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Originally Posted by plusaf
woo-hoo! anyone want to do the math on the total cost per mile versus the Prius for anything under about two million miles a year???
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I get your point as to the overall cost of the Mercedes CDI, but really that's not a fair comparison. All things being equal, I'd love to have a Mercedes CDI but spending $50,000+ for an engineering masterpiece is not all that sensible for my family budget. I suspect that people buying that car are not doing it strickly for economic reasons?
A much better comparison would be looking at a variety of factors that include more than the initial cost and mile per gallon. I think a VW TDI model and a car like the Prius would be a better comparison. The initial cost is much closer and most likely size and ride comfort comparible. I suspect the VW's are a bit more sporty and know that the New Jetta likes to brag on its safety aspect. (its a
nice car BTW)
As for me, I opted for my 2003 VW Jetta TDI (figure about $18,000 - 20,000 new in 2003 and also have a 2001 TDI) partially because I've owned them in the past and understand what I'm getting into tinkering wise. I knew they were extremely efficient and would eat up the highway with plenty of torque. Did I mention they can be easily tuned adding about 40% gains on HP and Torque for those wanting performance?
My lifetime mileage is about 45 mpg and cost per mile is a miserly 5.8 cents which includes all maintenance (excluding personal labor)
and tires through 70,000 miles. I've also developed confidence in the longevity factor noteworthy in diesel cars -- yet to be conclusive with hybrids. Look around and you'll see significantly more 'high mile' diesel cars than gas powered vehicles.
With the improving Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and push for biodiesel, this new breed of diesel is far cleaner than in the past too. I've been pleasantly surprised as to how smooth my little 1.9 liter TDI runs on biodiesel ... it actually quiets the engine a little. Personally I'm anxious for someone to
mate up hybrid technology and a diesel AND sell it in the US. (ha ... I feel like I'm only dreaming)
My point is don't discount diesels ... they are not as bad a deal as you might think.