The Jetta TDI sets a world record. (fuel, MPG, truck) - Volkswagen -Car forums - City-Data Forum

brikag · 09-30-2008, 12:04 PM

Going across the US while getting 58 MPG of mixed driving, this duo went 9k miles criss-crossing the US in the VW Jetta TDI!!!! Can a recent Prius do that?

VW Jetta TDI sets Guinness World Record of 58.82 mpg - Autoblog

gbugmiami · 09-30-2008, 05:49 PM

Its a shame the "US" isnt ready for diesel cars. So ford thinks anyways.

Honda is finally getting a clue and releasing diesels here but wont be bringing me my accord wagon diesel that they sell in the uk. VW TDI's have a strong following and even the early 80s diesel models are still fairly desirable to some folks.

cdelena · 10-01-2008, 10:05 AM

I think it is great and expect many more diesels here in the States. I don't think Ford disagrees but most of the diesel cars they sell in Europe are not crash tested and certified for US sales so they are pushing forward with their turbo/gas strategy here until they have 'world' cars for this market. Most refineries/distribution here is configured for maximum gasoline delivery rather than diesel so the price/availability of diesel fuel may be slow to become competitive here.

jdavid93225 · 10-02-2008, 02:05 AM

I think it's a shame that the technology is there to get 50 MPG+ out of diesel cars, yet we don't have the ability to buy them in the U.S. (particularly California), because the automakers won't build them for this market. I would buy one here, if I could. I think the U.S. is ripe for a turbo-diesel powered compact truck, too, like the Chevy Colorado (also sold as the Isuzu D-Max) that is sold in other parts of the world. In recent testing in Thailand, a turbo-diesel Isuzu D-Max Crew Cab obtained over 45 MPG. I would love to have an option to purchase such a truck in the U.S.

ottomobeale · 10-02-2008, 08:23 AM

>Can a recent Prius do that?<

No but it will have a heckuva lot less repair bills.

I know a couple in FL that bought the Jetta hype ca 2000. They bought two. 12K (combined) repair bills later... Parts are outrageous.

VERY Nice to drive but a ***** to get repaired at they have alot of defects.

Bydand · 10-02-2008, 08:36 AM

I would love to have a diesel car. I saw a VW diesel Rabbit powered by Waste vegetable oil (Bio-diesel) last week I wanted really bad.

StealthRabbit · 10-02-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bydand

I would love to have a diesel car. I saw a VW diesel Rabbit powered by Waste vegetable oil (Bio-diesel) last week I wanted really bad.

Look in your neighbor's briar patch, There are Rabbits hiding everywhere. I have found many for under $100, but the current costs are ~ $500. (Steel scrap value is ~ $140.) You can set up a simple WVO system for under $100, or build a Bio-Diesel reactor for that price. Biodiesel Appleseed Reactor Plans (http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/appleseedprocessor/ - broken link)

Rabbits are very ez and cheap to fix (unlike the power windows in your new Jetta, Golf. or Beetle). Most parts are under $10, but I had to spend $12 for wheel bearing last week (They are very complex / double nested bearings). I have several Rabbits that have over 300k miles, still doing fine (and Jettas, Golfs, Passats, and a few pickups). I recently looked at a Passat diesel (TDI) with over 550,000 on original engine and still getting 50 mpg. I love their 25 gal tank = 1000 mile range between fill-ups ('96&'97 models). I bought one in Minneapolis, and only had to stop once for fuel in MT to top off to complete my 1700 mile 'weekend' trip back home.

Diesels will probably never be too popular in USA, most folks don't like the smell or noise, tho technology and Bio-d can mitigate those issues. More US Diesels will soon be available. Subaru and Honda supposedly will bring to USA next yr. I would like a VW Golf "country' 4x4 TDI, but the only way to get one into USA is to import it as components, rebuild it, and title it as a kit car.

Quote:

I think the U.S. is ripe for a turbo-diesel powered compact truck,

there are still quite a few Mitsubishi's, and Isuzu from the 80's hanging around. My VW diesel pickups don't really count, but I have hauled 2000# on occasion and often use it with a small utility trailer. I only get 44mpg, since I use a Canadian 1.9, instead of the 1.6 diesel. Originally it had a 1.5 and my bumper sticker was "1 mpg per HP"