Diesel Cars

[Groover]

Thinking about getting a used diesel car. Used and no[size=78%] older than say 10 years. What's out there in the US? The size of a Ford Taurus, so mid/large size I guess. Just something hefty and reliable, tank like. Less bells and whistles the better.[/size]



Suggestions?

[Ncdan]

If I were to look at a diesel car here are a couple  things I would consider.
In my area the fuel as around 20-30 percent higher that lower grade gasoline.
- the inherent cost of the repair of a Diesel engine is normally higher than a gasoline engine.
- today’s gasoline motors have good torque specs and the fuel mileage is competitive with the diesel motor.
Personally I can’t see any advantages in diesel over gasoline.
That being said, follow your knowledge of the subject and your wallet 👍

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I have a plain Jane 2013 VW Jetta TDI and I love driving it (more than my old BMW 330i)  with the low end torque always there, like my 1200 Sport!

[AJ Huff]

If I were to get a diesel again I'd get VW. I think MB still makes one. Maybe? I'd consider one of those too.

-AJ

[Groover]

My knowledge of diesel is from the 80s and stops pretty much there. I liked the character of them (low end torque), rugged engines that seemed to go on forever. Haven't done the fuel cost comparison, but that's a great point.

[CPRMan]

Don't bother looking at modern diesels, unless you're going to do at least 15,000 miles per year with regular long journeys. Any less and the particulate filters block up with really high repair costs. Its almost better to get a well used high mileage one than one used in the town. That said I did 150,000 on a 1995 Audi A6, regularly seeing 60mpg (UK gallons) and 1000mile range.

I not sure what is available in US, but older, simpler MBs, Audi/VWs are always good, but avoid anything with complicated emissions stuff. They are a nightmare to keep running properly and to repair.

[Sye]

It depends on your budget. I have a 3.0 V6 Tdi Audi quattro A4 and can't recommend it enough. 42mpg (UK) in town and 48mpg on a run. 272bhp and comfy too.

[AJ Huff]

I loved my 09 TDI Jetta (until it was sadly recalled and crushed). It did have on BIG problem though. In GA I never saw any biodiesel. Moved to Iowa and I haven't see any diesel that wasn't biodiesel. That stuff loosened up crud in the fuel system and I had to have the entire fuel system replaced. After that it ran great on biodiesel. Fantastic car. I'd have no qualms getting a pre- or post- recall diesel again

-AJ

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

"Taurus sized" narrows down the choices considerably.

[Madtownguzzi]

VW Passat might fit your needs.

"Taurus sized" narrows down the choices considerably.

[Cdn850T5NT]

I have driven a VW TDI 6speed manual, prior to VW's dieselgate, and it was 'real nice. A hoot, in fact. Tons of low end jam.

Having said this:
i) VW's dieselgate "fix" apparently really took the shine off the performance and possibly the fuel economy;
ii) exhaust particulate filters go out on them... and are 'real big $ to fix; and
iii) North American diesel fuel is of the low sulphur variety. Better for the envir. but worse for the super high pressure fuel system components.No fuel built-in lubricity (like it used to be) and now 'way higher injection pressures mean that fuel injection cpts are no longer long-lived. $$$ to replace.

Direct injected cars (on gasoline) bridge some of the torque differences and economy differences.

No diesels for this kid, I'm afraid... Fuel savings are great... 'till u have a big repair bill that surpasses...

[Daniel Kalal]

i) VW's dieselgate "fix" apparently really took the shine off...

careful not to generalize all tdi engines as using the same technology or receiving the same fix.  My 2015 GSW 6-speed manual, currently at 180,000 miles (no repairs) has averaged 50mpg (actual, not computer display) while my 2010 averaged 40 mpg.  The 2015 uses the blue fluid while the 2010 burned the particulates--entirely different methods to deal with emissions.  The "fix" for the 2015 was software and had no affect on mileage or performance.  That year stands unique as the last and best offerings of the tdi in the US.  If you're looking out for something, I'd go with the 2015 and ignore the rest.

[Cdn850T5NT]

So vw continued to offer diesels after dieselgate? With urea exhaust fluid? If so, then the 2015 "lied"about the nox levels... but then was fixed with NO decrement to fuel economy or performance?

[lucky phil]

Thinking about getting a used diesel car. Used and no[size=78%] older than say 10 years. What's out there in the US? The size of a Ford Taurus, so mid/large size I guess. Just something hefty and reliable, tank like. Less bells and whistles the better.[/size]



Suggestions?

I would only buy a common rail Diesel car if there was no other realistic choice available and then only brand new and with a warranty. Reasons? too dammed expensive to repair when they go wrong, and they do go wrong enough for it to be an issue for long term ownership.
I personally know of at least 4 people that have had major failures in common rail Diesel cars and they were all a case of the car being basically a give away as the repairs were too costly to make it a viable endeavour. How about $3500 for a new fuel pump plus labour? Just an example. The guys I worked with had ongoing issues with particulate filter, wearing throttle bodies, inlets that clogged so badly when you pulled the manifold off the 1 3/4 dia inlet was down to 1/2" inlet, the list goes on. My best friend who's a brilliant engineer with a full machine shop and a farm with plenty of tractors and a few Diesel cars actually talked to me about it and it's his view, and there's nothing he can't do on machinery. Great for heavy engines and trucks etc but light diesels, no.
At least parts and repairs for Gasoline engined cars are cheap and plentiful in the main and mechanics around everywhere.
I know there will be a gazillion responses saying just the opposite but there you have my view.

Ciao

[Cdn850T5NT]

I have heard the same...

[Aaron D.]

I loved my VW TDI with the PD engine, but they do eventually eat the camshaft and lifters.
PD came in around 2005, and left with the common rail.

[MadMike]

Fan of the 123 body style Mercedes Benz diesels. I've owned two, both 240D manual four speeds. Bullet proof and reliable. First one was cheap and needed too much work though. Constantly chasing rust. Nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.
Second one was well cared for and still use as my daily driver. 1983 with 260k miles. Parts are plentiful. Do all the work myself. Just finished replacing upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, and bushings. These cars have a crazy tight turning radius since they were designed to be taxis in the tight roads of European capitals. Took it for an alignment and was dialed in nicely. Just shy of 30 mpg's- not bad for a two ton car with a naturally aspirated four banger.

[Groover]

Ok, thanks guys. I knew I came to the right place to ask this question. Sounds like lots of cumulative experience. I do know a shop that is versed in diesel, but I don't think I want to visit them very often. I might just scratch this venture then. Again, I'm referencing 80's times when I lived in Italy where Diesel vehicles were/are common. I'll just stick to riding my donkey around town for now. 

[Ncdan]

A sign of a truly intelligent man when after seeing the data changes direction or stops and turns around 🤔😉😂👍

[Ncdan]

A sign of a truly intelligent man when after seeing the data, changes direction or stops and turns around 🤔😉😂👍

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thinking about getting a used diesel car. Used and no[size=78%] older than say 10 years. What's out there in the US? The size of a Ford Taurus, so mid/large size I guess. Just something hefty and reliable, tank like. Less bells and whistles the better.[/size]



Suggestions?

Doesn't fit into your required "no older than 10 years", but my choice would be a '93 or earlier Mercedes W124 300D 2.5 Turbo. A really nice one can be bought for not a lot of $$. For instance: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mercedes-benz-300e-10/

[Joliet Jim]

after the pt cruiser engine went, we bought a certified VW 2013 Jetta Sportwagon TDI. Certified came with a lifetime engine powertrain warranty for the diesel. We also picked up an extended one, so were have no worries for about 5 more years. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Only downside is the torque likes to spin the tires.

[hauto]

I have a 06 jetta TDI  that I bought new. I have about 200k on it and no issues. My dual mass flywheel is getting noisy. Always changed the oil and my PD has no cam issues. If you could find a low mileage 2006,that is what I would get. Last year for simple diesel motors.

[Scout63]

We have had a 2013 VW 3.0 liter v6 diesel Touareg since new. It’s a tank.  Over 400 ft pounds of torque, 7500 pound tow rating and very few mechanical issues at 110k miles.  I don’t want to sell it since they stopped importing diesels after getting busted.

[Aaron D.]

I have a 06 jetta TDI  that I bought new. I have about 200k on it and no issues. My dual mass flywheel is getting noisy. Always changed the oil and my PD has no cam issues. If you could find a low mileage 2006,that is what I would get. Last year for simple diesel motors.

It's probably the best running of the VW bunch, a great design.
My cam went at 210K. Cheap and easy to fix though. I drove it another 100K

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

We have had a 2013 VW 3.0 liter v6 diesel Touareg since new. It’s a tank.  Over 400 ft pounds of torque, 7500 pound tow rating and very few mechanical issues at 110k miles.  I don’t want to sell it since they stopped importing diesels after getting busted.

My brother just bought a 2014 and loves it so far.