Buying a diesel car.. VW Jetta maybe ?

[Tom]

I'm thinking about buying a more efficient vehicle for highway travel. I'm thinking that a diesel might be a good idea, but want opinions.

I live in the USA, I know VW sells some diesels here, I think Mercedes does, not sure about Audi or other brands ?

Since I'm looking for the best bang for the buck, I'm also thinking about used instead of new, but new isn't out of the question. If I do get a used car/truck, I'd like to know if there are particular model years that are better than others, say because of some engine advancement, etc.

TIA.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

I'm thinking about buying a more efficient vehicle for highway travel

Honda Civic VX

/thread

- M4H

 

[PingSpike]

Are there any small diesel cars besides VWs? I can't think of any right now.

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
Are there any small diesel cars besides VWs? I can't think of any right now.

Dodge Fullsize pickup with a Cummins? Haha, as far as car diesels go, I can't think of anything sold in the US except small VW's and some old Mercs. You might be able to find a newer A class with a diesel somewhere.

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

I'm thinking about buying a more efficient vehicle for highway travel

Honda Civic VX

/thread

- M4H

When did they stop making this model ? 1997 ?

That's a bit older than I want, and it's also smaller than I would prefer for a lot of long distance travel.

I'm thinking more along the lines of a 2 or 3 year old used, or newer.

 

[Strk]

Other than large trucks, you're looking at either a VW, Mercedes E-Class or a Jeep Liberty. You'll probably go used or last year's model for a VW. From what I understand, they aren't releasing a diesel for 2007 because they're doing an upgrade for the new fuel standards and engine in general (2.0L vs 1.9L and they're aiming for 50 state emisssions). I'd go used anyways, since you'll start to see more diesels in 2008 and 2009. Honda and BMW have already confirmed they'll start brining their diesels over before the end of the decade. DCX will also have numerous diesels -- in addition to the two already mentioned, of course.

 

[Metron]

The VW Jettas are running about $3,000 over sticker price by the way... and getting hard to find since VW will NOT be offering a diesel next year.

Alternative fuel vehicles for US here

The VW diesel won't meet EPA guidelines for emissions in 2007, just as the price of gas is skyrocketing... the oil companies must have hired some Jack Abramoff clones to rig that.

I just bought an '06 Civic with a 5 speed auto... 40 MPG Highway on Gas. (and no, I don't intend to "rice" it up).

 

[FoBoT]

used diesels are hard to find and the prices are high due to demand
if you have the $ and want one, get a new one

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by: Metron
The VW Jettas are running about $3,000 over sticker price by the way... and getting hard to find since VW will NOT be offering a diesel next year.

Alternative fuel vehicles for US here

The VW diesel won't meet EPA guidelines for emissions in 2007, just as the price of gas is skyrocketing... the oil companies must have hired some Jack Abramoff clones to rig that.

I just bought an '06 Civic with a 5 speed auto... 40 MPG Highway on Gas. (and no, I don't intend to "rice" it up).

That 06 Civic mielage would be good enough for me too. Is the 06 Civic the one that is considerably redesigned ? It's larger than older Civics isn't it ? I'm a big guy, do you think it would be suitable, and is it comfortable for long trips ?

 

[Metron]

Interior Specs Here

Yes, larger and redesigned for '06. Looks like the size of the older Accord coupes.

Interior

Exterior

The cruise control is nice for highway driving. I think the car is very comfortable, but I would suggest a test drive... you're the only one who will know if the car is comfortable for you. I really like the dash -- a split level design with a digital speedo on top, and an analog tach on the bottom.

I got the EX by the way. Loaded, with a 350 watt 7 speaker stereo. Only available option available is satellite navigation system with XM radio, which I didn't get.

If you want stictly highest mileage:
Honda Insight Hybrid is the highest in the US... 60/66

 

[EarthwormJim]

Originally posted by: Tom

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

I'm thinking about buying a more efficient vehicle for highway travel

Honda Civic VX

/thread

- M4H

When did they stop making this model ? 1997 ?

That's a bit older than I want, and it's also smaller than I would prefer for a lot of long distance travel.

I'm thinking more along the lines of a 2 or 3 year old used, or newer.

Was actually 1995 or so, but they did have a successor VTEC-E civic for the next body style, Civic HX. It's a coupe instead of a hatchback, was sold till around 1999 or so.

It gets around 35-38 mpg city and 45-50 or so highway.

I've been looking for either a VX or HX and it's pretty hard to find one that hasn't been riced out. Who the hell rices out the economy version anyways?!

 

[TheSlamma]

I'd go for just a gas Civic or Corolla.

Diesel highway isn't that much better.. the cars cost a ton more to purchase and a ton more to repair.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Originally posted by: TheSlamma
I'd go for just a gas Civic or Corolla.

Diesel highway isn't that much better.. the cars cost a ton more to purchase and a ton more to repair.

It really depends on how long you plan on keeping the car, and if you do your own maintenance.

As far as engines are concerned diesel engines can and often do last quite a bit longer than gasoline engines.

But definitely don't overlook a civic or corolla, they do get pretty good mileage too.

 

[Praxis1452]

Dad's got a new 2006 Mercedes E320 CDI. Diesel. So it's not just old mercs. There are a few.

 

[MrBond]

You're in Columbus, according to your profile. My sister is looking at buying a new car and she mentioned Ed Schmidt in Perrysburg had two or three TDI Jetta's available. Perrysburg is an easy drive up US23 to I75 for you, about two hours.

They have their inventory online, but for whatever reason it's loading really slow for me. Here's the page:

http://www.edschmidt.com/SearchInventory.html

 

[FoBoT]

i think the "VW no longer makes diesels" thing is an internet rumor, their websites still lists diesel models

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
i think the "VW no longer makes diesels" thing is an internet rumor, their websites still lists diesel models

Those are 2006 model year diesels, there won't be any that are model year 2007.

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
i think the "VW no longer makes diesels" thing is an internet rumor, their websites still lists diesel models

I already said it, but I guess I'll repeat what's going on with VW. The current VW diesel engine is old and cannot meet 50 state emissions requirements, not even with the low sulfur diesel we're getting by the end of the year. In an attempt to kill two birds with one stone, VW plans on upgrading its diesel engine to the 2.0l they have in Europe, but they're also updating the emissions equipment so that it can receive 50-state certification. In other words, no new diesel for VW until 2008s start rolling out.

 

[ViviTheMage]

VW :-D

 

[vi edit]

At this point I'd just buy a Civic or Corolla and be done with it. If you want a hatchback functionality there's the Fit too.

Diesel does get a bit better milage, but right now diesel is $.10+ more per gallon than gas and you pay a pretty good premium to get into the vehicles. You are looking at $20k+ to get into a new Jetta diesel, and the used market on them is pretty crazy. You won't find anything for less than $15,000 unless it is very high milage.

 

[drnickriviera]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: FoBoT
i think the "VW no longer makes diesels" thing is an internet rumor, their websites still lists diesel models

I already said it, but I guess I'll repeat what's going on with VW. The current VW diesel engine is old and cannot meet 50 state emissions requirements, not even with the Ultra low sulfur diesel we're getting by the end of the year. In an attempt to kill two birds with one stone, VW plans on upgrading its diesel engine to the 2.0l they have in Europe, but they're also updating the emissions equipment so that it can receive 50-state certification. In other words, no new diesel for VW until 2008s start rolling out.

Correction. We already have low sulfur diesel

 

[Tom]

I went to a Honda dealer and sat in an 06 Civic. I haven't ruled it out but I'd prefer more room.

So my next thought is to look at a Toyata Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, these seem to have pretty high epa numbers. Anyone have an opinion about these ?

btw, so far the VW diesels are too hard to find or too expensive.

 

[Metron]

Originally posted by: Tom
I went to a Honda dealer and sat in an 06 Civic. I haven't ruled it out but I'd prefer more room.

So my next thought is to look at a Toyata Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, these seem to have pretty high epa numbers. Anyone have an opinion about these ?

btw, so far the VW diesels are too hard to find or too expensive.

Bummer about the Civic...

Check out Carmax.com or Autonation.com and search for diesels.

I found an '03 diesel Jetta in your area with 41,000 miles for $18,500. They are definitely scarce. $27-$30k seems to be the going price on the '06.


'03 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDi 4D Sedan $18,599 40K Black Man 4 Naperville, IL / $250

 

[j00fek]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

I'm thinking about buying a more efficient vehicle for highway travel

Honda Civic VX

/thread

- M4H

:thumbsup:

 

[Poulsonator]

I traded in my Tundra for a 2006 Corolla last week. I love it, and wish I would have done it sooner.