Looking for my first NEW car

[Ripsnort]

Originally posted by mora
I've been doing emission test cycles for both modern diesel and gasoline cars. The emission levels of both of them are very low ,and barely measurable with a ten year old equipment. There might be slight advantages for gasoline engines when it comes to certain pollution components, but the most inportant factor IMO is the better efficiency of the diesel which therefore has lower CO2 emissions.

When it comes other pollution components than CO2, I think both engine types have reached a level where the enviromental effect is a small issue. Of course development is not a bad thing, but the most important thing now is to reduce fuel consumption, and that  of corse reduces all emissions.

I don't doubt that...Europes lack of sulphur (better burn efficiency, but higher cost of producing it, which in turn burns more energy doing so) allows less CO2 to emit. Modern diesel engines sold in Europe are clean and quiet. Unfortunately, the technology needed to make them like that gets clogged up with the high-sulfur diesel fuel sold in the U.S.
Our fuel price for diesel might be as high as yours if we processed it more efficiently, but where is the trade off? I would imagine the energy to do so might make up for the energy saved? (shrugs)

[Ripsnort]

Originally posted by Monk
Of course they will continue to clean it up.  Sorry Rip, I'm converted.  A heap full of low end torque and 60 mpg (thats when it's ragged on the autobahn) a bit more when I drive like a girly man.

I envy you guys. We don't have the options avail to us that you have in Euro regarding diesels.

[Nilsen]

I did like the X3 we tested. It was not a diesel tho. Abit over my budget without borrowing, but ill discuss this further with the missus and see were we land. I have dismissed the Audi and put the X3 in its place, so now its the Passat, X3 and the Peugeot 407SW as a maybe. We will check out the latter some time next week or maybe friday.

[Nilsen]

Originally posted by Monk
Nilsen,
Have you thought of a the new Skoda Octavia?  A VW without the 5000 dollar badge.

My wife picked up a Fabia RS - not a bad car.

Sorry Monk.. didnt see your post until now.

Yup, the Octavia sells pretty well here, but still the second hand value is very low for no good reason really. We have discussed it but decided not to go for one. Thx for your suggestion tho.

[Skuzzy]

Actually Rip, is is not so much about the processing as it is the crude itself.  There are different grades of crude.  Some contain high sulfur content, while others contain low sulfur content.

Most of Europe's crude is low sulfur, while the stuff we have here contains a high percentage of sulfur.

Sure, the sulfur can be processed out, but it costs a lot more to do so.

[rpm]

I don't know about the rest of the states, but Texas has mandated low sulfur, highway use diesel since the early 90's. Sulfer is added to diesel for lubricicity, like lead was added to gasoline to prevent knocking. Any high sulfur diesel must contain a red dye and can only be used in off road equiptment. I thought it was a nationwide thing.

Diesel is a more environment friendly fuel when burned properly. Of course, if you turn up the pump and swap injectors you will get lots of cool black smoke, horsepower and rotten milage.

One last tidbit, diesel does not contain any MTBE. Google that and get back to me.

[stantond]

Originally posted by Nilsen
I am leaning towards the Passat. I just found out that none of the Toyota Avensis models with diesel comes with an automatic so im left with Passat and Audi. I must say that i really liked that Peugeot 407 that Staga posted.  

Not sure i follow you.. "european equivalent to pickup?" Do you mean in terms of popularity? Cant speak for the rest of europe, but in Norway its by far the most popular type of car.

I was referring to a vehicle which has extra capability which is rarely used, is somewhat extravagent, and very popular.  In rural areas, pickup trucks are very practical.  In the city they aren't, but they are very popular.  

As an aside, I started looking into VW diesel engines lately.  The Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) engines like one on a Passat are available here.  I have considered buying one, not because it is a real value or practical but because I am a techo tourist.  The turbo diesel  TDI technology is very interesting.  Also, here in the states there is the option of burning biodeisel which is about $4.00/gal.  I think that would void a new car warranty though.    The station wagon concept might be a suitably extravagent alternative to a pickup truck, but then I already have a 5.7L GMC truck which I really like.  I understand why people like SUV's.  They are roomy, comfortable, have great visibility, and are safe from collisions against things other than a train, oak tree, another SUV, or a semi-tractor trailer.

If I felt I could effectively haggle a 15% discount from the local VW dealer on a new TDI diesel, I would buy one.  I may try anyway, but past experience has shown these guys don't give much. Here an American car manufacturer, such as Ford will give you 20% off sticker without much effort, depending on the model.  Of course, TDI diesels are not like a regular Jetta, Passat, etc and that makes a difference as well.  

I still recommend the Passat stationwagon.   However, if you plan to give the car to your children the BMW may be a better choice.  They don't sell Peugeot's here in the states anymore, so I won't comment on them.  
 


Regards,

Malta

p.s. A big benefit of Arabian 'sweet' crude is the low sulphur content. Mexico has a lot of oil but the suphur content is high.

[Nilsen]

Its 17 years until my daughter can drive so she wont get it.... i hope

Stationwagons are extremly popular here because of the norwegian lifestyle. We need the space because most weekends Norwegians load up their cars with kids and junk and go to their cabins or summerhouses. Sedans aren not very practical for that use. Pickup trucks could have been practical for those in some kind of construction business but because of the climate here they usually prefer somtehing with else.

[Hangtime]

.50 cal mount optional, not available in some areas.

[Nilsen]

You will never see me in a civilian hummer

One of the uglyest cars ever made!

[Hangtime]

yah.

Ugly.

But totally decadent.

it just ooozes with the aura of "I'm RITCH, Beyatch!"

besides, wouldn't it be nice to be able to drive over.. err.. 'see' over station wagons.