Reply to Diesels in California.

[GasSavers_Scott]

I know it has been some time in California since the posting of diesels in California, but does anyone have a update? I know Volkswagen is pushing the diesels and BMW is bringing out their new 128 Sport Diesel for 09. Will these be 49 state cars? Has the Prius beaten the VW Jetta diesel by better city mileage? Any news would help, been trying to find stuff on the net, no luck, thanks.

[hi tech hillbilly]

WTF dont car companies use a 3 cylinder turbo diesel in place of the gas engine in hybrids?? how far does big oil have their hands in automakers pockets?

[theholycow]

Diesels are a tough sell for the general population. Most Americans would choose gas over diesel even if the price was the same while power and FE were better.

[Sludgy]

Originally Posted by hi tech hillbilly

WTF dont car companies use a 3 cylinder turbo diesel in place of the gas engine in hybrids?? how far does big oil have their hands in automakers pockets?

As a diesel driver who paid a $5000 premium for a diesel motor, I know the answer. Diesel used to cost less than gas. Not now. My cost of fuel is about the same as a gas truck now. Pure economics makes gas a better choice now.

Both Ford and GM have axed diesel engines for 1/2 ton pickups because diesel is stubbornly 10% higher than gas........

[hi tech hillbilly]

Originally Posted by Sludgy

As a diesel driver who paid a $5000 premium for a diesel motor, I know the answer. Diesel used to cost less than gas. Not now. My cost of fuel is about the same as a gas truck now. Pure economics makes gas a better choice now.

Both Ford and GM have axed diesel engines for 1/2 ton pickups because diesel is stubbornly 10% higher than gas........

a 3/4-1ton diesel truck wont start "saving" a person money unless theyre towing or hauling heavy loads. my uncle had a chevy 1 ton w/ a 454 on his farm and he traded it in on a 1 ton dodge with 12V cummins and loves the change. he regularly hauls hay, pigs, cows, pulls a tractor or back hoe with a 5th wheel and says it get better mileage towing than his 454 did empty. bigger diesel trucks only really shine when they are loaded, but the big 3 (jackasses) need to start releasing sub 5.0L diesels in 1/2tons, and smaller diesels in their compacts.

[thecheese429]

Originally Posted by hi tech hillbilly

WTF dont car companies use a 3 cylinder turbo diesel in place of the gas engine in hybrids?? how far does big oil have their hands in automakers pockets?

Actually, its not the big oil companies (directly), but rather the banks at the top of the ladder. They get to decide who does what and with how much money.

Gotta love it

[shatto]

I looked at the VW Jetta TDI. 35 MPG....average.
(Did you know the window sticker now has an average MPG graph beneath the big numbers?)
http://www.vw.com/jetta/gallery/en/us/#/exterior/1/

The advantage of diesel?
You could make your own fuel with a little effort. Screw Exxon-Mobil.
Diesel fuel is available everywhere.
In an emergency, it'll run on some pretty funky stuff like your girlfriends Channel #5.
Long life.
Never buy another spark plug.

[theholycow]

I'd love a Jetta TDI. It would be everything I like about my Rabbit, plus even more torque, all the other advantages of diesel, AND it would be a sedan which is a better style for me than a hatchback.