GasBuddy News Article

votes

Clean Diesels bring a mess of decisions

Detnews.com -- By Brian J. O'Connor

A clean diesel car can be good for the environment -- but will it end up cleaning out your wallet? With mileage that can be as much as one-third better than comparable gasoline engines -- hitting more than 40 mpg on the highway -- clean diesel engines can take a big bite out of your car's carbon footprint.

The new diesels are much improved over the models that appeared in the late 1980s, with lowered tailpipe emissions and quieter performance that refutes diesels' reputation as noisy stinkpots. But the premium cost of diesel models and diesel fuel mean they also can take a bite out of your wallet.

In many cases, it can take years for drivers to see real savings from the improved mileage of a diesel, notes John O'Dell, senior editor of the Green Car Advisor at Edmund

Read the Full Article

Submitted Mar 15, 2010 By: UncleCurt

Back To News

Category: Daily News Article Discussions > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: Clean Diesels bring a mess of decisions	Post a Reply Back to Topics

REPLIES (newest first)

First Prev

Next Last

Eichhornchen Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,737 Points:534,865 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:53:45 AM Ignore Eichhornchen Report Abuse need to make it affordable for the consumer
rbrowdersr Champion Author Detroit Posts:3,017 Points:986,275 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:47:47 AM Ignore rbrowdersr Report Abuse Doesn't appear to be a difficult decision.
mark1962 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,526 Points:331,670 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:44:30 AM Ignore mark1962 Report Abuse Sure they can be clean but are other technologies more useful to the masses?
RichardoB Champion Author Fayetteville Posts:2,976 Points:1,068,160 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:43:49 AM Ignore RichardoB Report Abuse I've never had a diesel car but have always thought of them as noisy and smelly. I suspect many others share my impression. It will take a while before that attitude changes.
fightbigoil71 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:2,790 Points:595,110 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:43:39 AM Ignore fightbigoil71 Report Abuse Why are we so afraid of diesel?
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,994 Points:1,397,965 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:41:58 AM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse the big 3 all make and sell these elsewhere in the world, but for some reason cant see the american market, no wonder 2 of the 3 went bankrupt, my 2002 tdi gets around 34 city 47 highway with automatic and its loaded
bumpygas Champion Author Nebraska Posts:3,520 Points:961,450 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:40:07 AM Ignore bumpygas Report Abuse Wouldn't own one.
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:4,321 Points:1,398,300 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:38:13 AM Ignore my3sons Report Abuse if the cars cost too much no one will buy them
minnesotagirl Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:1,177 Points:288,115 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:37:30 AM Ignore minnesotagirl Report Abuse In the interest of honesty, what is the payback period on a hybrid?
turbodog Champion Author Mississippi Posts:1,823 Points:391,150 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:37:30 AM Ignore turbodog Report Abuse I'll take a VW or diesel hybrid.
mandoid Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:2,893 Points:615,910 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:37:28 AM Ignore mandoid Report Abuse good comment maggimae07
AvantiMick Champion Author Indiana Posts:8,026 Points:1,603,420 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:35:05 AM Ignore AvantiMick Report Abuse If it were such a good idea, American car companies would have jumped on the bandwagon.
MaggieMae07 Champion Author South Dakota Posts:23,403 Points:1,297,340 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:34:52 AM Ignore MaggieMae07 Report Abuse Well, "theawesome1", I am definitely a diesel gal.. and my TDI also has heated seats, 6 cd changer, sunroof, stereo system with Sirius, a great ride with 42 to 50 mpg... and, no, it isn't noisy, nor does it stink. Diesel is 15 cents more here, sometimes less, so does not begin to negate my savings.
Ringmaster2008 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,947 Points:503,410 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:33:23 AM Ignore Ringmaster2008 Report Abuse These milage ratings are unrealistic. If the auto industry was not tied up in the oil industry these numbers would already be much higher.
GearGuy Veteran Author Detroit Posts:436 Points:1,005,875 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:32:22 AM Ignore GearGuy Report Abuse Diesel engine emission requirements are tougher here than in Europe, so if we want less expensive Diesels we need to commonize to Europe's standards, and not regulate out a whole technology.
fordfan1 Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,194 Points:916,165 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:32:10 AM Ignore fordfan1 Report Abuse Good idea clean diesels. I wish that American auto makers would embrace diesel engines like they do in Europe.
03mdx Champion Author Syracuse Posts:1,968 Points:627,520 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:30:51 AM Ignore 03mdx Report Abuse Truck drivers are really hurt by higher prices for the fuel that they need to use.
tankneverfull Champion Author Charlotte Posts:4,242 Points:830,470 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:28:59 AM Ignore tankneverfull Report Abuse It is amazing that for as smart as we think we are that we have such a difficult time coming up with alternatives to our gas problems.
theawesome1 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:3,656 Points:809,165 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:27:49 AM Ignore theawesome1 Report Abuse Definately not a diesel gal, since they stink & are so noisy........and the price of diesel all year round. But I am not interested in unloading my Tucson with its heated seats, 6 cd changer, sunroof, lumbar, 8 speaker stereo and a great ride with 30 mpg hwy 20 city.
dar 1 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,090 Points:212,600 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:26:46 AM Ignore dar 1 Report Abuse Diesels are longer life engines also, and somewhat cheaper to maintain
gabbygusIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:2,375 Points:597,100 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:26:18 AM Ignore gabbygusIN Report Abuse Good option!
rogerparry Champion Author Florida Posts:4,619 Points:940,530 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:25:21 AM Ignore rogerparry Report Abuse Keep the options coming.
catfish99 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:8,039 Points:1,524,345 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:21:13 AM Ignore catfish99 Report Abuse I own a VW Jetta Diesel. The Jetta TDI has an options package slightly better than the SE gasoline version. The SE costs $2200 less, so lets consider the diesel premium $2200, even though the Bluetooth and upgraded wheels have value. There is an above the line income tax credit of $1300 for diesels, so now the difference is down to $900. Now factor in the mileage: the SE gets 30 highway, the TDI 42 (I get in excess of 42 from my overall driving). Foe every 10,000 miles you drive, you save about 100 gallons of fuel. At today's prices, the payback is around 3 years at 10,000 a year. My payback comes at about half that. Going forward, I have a cheaper car to operate, one which lives much, much longer with fewer repairs, and has a significantly higher resale value. So why is it considered "more expensive"?
naw62 Champion Author Maine Posts:4,560 Points:1,248,795 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:17:00 AM Ignore naw62 Report Abuse Diesel is still noisey and the fuel cost so mucvh more
skippypa Champion Author Hawaii Posts:3,524 Points:765,115 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:16:52 AM Ignore skippypa Report Abuse Come back when the price is affordable.
dave364 Champion Author Lansing Posts:1,324 Points:536,250 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:16:49 AM Ignore dave364 Report Abuse love mine GMC getting over 21 mpg highway and 14 hauling 5th wheel big difference over gas engines
epf Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,592 Points:925,035 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:16:07 AM Ignore epf Report Abuse I purchased my Prius in 2006 when gas first hit $1.99, I'm pretty confident I've had an adequate ROI.
Captmaui Rookie Author Phoenix Posts:65 Points:454,940 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:15:08 AM Ignore Captmaui Report Abuse I want one....
Redink Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:2,443 Points:467,195 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:14:18 AM Ignore Redink Report Abuse Diesels are very popular in Europe where gas is over $7.00 a gallon.
Paw5X Champion Author Gary Posts:5,719 Points:1,543,645 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:10:58 AM Ignore Paw5X Report Abuse They still make to much noise!
lindact Champion Author New Haven Posts:4,019 Points:789,140 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:08:01 AM Ignore lindact Report Abuse Cost would definitely be a factor for most of us, but like other items, with mass production, research & development, the price should drop.
LeeFree Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:4,400 Points:1,295,625 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:04:12 AM Ignore LeeFree Report Abuse I'd have to drive one and weigh the cost/benefits before making a decision. This article uses "can" and "may" so much that you don't know what the author is actually saying.
RocketGeek Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:5,615 Points:1,137,010 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 5:03:45 AM Ignore RocketGeek Report Abuse There isn't much of a diesel fuel premium right now.
subnuke Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,793 Points:564,875 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:59:56 AM Ignore subnuke Report Abuse More carbon footprint crap.
nb52 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,882 Points:580,990 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:58:23 AM Ignore nb52 Report Abuse I think regular gasoline engined vehicles are expensive. I do not want to pay even more for a few extra mpg's.
stpetebp Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,934 Points:844,890 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:54:51 AM Ignore stpetebp Report Abuse The cost of diesel is way to high.
FMREALTOR Champion Author Florida Posts:1,662 Points:761,645 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:51:03 AM Ignore FMREALTOR Report Abuse Not much differnet than buyin a hybrid. Expensive. However if the new Jeep Liberty Diesel is an example of clean, I followed one yesterday and it was niosy and it STINKS!
neptune2008 Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,630 Points:715,255 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:49:52 AM Ignore neptune2008 Report Abuse supply and demand and what they can make the most from
afghaned Champion Author Hamilton Posts:4,378 Points:312,625 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:47:56 AM Ignore afghaned Report Abuse Remember when diesel cost less to drive but now ...
FordF2502001 Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,077 Points:668,125 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:47:56 AM Ignore FordF2502001 Report Abuse Glowplugs are the diesel answer to winter.
caravanguy Veteran Author Milwaukee Posts:386 Points:508,920 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:45:15 AM Ignore caravanguy Report Abuse The same cost/benefit issue applies to hybrid electrics and electric cars.
BBHybrid Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:2,623 Points:528,455 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:41:38 AM Ignore BBHybrid Report Abuse diesel has issues in cold weather
FordF2502001 Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,077 Points:668,125 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:39:54 AM Ignore FordF2502001 Report Abuse If you buy a car to keep for ten years diesel is the way to go. Trading one will never make it worthwhile. Think of it as an investment and good for the environment.
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:3,415 Points:1,206,825 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:39:09 AM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse The environment can take care of itself, it alwaws has. Mankind cannot possibly effect any long term change on this planet. In a billion years there will be no trace of our existance.
lowtidedakine Sophomore Author Hawaii Posts:113 Points:57,275 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:37:26 AM Ignore lowtidedakine Report Abuse People in many other countries who have far less money drive motorbikes or walk... and public transport generally consumes diesel (perhaps cleaner in future??). Less people driving big cars/trucks means a smaller carbon footprint. However its done, can any of us afford not to help the environment? I think its often more a self-centered mindset rather than a financial issue. Let's look after the planet, it's the least we can do!! [Edited by: lowtidedakine at 3/15/2010 5:41:26 AM EST]
PADI Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,423 Points:526,200 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:27:47 AM Ignore PADI Report Abuse I for one cannot afford to help the environment, by worrying about my car's carbon footprint. I will continue to drive gasoline driven vehicles until the costs come down on the diesel cars.
nyyankees2 All-Star Author Omaha Posts:974 Points:186,675 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:20:31 AM Ignore nyyankees2 Report Abuse They are better than before but not worth the hassles and costs.
Metroman Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:8,202 Points:1,646,720 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:20:12 AM Ignore Metroman Report Abuse All to true, I have a 2005 VW Passat and I am still wondering if it worth it even at 40 mpg around town.
Metro Man Champion Author Flint Posts:1,991 Points:1,048,725 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:19:37 AM Ignore Metro Man Report Abuse It takes to long to see a ROI.
harleydoctor Champion Author Kansas Posts:2,490 Points:965,955 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:11:08 AM Ignore harleydoctor Report Abuse They will never be popular as long as diesel costs more than regular period......
nurdco Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:3,826 Points:718,055 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:06:27 AM Ignore nurdco Report Abuse Industry has MAXed their profit despite the ease of Diesel production fpr the trucking industry needs
fratt Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:4,949 Points:1,671,205 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 4:04:15 AM Ignore fratt Report Abuse The cost is still way to high.