Autoblog

bhtooefr @ May 10th 2006 5:13PM

Umm... what?

"It's also looking like there will be none for MY 2008 either."

That one's new to me - and I'm a very active member on TDIClub. (The 2007 one I knew about, though.)

"Until diesel prices return to at or below that of regular the math doesn't work. The vehicle costs a little more, the fuel is hard to find and costs a little more... so the slight fuel economy nebefit is washed away very quickly."

Wait until you see the fact that not staying on top of maintenance means bad things. These cars are not ultimate economy cars, they were never meant to be. There's other advantages to driving a diesel - the best one begins with a "T", ends with an "E", and has an "ORQU" in the middle.

Also, while diesel fuel DOES cost more than gas in some areas, the fuel economy advantage outweighs that. At a filling station that I often fuel at, diesel fuel is $2.879 per gallon. Regular unleaded gasoline is $2.619. Premium is $2.789. The Jetta TDI 5M is rated for (and with efficient driving, often beats) 41 MPG highway. The Jetta 2.5 5M is rated for (and usually matches) 30 MPG highway. The Jetta 2.0T 5M is rated for (and usually matches) 32 MPG highway.

Per highway mile, on fuel costs, using EPA estimates (which are low on the TDI) the TDI costs 6.9 cents per mile on fuel. The 2.5 costs 8.7 cents per mile to fuel. The 2.0T also costs 8.7 cents per mile to fuel.

By the way, diesel fuel is available at 40% of fueling stations around the country. If you live near an interstate, you live near a station offering diesel.

Yes, the fuel does have a distinct smell to it. Then again, so does gasoline.