feeling that’s hard to explain outside of people who have gone through it.

First trial? https://finance.yahoo.com/news/virginia-judge-rejects-volkswagen-bid-delay-first-u-195343408--finance.html

gagrice

Last step in my Dieselgate Saga. Took the VW Touareg into Findlay North VW in Las Vegas. Left early not knowing what traffic would be like. I can tell you that Las Vegas traffic is NOTHING like San Diego and Los Angeles. It was a breeze, 71 miles door to door. Left home at 8AM and pulled into the service bay at 9:18 AM. Went in gave them my name and was handed off to John. I was 40 minutes early for my 10 AM appointment. I asked about how long it would take and he said 1-2 days. We have your loaner vehicle ready. Wow, I don't EVER remember service like that at a CA dealer. Filled out some paperwork, transferred a few things to the 2018 Jetta and we were headed to Costco. Did our shopping and headed home. Back home in Pahrump at noon. What really struck us was how new everything is on the NW part of Las Vegas. Our service guy told me if we wanted them to drive the Touareg out to Pahrump and pick up the loaner they aim to please. Oh and they are going to do the oil change and service while it is in there. Only thing left is getting the $7322 check from VW. Then I have to decide if I keep it or sell it.

gagrice

ruking1 said:

Yes, it’s a feeling that’s hard to explain outside of people who have gone through it.

First trial? https://finance.yahoo.com/news/virginia-judge-rejects-volkswagen-bid-delay-first-u-195343408--finance.html

I would never take on a big company like VW. It is a crap shoot, that could show the plaintiff is just a greedy person wanting more than he was hurt by the scandal. I think the court settlement is really more than anyone was damaged. I feel like I made out like a bandit. If I notice any changes in driving, I will just sell it and move on.

xwesx

kyfdx said:

ruking1 said:

Not to get political, but Trump could have reversed the VW diesel gate decision. Absolutely no effort was made. Given a plethora of reasons: political, economic & otherwise; I think there are a lot of things behind the scenes that we will never be privy.

Forget the politics. How would you reverse that? After the massive amount of money that had already been paid out, and cars returned to VW? Not only that, this was a negotiated court settlement. The president doesn't have the power to reverse court decisions, especially negotiated settlements. It seems you've lost track of the calendar. My Audi was returned and I'd already received a check for $25K. How do you fix that?

The climate shift didn't have anything to do with reversing court decisions, just being far more amiable with the company. The primary example was their quick acceptance of the "fix" to the gen2 3.0L TDI's. I doubt that would have happened in the prior year's climate. The fix would have been approved, but I think it would have happened more about now rather than earlier, which would have given that ownership group the same options as all the other owners.

That said, so far I am quite happy with the performance of the Q7 post-fix, and the significantly extended warranty on emissions and powertrain will only serve to benefit me and its future owner(s).

fintail

Saw an odd one today, a prior gen X5 diesel with I think some kind of engine malfunction. It sounded like the turbo was spooling up constantly - while the vehicle was stuck in traffic maybe hitting 10 mph if it was lucky. Should it engage when crawling around, or was something else awry? I am pretty sure it wasn't a cooling fan.

fintail

I believe ridding the roads of privately owned diesels is the aim of many. And they laugh when Bosch makes it easy for them.

I suspect more than one gasoline engine has the same devices, but won't be researched. When Toyota is providing funding the German NGO who got a lot of this going, you know something is up.

ruking1 said:

Too bad criminals were not made to repay 3 x’s what was damaged/stolen from prison time work hours.

Well not really, if the ultimate aim is to get rid of PVF diesels!

So evidently, VW considers the United States an important ( EV, gasoline) market.

ruking1

The evidence’s are certainly on the side of those sentiments !

Just got the 2003 VW Jetta TDI’s 2018 renewal sticker! We have very little money in it, as it has been depreciated per listed protocols. It keeps chugging along! It still posts between 48 to 52 mpg. We are still loving the 2014 MB GLK 250 BT!

https://blog.caranddriver.com/porsche-diesels-are-officially-dead-with-demise-of-diesel-engine-macan/ Porsche diesels?

gagrice

fintail said:

Saw an odd one today, a prior gen X5 diesel with I think some kind of engine malfunction. It sounded like the turbo was spooling up constantly - while the vehicle was stuck in traffic maybe hitting 10 mph if it was lucky. Should it engage when crawling around, or was something else awry? I am pretty sure it wasn't a cooling fan.

So far BMW has not been fingered. Could be politics with their diesels built here. May be they are super clean. I will keep buying diesels until they are completely outlawed.

fintail

I don't think the eco-freaks in Germany have been after BMW either, maybe it's just a matter of time.

gagrice said:

So far BMW has not been fingered. Could be politics with their diesels built here. May be they are super clean. I will keep buying diesels until they are completely outlawed.

ruking1

It would seem the eco-freaks are chomping at the bit to get the rare earth metals from overseas: i.e., Afghanistan (CIA unclassified ests $10 T in mineable assets) to further increase the EV WW PVF/s ? All the USA blood, sweat, tears, delayed ( immediate to 50 years) health care costs & treasure that has been pre-paid, needs to be monitized. China has been designated to get mining contracts & their execution, so the eco-freaks can have plausible deniability. Then of course, the eco-freaks can then look down their noses @ how eco unfriendly “eco” mining is,& how stupid men & (to a lesser ratio & #’s ) women that served in the US military have been. Massive hypocrisy and disingenuousness comes to mind. Apple might be a direct mineral buyer. https://www.yahoo.com/news/apple-could-buying-cobalt-mining-175206328.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/apple-could-buying-cobalt-mining-175206328.html

It is interesting that EV has not made the jump to motorcycles. The new “younger” market has not stepped up to Harley Davidson. https://www.yahoo.com/news/harley-davidson-closes-down-kansas-133345429.html

I may have spoken too soon, as the Harley Davidson EV motorcycle market truly might not be there to support the company going forward. https://www.yahoo.com/news/harley-davidson-apos-electric-motor-145553656.html

Whoa.....??? https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/21/slowing-us-auto-sales-prompts-japan-automakers-to-rethink-discounts.html

Just to state the obvious, it would seem that the best car deals are the ones that give the best discounts % and one year old but new models. Zero down and zero percentage doesn’t hurt either.

gagrice

I would look for HD to expand their manufacturing in India. That is a fast growing market for them. I don't think Millennials are interested in big road bikes, like the baby boomers have been. That and the price of a Hog is not cheap. As much as a decent sedan or more.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/harley-davidson-plans-expand-tier-ii-indian-cities-balvanth-nachnekar

fintail

Given the population of India and the fact that two wheeled transport is much more significant there, those sales aren't impressive.

Most youngsters today don't want a 900 lb showboat cruiser - if they even want a bike at all, due to the idiotic conditions on the road in this somewhat developed nation. There are definitely EV bikes out there, I see them here now and then, none are boomer-dream cruisers.

ruking1

Indeed, that is very true. But non supportive, (let alone very profitable growth) sales have eluded HD for a long time in the United States, proportionally of course.

The statistics indicates a broad lack of a US motorcycle market. HD brass seem to think India to be the next logical markets.

Motorcycle accidents, injuries and fatalities seem to be at epidemic levels in the United States. The question has never been; IF one will ever put down a bike, it is always been when & how many times & will you die. The overall car & light truck PVF has been setting safety records, while the motorcycle segment posts epidemic accidents, injuries and fatalities.

I am more than glad that the generated infernal, offensive motorcycle noises are is and few in between. It’s nice @ times to see murder sickles cooking along at 100 to 150 mph. But on the other hand, two friends (husband, wife) close to a relative were both killed in a motorcycle accident (single vehicle, under speed, from witnesses)

I’ve known the area’s Ducati repair specialist, et al. shop owner for a very long time. The shop is less than a half a mile from the house. He personally keeps to off road riding.

gagrice

I loved riding and racing motocycles off road. Too many good riders have been killed on the road. Take too many chances or just are not seen.

We had a most pleasant trip to and home from Las Vegas this morning. Left home at 7 AM back here at 10 AM. It amazes me how light the traffic is from here to Las Vegas, and even in the city it flows quite nicely. Returned the Jetta loaner and glad to be back driving the Touareg TDI. I cannot say too much about Findlay North VW service. Very together and pleasant to deal with. They had no problem waiting an extra day to get their loaner back. The real surprise for me was the oil and filter service charge. $135 total. The other dealer I called was Autonation and they told me it would be $240 for the same service. Gladly I was advised to go to Findlay. It was also the dealer VW recommended. The 68 mile trip home over the 5700 ft summit seemed like always. So I don't think it lost any power that I can tell. The service man told me it may use a bit more AdBlue. However that is all free from now until 120,000 miles. After such a pleasant dealer experience and extended warranty, we will likely keep our paid for VW for now. Wife does not want to downsize, which the Equinox would be smaller and lighter. When we get the $7321 check all will be well with us. Have till August to license here in Nevada. Or until we sell the house in CA.

ruking1

I’m glad that everything went well !

Let us know how it really performs, under more conditions! It would appear the real work is being done by additional AD Blue in an upgraded system. It would be almost nonsensical to mess with the drive by wire no draw fuel systems on deceleration & gear down.

All things being equal I would’ve preferred just to have gotten the emissions penalty et al. checks and still have the 2012 VW Touareg TDI.

The system is taking advantage of the fact I don’t need a replacement for the TDI.

ruking1

Say it isn’t true Toyota: about reflashing for lower mpg on Prius’s. 800,000 under recall. https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/3bc13028-be17-38f6-b1c3-4e62b9c56a45/ss_toyota-facing-lawsuits.html

gagrice

ruking1 said:

Say it isn’t true Toyota: about reflashing for lower mpg on Prius’s. 800,000 under recall. https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/3bc13028-be17-38f6-b1c3-4e62b9c56a45/ss_toyota-facing-lawsuits.html

It gives me a chuckle. Could Toyota buy back 800,000 vehicles and remain solvent? They have dodged the bullet several times before. Be interesting if this is a heart shot.

ruking1

The same regulatory agencies are once again exposed: sleeping on the job, red-handed, hands in the cookie jars, etc. etc., again not applying the (same applied to VW) logic that a 2014 structural SOFTWARE REFLASH, for LESS mpg pollutes MORE!!! ??? Again, for those who have not been following VW diesel gate; software has been, is, remains INTEGRAL to almost every to all modern engine/s. So it’s not unlike what happened to Sep 2015 VW/Porsche. The other far greater sin, the 2014 Prius is exempt from smog testing!! It was also granted commuter lane free access for non-commute loads. So there is no baseline, improvement or degradation data. Cover up can be a no brainer.

PU trucks are new family sedans? https://www.yahoo.com/news/pickup-trucks-becoming-family-car-174314875.html

VW’s update. https://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagen-results-benefit-from-strong-sales-cost-cutting-1519405529?mod=yahoo_hs&yptr=yahoo

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/volkswagen-2017-profit-nearly-doubles-amid-luxury-sales-152939912--finance.html

gagrice

Picked up my Touareg yesterday, Fellow from FedEx delivered our check today. That is faster than I expected. Probably won't cash till Monday. Have to go to Las Vegas for big checks. Cannot deposit online. Once the ball got rolling it moved at nearly the speed of light. I would be interested in the VW Atlas with a diesel option. I looked at them our short time at the dealership. Very nice, just gas hogs. Not my cup of tea.

ruking1

Geez! But on the other hand, you can now drive the Touareg back to the bank, deposit the check, have lunch/shop & return!?

The diesel option is an absolute no-brainer for the VW Atlas. (midsize CUV)

Fuelly.com indicates approximately 7 mpg better with (gasoline) hybrid 21 mpg/28 mpg (2017 Toyota Highlander/hybrid, midsize CUV). So my mid sized 2012 VW Touareg TDI 32 mpg with hybrid would probably post 39 mpg. (gasoline 19 mpg) It also would put the 36 mpg GLK 250 BT @ 42 mpg (gasoline 22 mpg) . Again, advantage diesel !

gagrice

Just filled out the dealer experience survey. I gave them all excellent marks. It was one of the best dealer experiences I have had. I liked the dealer in San Diego. Just never got the job done as fast as they said. Sat as long as 5 hours in their customer lounge. They did not provide shuttle to our end of town. So we shall see when and if I need any work done. I let them know we love our VW Touareg TDI. I also left no doubt in the comments that this was my last VW if they did not offer another SUV/CUV with diesel. Only time will tell. I also mentioned in the comments about access to the dealership that the VW NAV was useless and has been since it was new. The NAV software is from 2009/10 with no updates since. The dealer promised new updates every year.

kyfdx

My dealer offers loaners, and I always get one. But, for an oil change, they will try to talk you into waiting. So, last time, I took my iPad and the newspaper, drank their coffee, ate their donuts, walked the lot looking at new/used cars.. and, 3 hours later, got my car.

So, not doing that again.

gagrice

3 hours was about average for VW in San Diego. Last two times we got early appointments and had the shuttle take us to a good place for breakfast. Killed some of the time that way. They were good about picking us up when we called after eating. They only offered rental vehicles. We got a loaner one time on a recall if memory serves. Right after we bought the Touareg.

ruking1

I am more a fan of smart phone app navigation. Navigation data & programs can be/are super fluid. Navigation programs/apps needs the ability to be updated, whenever its called for. We currently use an app called “Waze”. It’s almost scary how fast it can be updated in real-time. Yet @ times it can be very slow to get deleted. I especially like the LEO shout outs.

gagrice

My GMC allows my Android Smartphone to work through the NAV screen. I have heard some people use WAZE to get up to the minute road conditions etc. Still only good when you have Cell coverage, and it burns up my 3 gb data real fast. So far the NAV on the new GMC is up to date.

ruking1

FCA https://www.yahoo.com/news/fiat-chrysler-reportedly-phasing-diesel-210200995.html

ruking1

Lefties are taking over Germany? https://finance.yahoo.com/news/factbox-german-industry-sees-diesel-ban-decision-hurting-155909590--finance.html

SUV unreliability? https://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/the-suvs-with-the-worst-reliability-ratings-for-2018.html/15/

The MB GLC didnt even come close to its predecessor. (2015 last year, GLK 350/250) It’s off my list until redesign & first year reliability/durability data. It’s a huge hit on forward looking German engineering, craftsmanship & assembly.

My daughter strenuously warned against the (UK) Jaguar F Pace. A colleague use the lemon law to get a refund. Thinking that it was just a statistical anomaly, he bought another one. Evidently, it’s worst than rumored. Again, he got his money back. Later, I was STILL skeptical with the storyline that it was rebuilt to exceed the Porsche Macan. My take: why wasn’t that done in the first place?

The Volvo XC90’s poor showing might be indicative of China’s 8 year old ownership fissures. Or the Swedish folks did it on their own. But I’m not so sure that Ford ownership was so keen either.

fintail

Lefties LOLOL. Germany has been lefty for nearly 70 years, and isn't worse off for it.

I have no issue with older high polluters facing scrutiny. There. as here, it isn't a 2014 Jetta or E-class that is belching fumes, it is a 20 year old commercial or crapcan that the owner can't or won't maintain. It's not modern cars that are in question here, it is old ill-maintained vehicles. There will be no actual ban (and law enforcement already claims they won't do anything about it even if it exists), more likely it will result in an additional tax

Germany has had special tax discs for driving in city centers for some time - I wouldn't be surprised at an additional one for certain diesels.

fintail

I'd be more concerned about this fabled copycar maker from our most favored "trading partner"/west coast real estate money launderer using IP - I wonder if they'll do anything with diesels?

This could end up worse than the DCX era.

ruking1

fintail said:

Lefties LOLOL. Germany has been lefty for nearly 70 years, and isn't worse off for it.

I have no issue with older high polluters facing scrutiny. There. as here, it isn't a 2014 Jetta or E-class that is belching fumes, it is a 20 year old commercial or crapcan that the owner can't or won't maintain. It's not modern cars that are in question here, it is old ill-maintained vehicles. There will be no actual ban (and law enforcement already claims they won't do anything about it even if it exists), more likely it will result in an additional tax

Germany has had special tax discs for driving in city centers for some time - I wouldn't be surprised at an additional one for certain diesels.

Yep, got to love what they are doing with all the refugee entry issues. http://www.dw.com/en/german-election-what-do-the-terms-right-and-left-mean-if-both-cdu-and-spd-are-in-the-center/a-37601594

Here is the good/bad news, if one likes these cars! https://finance.yahoo.com/video/8-fastest-depreciating-cars-america-191500201.html. The Toyota Camry/MB E class are real eye-openers!

fintail

Even with Mekel's mis-steps, virtually all quality of life indices continue to be superior to most here. Weird. And just like here, their cons don't offer any real solutions. Not weird

ruking1

fintail said:

Lefties LOLOL. Germany has been lefty for nearly 70 years, and isn't worse off for it.

I have no issue with older high polluters facing scrutiny. There. as here, it isn't a 2014 Jetta or E-class that is belching fumes, it is a 20 year old commercial or crapcan that the owner can't or won't maintain. It's not modern cars that are in question here, it is old ill-maintained vehicles. There will be no actual ban (and law enforcement already claims they won't do anything about it even if it exists), more likely it will result in an additional tax

Germany has had special tax discs for driving in city centers for some time - I wouldn't be surprised at an additional one for certain diesels.

This article indicates the above view might be wishful wishing. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/things-germanys-diesel-ban-case-53381875

But then, I’ve gone from getting a better price for used VW diesels, to VW’s buy back of any of my vehicles at full price to, ... selling back two!? I’m now waiting for the good/bad news on the Mercedes Benz (my GLK 250) BT series. (Buy back? Buy back? Another $10 B to $30 B?) I am totally grateful for (paid for) 180,000 miles! 60,000 + miles for 240,000 (paid for) miles would overwhelm my already grateful attitude.

It’s interesting how the “refugee & Harvey issues” have unleashed “the kill the BEAST” syndrome, or whatever Psychology/psychiatry currently call the syndrome.

fintail

I don't know, when law enforcement says it won't waste time with this, that's a lot for me. Not many real references in that link, either. I also note even that article states about 40% of cars would be exempt. I'll still predict taxes and retrofits, or maybe even a cash for clunkers movement for the old polluters.

I think more should be made about DUH receiving funding from Toyota. The German press mentioned it, but the Murkan press has ignored it. This isn't coincidence.

It'll only matter here, in the land of lax-to-zero regulation, in terms of future variety. I'd say odds are MB diesels are gone for good. BMW and VW are could also be working with numbered days for the US market. Does the diesel Cruze sell in numbers enough to support its longterm existence? Future dieselheads might be limited to trucks and older model cars - should their electronics hold up.

ruking1

“Past model diesel electronics” are really quite robust. After a couple of 100,000 miles , (tune ups) what goes wrong in different diesel models gets fleshed out. Just hide any diesel badges! Nobody knows nor cares!

fintail

German cars have a history of aging poorly when it comes to electronics. Not saying all will, but it can be Russian roulette after 10-15 years.

There likely won't be a crackdown even on old stinkers in the US, so there's nothing to worry about.

ruking1

If I thought that, I would not buy German cars, let alone German diesels. All crackdown talk, no actions. No worries!

ruking1

Anecdotally, this has also seemed to have work out. The 2003 VW TDI is (10 to) 15/16 years old. Really it’s nothing (diesel) but scheduled maintenance and wear items.

I’ve changed a set of windshield wipers twice. Got several rock shots to the windshield fixed. I’ve changed tires once. It’s been aligned once. It has needed 3 batteries. 7/8 oil/filter changes done. We did a 100,000 miles major tune/water pump/belt change (computer resets) The brake system have been bled three times. Anecdotally, it still posts 48 to 52 mpg. It passes the CA bi annual “smog only” certification every time. It is not on the excoriation list. I’m looking for another 200,000 miles to make, ...hopefully 400,000 miles. It’s already clear that diesel hybrid (like gasoline Prius hybrid) would post a minimum of 55 mpg to 59 mpg. But who cares?

Yes, write some articles after 100,000, 200,000, 300,00 400,000 miles on electric vehicles.

This stuff is almost pure stupidity!? https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-regulators-delay-noise-mandate-181300990.html

gagrice

In the GMC dealership trying to get my display to show MPH. They did a recall and it went away. So they were flying around trying to figure out what happened. They had no idea it appeared on the display until I showed them a photo.


Visiting with a fellow waiting for his Yukon to get serviced I mentioned our Tourareg TDI. He worked for VW for 15 years. Said when they were based in Detroit they were a great company to work for. He took his retirement and has worked for several startups. Currently he is tied in with Elio. He was very excited about the prospects.

https://www.eliomotors.com/about-elio/

ruking1

Lol ! Waxing nostalgically, @ less than 8,700 miles the 2003 VW Jetta TDI was predicted to be fully broken in @ 30,000 to 50,000 miles! We were on track to do 25,000 miles per year, hitting 4 states for 4 years for girls basketball. The yearly average has dropped to 13.4 k miles. It was interesting that that same girl used it years later to do her residency in Las Vegas, NV.

The clutch, given “ proper” 5 sp operation could reasonably see 400,000 miles of operation. @ that time, if the clutch were slipping it then could be changed with any number of options: to go oem to accommodate 2x the torque. (310# ft, 2,950 #’s). We’ve come a long way since then.

Looking even more forward, I’d be inclined to try a (used) EV when the electric passenger vehicle fleet is @ 50%+. Hopefully by that time, it’s mated to a diesel, for a 500 miles + EV / 600 miles + TDI range. There seems to be absolutely no advantage to be an EV early adopter.

(Gasoline) Hybrids after a decade & 1/2 plus have proven itself very durable. However, (gasoline) hybrids are STILL not cost effective. More importantly, hybrids are being relegated to the “discard bin.” So to now pine for a (diesel) another hybrid, makes no economic sense.

Diesel’s remain @ advantage! It continues checking off every box that I’m concerned with.

The contexts are: 1. US markets 17.6 M yearly new car sales. 2. 36 M yearly used car sales. 3. PVF 94 % are gasoline, less than 2% (gasoline) hybrid, 5% diesel. 4. Barrel of oil products being (www.eia.gov) 2016 20 gal gasoline/11 gal diesel. 5. Continued profitability & growth of the (full-size car) CUV to the light truck segments.

gagrice

Just when you think diesel is dead. GM comes out with an Inline 6 cylinder 3.0L diesel for their PU trucks. Trying to keep up with Ford that has a smaller F150 diesel V6. I think the Bar is being raised. BMW has added diesels to their line of Sedans.

https://jalopnik.com/the-2018-bmw-540d-brings-diesel-back-to-america-along-w-1821906269

VW, MB and the Japanese makers need to get their act together or lose out.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20180227/BLOG06/180229811/under-nicholson-gms-new-engines-shatter-the-status-quo?profile=-1

ruking1

Yes, right now the only diesel in the car segment that appeals to me is the (used) MB E class “D”. 1 year depreciation of 21% plus is pegged. The only thing that gives me pause are the (non-diesel related ) myraid options.

A GM 3.0 L, I 6, TDI with a 7 sp TREMEC M/T option would be a WOW!

gagrice

How does 10 speed auto sound? If I am reading the above article correctly the new diesel will be ahead of a 10 speed.

The 3.0-liter inline diesel engine is an investment in our customers. So is Dynamic Fuel Management and the new 10-speed automatic transmission. We think the 3.0-liter inline diesel will be an engine our customers appreciate.