Diesel Power vs. Hybrid

[Double_R]

With audi and vw diesles you can get a extra 30bhp out of them via a chip upgrade for $200. You can also slightly increase the boost of the turbo for more ooomph. Diesles have a lot more potential horsepower with a chip upgrade than their petrol sisters.

 

[Joey D]

Would you be selling your Blazer?

Selling or trading it in, not sure. I can get about 10k on a trade in and about 12k on a private party deal.

You can get a TDI with an automatic. Most people prefer to get them with manuals.

They also come with Triptornic, what in God's name is that. I don't like new fangled technological words .

We all know those Hybrid batteries are never going to come down in price within the next 5 years

I doubt that since hybirds really won't take off in the states, besides maybe California. They just need to cut the crap and come out with hydrogen powered cars. I'd be on one of those like a fat kid on free birthday cake.

With audi and vw diesles you can get a extra 30bhp out of them via a chip upgrade for $200. You can also slightly increase the boost of the turbo for more ooomph. Diesles have a lot more potential horsepower with a chip upgrade than their petrol sisters.

I was think maybe just an intake and exhaust, some simple that gives me like 10 more hp since I would have a hard time driving something with double digit horespower numbers. I don't want to go over board since as JNasty pointed out, the fuel mileage craps itself.

 

[JNasty4G63]

They also come with Triptornic, what in God's name is that. I don't like new fangled technological words .

Thats VAG talk for the manu-matic gearbox. Its an automatic that you can bump through the gears when you want. They don't have paddles on the steering wheel, just bump the shifter forward or back.

They just need to cut the crap and come out with hydrogen powered cars. I'd be on one of those like a fat kid on free birthday cake.

That would be the Honda Civic GX. Its only available in Cali right now, but its getting there. They have a small gas filler that runs off the gas line at your house too, so you just fill up at home. Pretty decent start, should be nice to see when they get a little more widespread.

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+GX&bhcp=1&BrowserDetected=True

I was think maybe just an intake and exhaust, some simple that gives me like 10 more hp since I would have a hard time driving something with double digit horespower numbers. I don't want to go over board since as JNasty pointed out, the fuel mileage craps itself.

Well, if you wait for the new '06 Golf V TDI, they will be getting a new 2.0 TDI engine with 140hp and over 200lb/ft of torque. The new Golf V is also a much nicer car. The Golf IV is a good car, the new V is a great car. Worth a thought. But, I'd still say go for the an '05 TDI. You can probably talk a decent deal with the new car coming out. And, they do actually make 100hp and 180lb/ft, so you don't have to live with double digit horsepower numbers

Hilg

 

[Joey D]

Thats VAG talk for the manu-matic gearbox. Its an automatic that you can bump through the gears when you want. They don't have paddles on the steering wheel, just bump the shifter forward or back.

Gotch, my mom's Pacifica has something like that. I provides some entertainment while getting on the freeway.

That would be the Honda Civic GX. Its only available in Cali right now, but its getting there. They have a small gas filler that runs off the gas line at your house too, so you just fill up at home. Pretty decent start, should be nice to see when they get a little more widespread.

http://automobiles.honda.com/models...erDetected=True

To bad we don't get on Europe's band wagon with the BMW and Benz hydrogen powered cars. I could see myself driving one of those.

Well, if you wait for the new '06 Golf V TDI, they will be getting a new 2.0 TDI engine with 140hp and over 200lb/ft of torque. The new Golf V is also a much nicer car. The Golf IV is a good car, the new V is a great car. Worth a thought. But, I'd still say go for the an '05 TDI. You can probably talk a decent deal with the new car coming out. And, they do actually make 100hp and 180lb/ft, so you don't have to live with double digit horsepower numbers

I would love to wait for the new Golf but I don't think I could afford it when it comes out and I would really like to get the new car by May since right now gas prices are hovering at $2.30 and go up on what seems to be a weekly and sometime daily bases. I'm spending almost a $100 bucks a week on gas and I only make $300 bucks per week. So with the cell phone bill, insurence, and savings, Im left with about 30 bucks for entertainment a week. That's killing me since I really want a vacation.

 

[JNasty4G63]

Yea, I hear ya. I doubt the new Golf V will be very much more than the current Golf IV, but it probably won't be here until the end of the year. And, even then, I think I heard we're getting the GTI first, and then the rest of the line is getting phased in. So, yea, just get an '05 TDI and live with the great mileage. Just get the GL, no need for the GLS, since you only get a few silly extras with it. The GL is only $17.5k so its well under the $20k limit you suggested. And, if you can get a decent deal on trade for the Blazer, you're lookin good.

Hilg

 

[Joey D]

The only difference I can see between the GL and GLS is the sound system and the wheels. Which won't be any big deal since I will be transfering my nice Panasonic headunit and Infinity BassLink system over. I will be getting new wheels too, looks like VW has a nice selection from the dealer. But other then that I see no differences.

 

[JNasty4G63]

Yea, thats pretty much it. That and I believe the GLS has available heated seats and comes with the armrest. Nothing to get excited about. Nice thing with the TDI is that other than the engine, they are just like all the other Golfs, so suspension and body mods are the same. So, you can make them look great.

Hilg

 

[Joey D]

Ya I'm planning on it, nice set of groud effects, Eibach suspension system, some euro lights, and some other things. VW has a really nice selection of factory installed parts, including the suspension set up. I would rather let a dealer do the work, since while it's more expensive there will be now question on warrenty.

 

[JNasty4G63]

And, you might be able to get some of that stuff at the time of purchase, and add it in with the financing. And yes, they have some good stuff available. A friend of mine has a 20th Aniv GTI with a few factory things added. Great looking cars.

Hilg

 

[1X83Z]

Selling or trading it in, not sure. I can get about 10k on a trade in and about 12k on a private party deal.

Sell it privately. If you decide you don't "have" to go diesel, I can make some good recommendations on fun yet fuel-efficient GM cars in your price range. Let me know.

They also come with Triptornic, what in God's name is that. I don't like new fangled technological words .

Manumatic. It may or may not have steering wheel shift buttons - our A4 did but it was optional - I can't remember whether the Jetta TDI does. GLS should add a premium sound system plus a power sunroof and alloys - to me it's worth the relatively small price premium, especially because a sunroof isn't an option on GL models.

 

[retsmah]

0-60 in under 6 seconds, 70mpg, $3000

 

[Joey D]

Sell it privately. If you decide you don't "have" to go diesel, I can make some good recommendations on fun yet fuel-efficient GM cars in your price range. Let me know.

I'm open to all suggestions. I don't have to go diesel, but I would like something over 30mpg.

Manumatic. It may or may not have steering wheel shift buttons - our A4 did but it was optional - I can't remember whether the Jetta TDI does. GLS should add a premium sound system plus a power sunroof and alloys - to me it's worth the relatively small price premium, especially because a sunroof isn't an option on GL models.

Damn I really want a sunroof, I've always wanted a sunroof since they are so nice in Michigan. I might look into a GLS.

0-60 in under 6 seconds, 70mpg, $3000

Trust me I want a bike really bad but I could only use it between April and October. I need something for the winter.

 

[Jmac279]

GM makes fun, fuel-efficient cars ?

 

[Joey D]

*sigh* I'm not going to debate this. But the Malibu Maxx has the highest fuel rating for it's class.

 

[MrktMkr1986]

*sigh* I'm not going to debate this. But the Malibu Maxx has the highest fuel rating for it's class.

The Malibu Maxx is nice. It comes with loads of equipment, is relatively inexpensive especially if you go for the "LS Maxx" model (< $22k), and can easily average about 24 mpg in everyday driving, closer to 32-35mpg on the highway. The 3.5-liter V6 is strong and the transmission is smooth, you can run it on regular, the ride is a bit soft but good overall, it handles well, quiet interior, tons of cargo space, and is the best value for money in its class.

 

[Joey D]

While I'm sure it's a great car, I don't think I could buy one since my Grandma drives one. I want something a little more youthful looking. Plus GM is working on some new projects, and will have a new line of what have you cars in 2008.

 

[1X83Z]

I'm open to all suggestions. I don't have to go diesel, but I would like something over 30mpg.

Top suggestion is nowhere near that, but it should save you quite a bit originally. My favorite used car under $15000 - overall, not just GM - is the 1997-2004 Buick Regal GS, which should list anywhere from $6000 for a decent '97 to $16000 for a nice '04. Fuel economy was an EPA rated 18/27, which probably means about 23mpg overall given the amount of driving you do, but the main benefit is initial cost - you can probably go Blazer-for-Regal if you sell the Blazer privately, and given you were prepared to spend $20000 you'd save a bundle.

The 1999-2002 Saab 9-3 is a nice car too - even in automatic, base engine guise. The base model (185hp 2.0L turbo four) was the only one available with an automatic, rated at 19/25 or about 21mpg given your driving. Early ones are going for $7000 these days; $12000 can buy you a very nice 2001. I wouldn't recommend the WRX - you'd need to get a manual to get the same fuel economy as the above cars, and since you prefer automatic you'd get worse mileage and similar performance to the two vehicles listed above. Not to mention even cheap '02 WRXs go for $16000, which isn't much of a deal since you're not saving that much fuel.

Top new-car rec is the Suzuki Aerio. That's a GM vehicle for those keeping score at home - barely. Standard features are great and made even better with the '05 introduction of front side airbags. Horsepower's 155 but 27mpg is easily achievable. List on the base model is just $13000, climbing to a base of $14700 on the LX, with a standard 6-disc CD changer and heated mirrors. I'd really consider this one new if acceleration means anything to you (it's very on-par with the Jetta TDI except it would leave one in the dust - if fuel economy's more important, get Jetta; if performance is, go Suzuki).

I also like the Kia Spectra EX and Hyundai Elantra GLS, though they aren't GM vehicles. Truth be told, 30mpg is tough to achieve over at GM, and even tougher if you want fun-to-drive. Hell, 30mpg anywhere is tough to achieve if you want 'fun-to-drive', especially if acceleration has anything to do with 'fun-to-drive.'

 

[Anderton Prime]

Kias are CRAP. My brother has one, and we were out on the highway a few nights ago in rainy weather with some moderate wind, and it was VERY hard to keep in a straight line. It's a tiny, jittery, bare-bones aluminum can with wheels. It doesn't look too bad, but everything about it screams cheapness. The name is not very well-repsected as far as build quality goes, at least that's the case where I live...

 

[Jmac279]

The Suzuki Aerio has nothing to do with GM ... GM only has a 20% stake in Suzuki, so while they do partially own Suzuki, they aren't majority shareholders and, therefore, don't own Suzuki ...

The only thing lately that Suzuki has in common with GM are the cars that are made by Daewoo ...

Daewoo Kalos
Chevrolet Aveo/Pontiac Wave
Suzuki Swift+

Daewoo Lacetti
Chevrolet Optra
Suzuki Firenza

Daewoo Magnus
Chevrolet Epica
Suzuki Verona

And the Swift+ is being replaced with a new Swift made by Suzuki ...

 

[Joey D]

Then Suzuki has something to do with GM, in order to park in the parking garage at work I must drive a GM car. But I don't want to turn this in to a debate.

 

[Jmac279]

They have something to do with GM, yes, but GM holds shares in a lot of companies and is also business partners with many companies ...

If the company just needs to have some sort of relationship with GM, then you could get any Ferrari (Fiat Group), BMW, Toyota/Lexus, Suzuki, Nissan/Infiniti (Renault), Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries), Isuzu, etc. and they couldn't say a thing since all of them have some sort of business relationship with GM ...

 

[Joey D]

Exactly, I just need to drive a product that is in conjuction with GM. I'm agreeing with you ok?

 

[Sniffs]

chuckle* nope, not fiat group...GM pulled out because Fiat wanted them to buy them COMPLETELY out.

Honda insights are panned because of the same reasons that were given for the Aerio...no sound insulation, aluminum construction, and low rolling resistance tires to acheive that high milage.

the lines for prius are miles/Kilometers long.

the new Suzukis are Daewoos...GM bought the remnants

FYI to Europeans: american Petrol and Deisel is a lower grade than what Europe has...that's why our mileage is so low and our prices so cheap compared to over there.

 

[Joey D]

the lines for prius are miles/Kilometers long.

If you want one come to Michigan, they are on the lot.

 

[1X83Z]

The Suzuki Aerio has nothing to do with GM ...

The brand does. I assume that gives you access at the GM parking garages. Close parking at Nissan HQ (where I do not work) is reserved for practically every brand ever half-associated with Nissan. Show up in a LeCar and get in because twenty years later Renault buys Nissan.

 

[Sniffs]

just as long as Renault doesn't try and send their "colonial" crap over here again. I was impressed with the stuff i saw in GT2...hope they pulled their act together real life.

did you ever try putting 89 in your tank, BlazinXtreme? of the half dozen cars I've had over the years, every one but the worn out Camry LE i had got 7 more miles per gallon.

 

[Joey D]

Yes I have tried putting 89 in the tank but the price of premium here is like $2.40 and I'm filling up twice a week now. Hell I even stopped going cruising on Wednesday, Friday, and Staurday nights. But I don't think my truck liked it none when I put premium in the tank, it went through gas quicker.

 

[1X83Z]

I have a friend who puts Premium in his late-90s GMC Savana cargo van with the 4.3. Freakin' absurd...

 

[Firebird]

FYI to Europeans: american Petrol and Deisel is a lower grade than what Europe has...that's why our mileage is so low and our prices so cheap compared to over there.

Actually, North American gasoline is often of a higher grade than European gasoline. Hell, it wasn't until the mid-1990s that western Europe had finally rid itself of leaded gasoline (which has been markedly absent in the States and Canada since the early '80s).

And North American diesel is of pretty much the same "grade" (i.e. has the same resistance to pre-ignition) as European diesel too.

North American diesel has much more sulfur in it, which makes it stink, destroys most European emissions equipment, and has a higher propensity for clogging the fuel systems of newer common-rail engines with "finer" fuel injectors. It's the main reason why newer CRD engines haven't been introduced in great numbers in North America, as well as why older North American diesels were designed with very flexible fuel injection systems (for example, an older 12-valve Cummins I6 can run on not only diesel, but kerosene, vegetable oil, bio-diesel, military-spec diesel, agricultural diesel, commercial diesels, and various jet fuels including JP4, JP5 and JP8; it would probably run on motor oil if you wanted it to...).

 

[Sniffs]

i'm going by Octane and Cetane count
american GAS is 87/89/92
european PETROL is something like 93/95/98

and of COURSE the Europeans still use leaded...they still run vehicles that require leaded gas. from what I understand, it's cheaper to fix cars in Europe than it is to buy them, while over here, it's the other way around.

for example...a tie rod end that I'd needed for my Lumina, which my then partner could have got from Britain would have cost £15 WITH all the taxes and VAT...the local price was 30 bucks WITHOUT any taxes.

as for deisels, hopefully the new regs and reduced sulfur conent will work...but another freind in Europe was shocked when I told him what the cetane count for american deisel was, and said "that's low!"