ok, i wanna buy a diesel car.

[mopinko]

i am actually really resistant to the very concept of a new car. the only way i have ever thought of it was that i might buy one, and drive it for 20 or 30 years.
but, hubby is hot for one, and i want to get something green. there are just no hybrids out there or in the pipeline that really fill the needs of my family.
so, i am thinking that i will get a diesel, and hope to be able to run on biodiesel.
i need at least 4, preferably 5 passenger, 4 door, maybe a small wagon. trying not to spend too much money. i looked at the vw's. a golf maybe?
other ideas? i'm not really a car nut.

[masshole]

1. Here you go

This car is absolutely gorgeous (IMO)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-Mercedes-Benz-300D-Turbo-Diesel-GREAT-DEAL_W0QQitemZ4625231691QQcategoryZ6330QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[mopinko]

2. i have been down this road.

my last car was an old benz. i loved her dearly, but she cost me a fortune. i could have bought 1 1/2 new vw's for what i ended up putting into her.
i admit to being a little tired of beaters, and ready for a new car with a long warranty.

[bullwinkle428]

3. The problem with current VW TDIs - biodiesel of B5 (5%) maximum.

It has something to do with the unit injector design of the fuel system. That's probably the biggest reason for me not seriously considering one for purchase right now.

[midnight armadillo]

4. I think that's just VW's story

There's a ton of people running the VW TDI engines on B100 and even pure veggie oil. I understand that VW won't certify more than B5 due to a lack of standards for biodiesel.

[Chemical Bill]

5. It may take a while.

Diesels are not hanging around the lots right now. When you say "not too much money" I assume you mean you want a used car. VW is the only way to go for that, but they have some QC issues. You already know about Mercs, so I won't bore you. In all practicality, those are the only choices now. You may get lucky and stumble across a 1980s Japanese diesel car, but then you have a problem finding parts and a mechanic. I heard a rumor that Hundai will build you a diesel car if you order it and will wait, but I've never seen one. Good luck. I love my Merc, even with the bills, but I may look for another VW, as 40+ mpg can't be beat.

Bill

Edit to add that biodiesel is the only way to go for me, 100% all summer, never less than 50% in winter.

[benEzra]

6. Volkswagen Passat diesel wagon

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/07/29/206426.html


(2004 model pictured)

www.kbb.com says you'd be looking at $15,000-$20,000 for a 2004 model. Given the realities of financing and service costs, you might do better buying a new one.

This car is available with a 5-speed manual, which should give even better mileage than an automatic-transmission model.

[LSK]

7. the Jeep Liberty comes in a diesel model

[Ron Green]

8. Our 2002 Golf gets 55 mpg on the highway, my '05 Jetta Wagon (w/ automatic

and lots of extras) gets 46 on the highway, 43 around town.

I've had no problems with either car.