Gas versus Deisel

pint · 03-16-08, 09:11 PM

Looking for a decent commuter that gets 30mpg plus, ideally $10K or less. Thought about the new Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, but they are really more than I want too spend. I drive 25K a year in the Rockies and want to save my Cruiser for the weekends since it gets 12-15mpg! Also don't want the wear and tear. I see a lot of VW TDI Jetta and Golf's, Honda Civic's, etc. What else is there? It would be nice to have something kinda fun as well? I know, I want it all! I would prefer gas over deisel, but that is only because I am more comfortable with gas. I've never owned a diesel. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

hoser · 03-18-08, 02:30 PM

Go for a SMART car! Starts at about $12k. I rented one while in Greece and kinda liked it. It had get-up and go, rear wheel drive and gets 35 mpg. Another option is a Mini Cooper. Could pick up a used Mini for $10k.

My old 2000 VW GTI was a nice solid daily driver. It was safe and had good torque when you chipped the turbo. But only did 24-26 mpg. The Diesel VW's will be a great fuel saver but not sure if you can find a decent mileage one for $10k.

pint · 03-18-08, 09:37 PM

I am thinking about the Mini. Fun & economical! The Smart may be a bit too small as I will need to drive 75-80mph in traffic???

hoser · 03-18-08, 10:44 PM

"75-80 mph in traffic" isn't that a bit of an oxymoron? Haha. Yeah, the Smart car can do those speeds but probably not too stable. I vote for the Mini if gas and VW if diesel.

If I lived in Europe, I go with a BMW 520d. Of course, its more money but we are talking 50+ mpg.

Toyota Prius proves a gas guzzler in a race with the BMW 520d review | Used Car Reviews | Driving - Times Online

sandcruiser · 03-19-08, 09:50 AM

Had a Golf 4door for a while, a gasser. drove great, got nearly 30mpg. Drove great.
Fun to drive, with a good stereo and AC it is just a nice, simple vehicle in which to get around.

Or find a decent honda accord or civic. Great mileage. Reliable. Not "fun" per se, but not so bad either.

Cruiserhead05 · 03-19-08, 11:03 AM

Some will argue the Mini's are ghey, but considering some are supercharged, fun to drive, and still manage 35mpg on the highway is hard to ignore.

sandcruiser · 03-19-08, 11:32 AM

....if you're worried enough about your manliness that a car is going to throw you into a tailspin, you might have bigger problems than choosing a new car...

Are diesel ford pickups in the USA market yet? they are common and inexpensive around here, work well and sip fuel. Not as durable as their toyota counterparts, but they are pretty good and I'd think that it would be cheap to fix in the States.

pint · 03-19-08, 07:40 PM

Was also looking at the 2003 VW GTI 20th Anniversary edition, and 2002-2003 Honda Civic SI. I like hatchbacks, both are fun and get good mpg.

Mace · 03-19-08, 08:26 PM

diesel jetta..

get it..

AJP · 03-19-08, 08:32 PM

Been sort of going through the same question....as diesel starts to climb in cost I am beginning to lean towards gas as the best option (unless you plan to grow your own canola) ...

here's my general, and rambling, thought process to date fwiw:

For a mixed city/highway commuter

Only reasonably priced diesel seems to be VW ... ( the Smart is not a serious highway commuter)
ALL VW dealers (locally at least) have the same "attitude" like they are doing you a favour selling you a car
VW's are solid and seem to handle fine - I enjoy the ride...BUT electric problems seem very common however and repair/maintenance/parts are pricey based on several friends experience who drive them - plus all but one reports "serious" attitude over warranty work/claims and general repairs..
Diesel mtce is infrequent BUT can be very pricey ... again based on friends operating Passat diesels.
VW Diesels seem to go on to achieve high mileage
Honda Civics and Toyota Corolla's also achieve high mileage despite being driven hard and generally abused.
Civics and Corolla's are extremely reliable and start readily in very cold weather - important where I am.
Civics and Corolla's are cheap to maintain
I am beginning to believe that annual operating costs (fuel, insurance, mtce etc etc ) make the Civic/Corolla a much cheaper proposition over 300k miles.
Resale on Civics and Corollas is very good.
Resale on VW seems to be all over the map.Although Diesels seem to command high prices.

hoser · 03-19-08, 08:56 PM

The '03 GTI Anniversary is great because it has a 6 speed. I always thought the 5 sp needed a higher gear on the freeway. The 1.8T is a great engine and I would take it over the VR6.

I have been also looking for fun daily driver, more emphasis on fun over economy though. So it had to be RWD. Ended up getting an E46 M3. Mileage is not great but it's almost twice that of my 100!

pint · 03-20-08, 06:50 AM

I love the E46 M3's, but maintenance scares me a bit.

Gus · 03-24-08, 10:55 AM

Finding a nice late model(2000-present) VW TDI with somewhat low mileage for under $10k is tough; they are great little cars, easy to maintain, obviously get great mileage(45 mpg+) but maybe a bit over-engineered. As others have said, Handa Civics and Toyota Corollas are safe bets, they're what I'd drive if the TDIs weren't available. Scions can be found at reasonable prices, they're a Toyota company and get decent mileage.

joshoisasleep · 04-09-08, 04:32 PM

My BJ60 does 25mpg. That's a great fun daily driver. I don't know why I felt the need to taunt people.

03-16-08, 09:11 PM	#1
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,021	Gas versus Deisel Looking for a decent commuter that gets 30mpg plus, ideally $10K or less. Thought about the new Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, but they are really more than I want too spend. I drive 25K a year in the Rockies and want to save my Cruiser for the weekends since it gets 12-15mpg! Also don't want the wear and tear. I see a lot of VW TDI Jetta and Golf's, Honda Civic's, etc. What else is there? It would be nice to have something kinda fun as well? I know, I want it all! I would prefer gas over deisel, but that is only because I am more comfortable with gas. I've never owned a diesel. Any thoughts would be appreciated. __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

03-18-08, 02:30 PM	#2
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,700	Go for a SMART car! Starts at about $12k. I rented one while in Greece and kinda liked it. It had get-up and go, rear wheel drive and gets 35 mpg. Another option is a Mini Cooper. Could pick up a used Mini for $10k. My old 2000 VW GTI was a nice solid daily driver. It was safe and had good torque when you chipped the turbo. But only did 24-26 mpg. The Diesel VW's will be a great fuel saver but not sure if you can find a decent mileage one for $10k. __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

03-18-08, 09:37 PM	#3
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,021	I am thinking about the Mini. Fun & economical! The Smart may be a bit too small as I will need to drive 75-80mph in traffic??? __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

03-18-08, 10:44 PM	#4
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,700	"75-80 mph in traffic" isn't that a bit of an oxymoron? Haha. Yeah, the Smart car can do those speeds but probably not too stable. I vote for the Mini if gas and VW if diesel. If I lived in Europe, I go with a BMW 520d. Of course, its more money but we are talking 50+ mpg. Toyota Prius proves a gas guzzler in a race with the BMW 520d review \| Used Car Reviews \| Driving - Times Online __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

03-19-08, 09:50 AM	#5
sandcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica Posts: 1,817	Had a Golf 4door for a while, a gasser. drove great, got nearly 30mpg. Drove great. Fun to drive, with a good stereo and AC it is just a nice, simple vehicle in which to get around. Or find a decent honda accord or civic. Great mileage. Reliable. Not "fun" per se, but not so bad either. __________________ 91 fj80 w/ 93 1HD-T. OME 850/860 w/ 1" front spacer, LEDs, HIRs, Hankook MT's 31x10.50r15, ARB rear locker (in progress), in garage: lightforce lights, full rack, superwinch X9, maggiolina tent, hella horns. WTB: Tan DS mirror & housing '88 HJ60, "Louie" For Sale in Costa Rica.

03-19-08, 11:03 AM	#6
Cruiserhead05 ...should be studying Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,562	Some will argue the Mini's are ghey, but considering some are supercharged, fun to drive, and still manage 35mpg on the highway is hard to ignore. __________________ -Brandon- FZJ80 '89 Cressida - 1JZ Sleeper

03-19-08, 11:32 AM	#7
sandcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica Posts: 1,817	....if you're worried enough about your manliness that a car is going to throw you into a tailspin, you might have bigger problems than choosing a new car... Are diesel ford pickups in the USA market yet? they are common and inexpensive around here, work well and sip fuel. Not as durable as their toyota counterparts, but they are pretty good and I'd think that it would be cheap to fix in the States. __________________ 91 fj80 w/ 93 1HD-T. OME 850/860 w/ 1" front spacer, LEDs, HIRs, Hankook MT's 31x10.50r15, ARB rear locker (in progress), in garage: lightforce lights, full rack, superwinch X9, maggiolina tent, hella horns. WTB: Tan DS mirror & housing '88 HJ60, "Louie" For Sale in Costa Rica.

03-19-08, 07:40 PM	#8
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,021	Was also looking at the 2003 VW GTI 20th Anniversary edition, and 2002-2003 Honda Civic SI. I like hatchbacks, both are fun and get good mpg. __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

03-19-08, 08:26 PM	#9
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 10,769	diesel jetta.. get it.. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

03-19-08, 08:32 PM	#10
AJP IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 272	Been sort of going through the same question....as diesel starts to climb in cost I am beginning to lean towards gas as the best option (unless you plan to grow your own canola) ... here's my general, and rambling, thought process to date fwiw: For a mixed city/highway commuter Only reasonably priced diesel seems to be VW ... ( the Smart is not a serious highway commuter) ALL VW dealers (locally at least) have the same "attitude" like they are doing you a favour selling you a car VW's are solid and seem to handle fine - I enjoy the ride...BUT electric problems seem very common however and repair/maintenance/parts are pricey based on several friends experience who drive them - plus all but one reports "serious" attitude over warranty work/claims and general repairs.. Diesel mtce is infrequent BUT can be very pricey ... again based on friends operating Passat diesels. VW Diesels seem to go on to achieve high mileage Honda Civics and Toyota Corolla's also achieve high mileage despite being driven hard and generally abused. Civics and Corolla's are extremely reliable and start readily in very cold weather - important where I am. Civics and Corolla's are cheap to maintain I am beginning to believe that annual operating costs (fuel, insurance, mtce etc etc ) make the Civic/Corolla a much cheaper proposition over 300k miles. Resale on Civics and Corollas is very good. Resale on VW seems to be all over the map.Although Diesels seem to command high prices.

03-19-08, 08:56 PM	#11
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,700	The '03 GTI Anniversary is great because it has a 6 speed. I always thought the 5 sp needed a higher gear on the freeway. The 1.8T is a great engine and I would take it over the VR6. I have been also looking for fun daily driver, more emphasis on fun over economy though. So it had to be RWD. Ended up getting an E46 M3. Mileage is not great but it's almost twice that of my 100! __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

03-20-08, 06:50 AM	#12
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,021	I love the E46 M3's, but maintenance scares me a bit. __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

03-24-08, 10:55 AM	#13
Gus IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Canaan, NH TLCA# 12746 Posts: 1,009	Finding a nice late model(2000-present) VW TDI with somewhat low mileage for under $10k is tough; they are great little cars, easy to maintain, obviously get great mileage(45 mpg+) but maybe a bit over-engineered. As others have said, Handa Civics and Toyota Corollas are safe bets, they're what I'd drive if the TDIs weren't available. Scions can be found at reasonable prices, they're a Toyota company and get decent mileage. __________________ 73 FJ40 trail rig, 79 FJ40 sloooooowly rebuilding, 64 FJ45LV project, 83 FJ65 project, 04.5 Dodge 2500 CTD, 04 VW Jetta TDI

04-09-08, 04:32 PM	#14
joshoisasleep IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Somewhere in South America... Posts: 599	My BJ60 does 25mpg. That's a great fun daily driver. I don't know why I felt the need to taunt people. __________________ Sometimes I drink and post... Adventuring in my BJ-T62 www.wanderinglost.com

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