Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

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

1159160162164165473

Comments

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    edited February 2013
    Will the typical CX-5 buyer be able to put up with it? Some MB traditionalists will buy the GLK, but "Mazda diesel" doesn't have much behind it. That wagon is just too sharp, and probably operates on profit margins too low to survive here.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    There's a difference between jealousy and intolerance of arrogance and hypocrisy, and cynicism about lies regarding failed trickle down theory.

    A very small difference for some. I think we are all familiar with your theory on trickle down being a failure. It seems to be working quite well for those fortunate enough to work through the generous welfare system in this country for the top and bottom dwellers. It is much of the working class in the middle that are paying the price for both. I can fully appreciate the CEO's position in not wanting to take on a factory with workers that have figured out how to screw their employer, with the help of a devolving government. Much like the UAW in cahoots with our Federal government have screwed the rest of US.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We have to see if Mazda+diesel=sales.

    SkyActiv has been a mild success so as long as they keep the fun to drive angle (relative) I do think class leading mpg would help sell more CX5s.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    This is a bit off topic when it comes to diesels, but the Michelin tires sizes I would most likely put on 2 of VW's more mainstream diesels are made in Romania and the various Michelin plants in the ...USA and CN. Indeed, NONE of the (diesels) Michelin tires are made in FRANCE. Goodyear would avoid a lot of issues if it followed the native son/daughter Michelin's example.

    None of the Goodyear tires that have come standard with the two VW diesels have been rated very well by most customers. However, I have had VERY good luck with two dissimilar ( on the diesel) tires by Goodyear.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    edited February 2013
    Maybe a few. A few 6s as well, but it will definitely be something for enthusiasts, I fear the typical Camcord driver will be scared.

    24.2mpg on the way home tonight - not remarkable for a hybrid or a 4cyl econobox, but more than acceptable for a large-ish ~4300lb car at a stop and go average of 15mph - and it's not even broken in yet.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    edited February 2013
    And for some, the difference between 100K and 100M is like you or I observing the difference between a dime or a quarter - we don't care ;)

    I can appreciate a CEO with legitimate grudges, but when he airs his questionably learned opinions in an ugly and nationally embarrassing way, it's not OK. Especially when it is my peers to get to assume debt so he and his friends can continue to be coddled. The French once knew what to do with that set.

    And to make it diesel-based - the French LOVE little diesels. So maybe they aren't all bad.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2013
    Let's give the personal comments a rest please. Not to mention the off-topic political commentary too.

    Gasoline here is running between $3.92 and $3.94 for regular. Only got to check one diesel station but it's at $4.25.

    Oh, I forgot - went to a roadhouse for dinner and there were a dozen snowmachiners filling up with regular for $3.99.

    Shouldn't be much longer before the price differential evaporates (didn't see a sign, but premium is likely already a few cents higher than diesel).
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    In Northern Cal diesel is about .25 more per gallon than regular, according to Gasbuddy.com

    the widest spread is $4.09 for regular down the block from me at Valero, and $4.49 for diesel over at the fancy Shell station.

    the spread for me, being the owner of a car requiring premium fuel, is only .10 cents a gallon.

    So with my car getting 25 mpg and say a Golf getting 40, I'd be 'saving' $800 a year.

    I'm looking for something like $2000 a year savings to really tempt me to pull the trigger here.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    ..."I'm looking for something like $2000 a year savings to really tempt me to pull the trigger here."...

    Ah, is that code for .... I am looking for diesels to cost 8k less than gassers also. :P 95% gassers in the passenger vehicle fleet really tells the story !!! While we are dreaming on paper, $1.00 cheaper D2 per gal would also do me fine. ;) Actually they could easily maintain the illusion, just give diesel users a per gal IRS tax credit of $1.00 or more even !!!

    All's quiet on the western front !

    RUG $4.07

    PUG $4.27

    D2 $4.29
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Diesel is holding as RUG keeps going up. Paid $4.09 at Costco for regular.
    Diesel $4.19 premium $4.29 and UP UP UP. We peaked last year middle of March around $4.30. We are about 30 cents higher so far this year.

    It has to be Bush's fault. :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I fear the typical Camcord driver will be scared

    True, but Mazda has been clobbered when they've tried to take on Honda or Toyota head on. They simply don't have the resources.

    The diesel angle might just work.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited February 2013
    I can appreciate a CEO with legitimate grudges, but when he airs his questionably learned opinions in an ugly and nationally embarrassing way, it's not OK

    I agree, he definitely crossed the line. His comments were offensive.

    Just don't buy the plant, the insults were totally unnecessary.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    edited February 2013
    Our local town just adopted their first traffic circle intersection that was originally scheduled for street lights. Talk about a raving success story. The traffic circle was not only way way cheaper to construct, it doesn't require electricity, computers, or continuous upkeep to be operational. And is a safer intersection on so many levels.
    Instead of T Bones, there is the potential for fender benders both going the same direction at 2 to 10 mph. It saves fuel, brakes, clutches, torque converters, tires, time, patience and even safely controls the intersection in event of a power outage.

    And if all those perks aren't enough to raise an optimistic embracing eyebrow or two from potential naysayers, this design in our town didn't use anymore real estate than a streetlght controlled intersection. Granted, the potential to replace lit intersections with circles and not use any more land, is greater on 2 lane roadways than multi lane, but the difference is marginal since multi lane intersections also use proportionately greater real estate. Even if 2 lane intersections were replaced with circles, the above mentioned savings could still be immensely helpful for many commuters since many still encounter a pile of 2 lane streetlights.

    Diesel power and traffic circles...a great green combo..

    Also.....absolutely LOVE that TD Mazda6 wagon! Bring it on...with an AWD option..
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    edited February 2013
    As long as the costs aren't too large for marketing/selling the diesel, maybe Mazda can make a go of it. Sadly, the brand is just too offbeat to make it big. If a diesel Camcord came around, it would fare better IMO, people would feel safe to begin with. Mazda would probably do best with it in their CUVs.

    And I agree with the traffic circle post below - something we need more of. The fuel wasted at negligently maintained lights has to be stupefying.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Better yes, but I wonder...what about as a % of sales?

    I really think Honda/Toyota would have a hard time getting the diesel models to, say, 30 or 40% of their sales for that model.

    Yet I can imagine Mazda doing that easily.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    The real success story in that regard is VVA. The model success story from a "mainstream pov" are the 2011 Passat "soft" opening.

    The 2012 Passat and soon to be 2013 MY's, both promise to be banner years for its diesels (gassers also).

    My guess VW in is various iterations are the targets both the GM/Chevy Cruz and Mazda diesels are aiming @ to take market share from. VW has already demonstrated over multiple years and models that TDI's can be a significant minority %.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    Maybe a 6 wagon could have such a high diesel take rate (as it would sell to general car enthusiasts), but something like a CX-5, I don't know. A large amount of drivers of those will be scared of the noise and smell of diesel.

    I'd be shocked if a diesel Camcord hit a 20% take rate, maybe even less - but 15% of 300K units gains more exposure than 50% of 10K units.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,763
    Can't disagree with you on anything stated in that post!

    We have precious few circles here, and they are a love/hate amongst motorists, but they sure do ease congestion in previously congested areas... as long as people use them properly!

    The one on our university campus was a nightmare for the first year it was there due to timid drivers flat refusing to enter the circle unless it was devoid of any other car. :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Yes, I can picture that pretty easily..but as we know, those same timid drivers probably shouldn't be sharing the roads with the rest of us at the best of times. Not everyone share equal abilities or aptitudes. You might be going under the knife of THEE BEST surgeon within 5000 miles, and literally save your life. Yet that same surgeon might take your life a couple months later by making some incompetent move on the roadway you were both using at the same time. We can't all have the same strengths.

    As for learning curves..no doubt they are real..but often worth it in the end.

    In our town the local paper did an interesting poll, both pre circle and 6 month post circle. Pre circle still had 65% or so..(I forget exact #s) in favour (favor) of the project. Post circle stats showed a 90+ % approval..so it looks like many fence-sitters got on board, and even a few naysayers were transformed.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,592
    edited February 2013
    Maybe a 6 wagon could have such a high diesel take rate (as it would sell to general car enthusiasts), but something like a CX-5, I don't know. A large amount of drivers of those will be scared of the noise and smell of diesel.

    People have been asking for a Tiguan TDI for years now, and I understand why VW doesn't do it as the current Tig is made in Germany and is already too expensive. Maybe the next generation. Anyhow, I think the first one with a diesel in that small CUV market has an opportunity and a big EPA number never hurts the marketing effort.

    In addition, I think there's pent up demand for a Japanese diesel in the US; a lot of people grew up, rightly or wrongly, with the belief that Japanese makes are tops in reliability and have a hard time jumping to an American or Euro brand, diesel or not. With Mazda struggling as an independent, they have little to lose in being first to market. I think its a bold and enlightened move on their part.

    23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    ..."People have been asking for a Tiguan TDI for years now, and I understand why VW doesn't do it as the current Tig is made in Germany and is already too expensive. Maybe the next generation. Anyhow, I think the first one with a diesel in that small CUV market has an opportunity and a big EPA number never hurts the marketing effort.

    In addition, I think there's pent up demand for a Japanese diesel in the US; a lot of people grew up, rightly or wrongly, with the belief that Japanese makes are tops in reliability and have a hard time jumping to an American or Euro brand, diesel or not. With Mazda struggling as an independent, they have little to lose in being first to market. I think its a bold and enlightened move on their part."...

    Actually there is another VW CUV in works. I was a tad confused on first read ( ala knowing about the Tiquan- your reference to Tiquan) While the article I read did not say it would have a diesel option, it does "kill two birds with one stone". So my take is that there is price resistance for a TDI Tiquan. However if and when VW can come up with a CUV model that addresses this issue, I would look to that (unknown) model and year to fill the % TDI bill.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd be shocked if a diesel Camcord hit a 20% take rate, maybe even less

    Oh I think it would be way, way less than that.

    Camry hybrid sold 4,443 units out of 404,886 total, or only about 1% of total Camry sales. To be fair, they sell tons of Prius and those are also mid-size.

    My guess is a diesel Camry would not match the hybrid. That buyer wants isolation and zero NVH, not exactly diesel strengths.

    Mazda only sold 34k Mazda6 last year, but it was a lame duck old model. Let's say with the diesel they bump that up to 45k or so.

    I can easily see them selling 10k diesels.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Our local town just adopted their first traffic circle intersection that was originally scheduled for street lights. Talk about a raving success story.

    Roundabouts are great. I got used to them living in Mexico where they are very popular. And they are great places to put bronze statues of local heroes. I see this great web site devoted to promoting Roundabouts.

    http://www.roundaboutsusa.com/photos.html
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    Only 4K Camry hybrids - 3K must have been sold in Seattle. Maybe a diesel Accord would fare better.

    I have no doubt a diesel 6 would have a higher take rate than a diesel Camcord, ESPECIALLY Camry, but a 30% increase via diesel alone might be tough.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,099
    Is Tiguan production ever going to branch out to TN? Would make sense, as I bet a huge amount of its sales are in NA.

    Good point about the perception of Japanese reliability. I remember being promised an Accord diesel several years ago.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,592
    I recently saw that of the 2 million Prius sold globally since inception, 25% of all production has gone to California. That's staggering. Never underestimate the allure of the carpool lane.

    23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd

  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    In addition, I think there's pent up demand for a Japanese diesel in the US; a lot of people grew up, rightly or wrongly, with the belief that Japanese makes are tops in reliability and have a hard time jumping to an American or Euro brand, diesel or not. With Mazda struggling as an independent, they have little to lose in being first to market. I think its a bold and enlightened move on their part.

    I would say 'rightly' on the first part of your paragraph, and I agree with the rest.

    Back in the day...I wanna say 1987 (in Cda) being the last year diesels were fairly well represented in a varied style of vehicle. And maybe even 85/86 for a broader range still. Not counting GM's horrendous gasoline block V8 'diesel' failure (and I hold GM easily THEE most responsible for NA's negative impression that diesels got back then..and since..I STILL hear guys chatting that they would NEVER own another diesel after the nightmare they had with their old Oldsmobile, or whatever..yes some still live in the dark ages and seem to relish in being ignorantly unaware of progress or change) .......but not counting those we had a fairly impressive array of mostly Japanese sourced diesel engines. Most were 4 cyl and in the beginning, most were also NA'd. We had the diesel Datsun/Nissan p/u with their own built engine, and was a good one. Mazda had their own also, but was being used in their own truck along with Ford's Courier p/u at the time. I think Ford turboed that engine around 86 or 87? Then we also had (and I personally had) the Isuzu built diesel that GM was offering in the S10 p/u. I bought brand spanking new, an 85 extended cab, stick (5sp) with pwr steering/brakes and factory air. It was a RARE beast indeed. It was NA, but I still did a 52.5 mpg (Imp) (so still about 42 US) on an upper New York 600 mile return trip with A/C on both ways. The A/C being on was significant because with it not being turboed, the A/C really pulled her down. In order to pass with any umph at all I remember switching it off for the pass.

    Had that truck been turboed and 4x4, I would have rust checked it faithfully within inches of its life and would still have it to this day. Of course I would have wasted the TERRIBLE bench seat it had.

    FWIW, I used to thrash the poor thing late for work some days due to LA-like TO traffic, (crashes on perfect blue sky, dry road days..go figure) and it still always got between 38 and 42. That was with it rugged practically everywhere I went.

    And Toyota had their terrific 3.4? gee I am forgetting now...NA diesel in their full sized wagon and Jeep style Land Cruisers. I had one..used to get mid 30's with it on yearly average. A fantastic engine..but mine I bought used and suffered terrible rust. It had manual (heavy but still pretty nice) steering, no turbo, and was a 4 speed stick, but top cog was direct. And during those same times, Toyota also offered their inline 6 diesel in the wagon. I demo'd one in the winter on a 100 mile trip and got 24. something with it on winter fuel with cruise set at 90 kph. (55) It was a 4 sp auto, OD...that and the poor mileage was why I didn't buy it. I also owned the Toyota p/u 'turbo' 2.4 diesel with a 4x4 that I looked for for years when trying to replace the memories of my S10. Finally found a really clean one but again was a poor performer mileage-wise. Babying it it still only got 27 Imp. Yet the big 1000 lb heavier and 1 litre larger Land Cruiser coukld get 35 all day long..I ended up selling the p/u to another enthusiast who looked for one like I had. I told him it was not the fuel performer you would think but he wanted it anyway. In defense of the p/u though, I did get a 24 mpg towing a Samurai with a towbar on an uphill basically trip of about 130 miles one way. And that's the killer...it got like 27 going to get the Sam and only a 3 mpg penalty towing it back..

    Anyway, there were others too...Chev also had Isuzu's 1.8 NA diesel in their (pathetic otherwise) Chevettes. This was all back basically in the 80's and all these Japanese engines, while some did not offer the mileage you thought they should..others excelled) were all very good and dependable engines.

    So if NA were to be skeptical about diesels to this day, I think it would be more towards any NA built engine. Like Ford...gawd help them I wouldn't buy one...and not GM either if they built their own.

    Not sure if you guys got the Peugots (sp?) during those early years? But they too, were good engines..alas the cars rusted and were troublesome, but the engines performed well.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    But if Honda did do an Accord diesel and used a 'new and improved' ..ya right.. CVT, and then if it flopped, they would blame it on the diesel instead of the tranny.

    IMO, Not only for slip resistance and longevity of keeping the diesel's extra torque under wraps, but also for the drivability of a proper 6 individual geared auto like the Mazda's 6, would also contribute to its potential success if they dare dip their toes in oil..
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    People have been asking for a Tiguan TDI for years now, and I understand why VW doesn't do it

    I wonder if it's because the Tiguan is a "chick car", at least in LA. Maybe diesels are a guy thing?

    The proof could be in the uptake of the Beetle Diesel - even though it's supposedly more masculine now, Beetles still seem to be selling more to women.
  • dave8697dave8697 Member Posts: 1,498
    We get another new roundabout in town every year. They are great after you suffer immensely during their construction. In about 3 more years, I will break even from the 9 miles per day detour that doubled my work commute from 21 to 40 minutes each way for 6 weeks during construction.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Must be the dash planter...

    Plus chics still go for cute over practical...I continue to read that the Beetle is basically a disaster. Amazing how two dif models under the same brand can be so different in reliability/longevity potential. Like GM's Equinox, vs a full-sized Buick.. one is a disaster..the other sorta delivers..
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,763
    edited February 2013
    still go for cute over practical

    Yes, and that includes the "falling in love" aspect. I know several female owners who admit they feel they paid more for a car than they should have, but they justify it (all of them) by saying, "but, I fell in love with the car!"

    I briefly looked at the Tiguan, but the pricing just doesn't make it competitive with the rest of the segment. I didn't even bother trying to drive one simply due to that aspect. Basically, it didn't make it through the first round of the Open.

    For these gals, perhaps that is not such a factor... ?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,592
    Funny enough, I think it would be a good fit for my wife. She thinks a CRV is too big but wants something tall (she tweaked her back a few years ago). I've never driven a Tiguan, but have sat in one and was impressed with the passenger accommodations. Better rear seat room than my RDX. We will be looking in the summer, maybe at this, the CX5 the Crosstrek and perhaps the Countryman. I guess there's that new little Buick thing too. GLK and the X1 are out, she didn't like them, and its her car, so...

    23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd

  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Plus chics still go for cute over practical...I continue to read that the Beetle is basically a disaster.

    The new Beetle sold more than the Golf last month. Hard to find VW projections for the Beetle. They need to increase the supply of TDIs. I can see no earthly reason to buy a VW gasser. Seems such a waste of money. It looks like Car n Driver did pretty well with their test of the newest Beetle TDI.

    In the modern Beetle, pairing VW’s torquey 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with a six-speed manual delivers EPA-assessed mpg numbers of 28 mpg in the urbs, 41 on the open road. (The DSG automatic sacrifices 3 mpg on the highway.) We actually did a better than either figure, recording a whopping 45 mpg on a driving diet that included some suburban streets and a lot of country roads.

    This is rare for us; we have a tendency to underperform in terms of EPA forecasts.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    There are precious few cars that would tempt me to go back to gassers.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,763
    I can see no earthly reason to buy a VW gasser.

    Agreed with you on that! TDI is what VW really has going for them, I think. In the gasoline realm, the only list I can see that they top (per segment) is price. With the TDI models, which have a modest premium over their gasoline counterparts, there's competitive value vs. other makes.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    I am not sure what you mean from a defacto POV. So for example, IF 21% of each year's VW's sold (2009,2010,2011,2012) are TDI's, it would seem the majority see the gasser VW as the overwhelming choice (79%). They have VOTED with their wallets. One current exception is the JSW (Jetta Sport Wagon, 2009.2010,2011,2012) where the TDI percentages I have read in more than once place are consistently 80% +.

    But then on the other side, there are precious few other oems that offer the range of TDI models (albeit many using the same engine) as VW. So in that sense the % of VW's being TDI's might be reflective of the LACK of (or some other reasons) TDI's over the broad range of OEMS.

    In my own case for two subsequent diesels, I selected VW's despite having other choices BMW/ MB / VW and BMW/MB/VW. I would not have selected the 2003 Jetta, if not for the diesel option. I do have to say that in all three cases AND over a span of 10/11 years, VW really made price/performance ratio considerations VERY integral. Any to all others considered would NOT go the extra mile as VW.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,763
    edited February 2013
    I was looking at the choice of a VW, from a cost/value perspective, versus other makes in the same segment. To me, the gasoline versions are typically more expensive than other makes and yet do not offer any clear advantages while the diesel versions of the same model do have a clear advantage (fuel economy among them).

    Basically the same thing you stated in your closing paragraph. If not for the diesel option, you would not have selected the '03 Jetta above the other choices available to you at the time.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    Your first paragraph could very well be. When shopping for an 04 TDI automatic () I bypassed the 2004 Jetta A/T as it cost more (1,100 extra for A/T) and offered no mpg advantage and some other reasons. I was just fine with far lesser quality in a 04 gasser, even as I am still very happy with it, 10 years later and hitting 150,000 miles (rest of the family STILL HATES it).

    Your second paragraph would indicate we agree on the diesel portion. But that the same time, I probably would not go for gassers on the wider vehicle choices, i.e., for as good as both MB and BMW gasser engines ARE.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    the spread for me, being the owner of a car requiring premium fuel, is only .10 cents a gallon.
    So with my car getting 25 mpg and say a Golf getting 40, I'd be 'saving' $800 a year.
    I'm looking for something like $2000 a year savings to really tempt me to pull the trigger here.


    One of the full-menu stations near me (Hess, not an off-brand) would be able to make you switch...

    Regular Unleaded $3.599
    Midgrade: $3.799
    Premium: $3.939
    Diesel: $3.979

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons/Vans+Minivans Host
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    Even with that spread, RUG is 44.7% more per mile driven. ;) (25 mpg vs 40 mpg)
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    In the context in which you present the information, I am not sure how you came to the conclusion that diesel is a "guy thing"? NONE of the "guy" cars are anywhere close to diesel (no diesel option).

    Anecdotally, the three of four "women" drivers fight over driiving the DIESELS and not the gassers? When I (male driver) wanted to get a VW NB TDI, those same women drivers made it clear that I knew they knew it was a "chick" car. ;)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2013
    Someone wondered why Tiguan TDIs weren't selling. I was curious if gender played a role since it comes in a diesel flavor. Still curious about who's buying diesel Bugs since they aren't selling to guys overall. A lot of those "guy trucks" come in diesel models. I don't know if Polk or other outfits keep track of stuff like this.

    It was a question, not a conclusion. :shades:

    I would think that more men in the US would be willing to consider a diesel than women, but who knows. Good research project for you for the weekend, since you've already got a good start in your own household. :D
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Of those I know in the "mink and manure set," those drivers tow horses and they are predominately women driving those Ford/GM/Chysler turbo diesel rigs. One of those blondes drives a hay truck when she helps to harvest her fams hay, but that is another story and a tractor trailer rig at that. :blush:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Happy wife, happy life. Show her the menu but let her choose.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Someone wondered why Tiguan TDIs weren't selling.

    Maybe because we don't get them in the USA? I think it is hard to determine gender on vehicle purchases. My wife's granddaughter bought a VW Sportswagen TDI last year. She loves the mileage but finds it too small with two kids in car seats. So she is back driving her 4Runner. Her husband drives the VW now. They want to buy my Sequoia as it is 4X4 and they make a lot of trips to Tahoe where his parents live. Her 4Runner is 2 wheel drive. I would say most women with children like SUVs and Mini vans and the type fuel is irrelevant.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, we had plenty of those in Boise too, although Hummers were popular too.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited February 2013
    CA has a pretty goofy (to those driving cars in 24/7 winter conditions) but not to a lot of clueless CA seasonal winter drivers. MTN chain controls point personnel let 4WD vehicles go in all but the most extreme snow ice conditions. When a snow plow with road accurate GPS has issues, you would agree one really does not want to be in that soup anyways. They seem to even make cars with snow tires chain up, even as most cars are really not designed with chains in mind. So the second a chain or a cable gets "loose" you are looking at easily 1,000 in body/fender damage.

    So in effect if one has reason to be in winter conditions, defacto it only makes sense to have a 4wd cub/suv/pu.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    For anyone who lives with winter seasons and hills, it's hard to believe anyone would invest the $ needed to get into a late model 4 Runner, and not get AWD..
    In fact, was not the '4' in 4 Runner signifying it's 4x4 drive capability? In this case, buying a RWD 4 Runner is almost blasphemous..

    Yet I had a friend who had a Jeep Cherokee that was also only 2WD. A TWO wheel drive JEEP??? Again...even more blasphemous..
    And was suitably constantly stuck with it..trying to do what AWD SUV's do..

    When trying to resell those types of vehicles, I liken them to the value of a Cadillac or Lincoln without factory A/C back in the 60's or 70's. Some car lots called them 'pigs'. Aberrant one-offs I say..
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    In fact, was not the '4' in 4 Runner signifying it's 4x4 drive capability? In this case, buying a RWD 4 Runner is almost blasphemous.

    I was very surprised her 4Runner was 2WD. It is So CA we live in. She has had it a long time. I think it is a 98 or 99 model 4Runner. It was only an issue this last Christmas when they went to Tahoe. She took her mom's LX470. An SUV without 4WD is not worth much in my opinion. And resale is usually much less than with 4WD.
This discussion has been closed.