altered sprinter,
as a consumer i am interested in getting the best bang for the
buck. i have read that the european union taxes diesel at a lower rate
than gas. therefore diesel is definitly a better deal than then in the US.
Best bang for the buck, we're all with you there!
In Germany anyhow it is more expensive to
own a Diesel vehicle than a gasser. A little grey here on the details but there is some sort of additional tax (sort of a property tax) on them. Better deal? Not so sure. If so it's due to the better fuel economy. There's not much of anything that's a deal there price wise.
gerrym51;4774 said:
my rationale for gas is this. if there is not a greater savings overall
for a diesel engine in van(not big great weight bearing trucks)
why get into the hassle of cold weather starts, more expensive
fuel in US, more expensive maintenance(although in some cases longer lasting). in the US market for what i plan to do with the sprinter
gas looks like a better choice
gerry
Cold weather starts are really a non issue for much of the US. The rest have block heaters. Where are you from Gerry? Toss some info in your profile...take your coat off, stay a while
More expensive fuel? The prices are a non-stop roller coaster. Around here (although not for a while) sometimes less than regular unleaded. Sometimes more than premium.
More expensive maintenance when compared to? A Ford or Chevy, maybe. A gas Mercedes? Mercedes maintenance is going to cost you regardless of engine type. You won't be walking out of the service dept saying "Boy, that was cheap!" either way
michigandon said:
$800 to replace a particulate filter?
Gimme a piece of 2.5" exahuast pipe, some collars and clamps, and a Sawzall and I'll remedy that problem for good for a LOT less money.
AHAMAYfrank said:
....On the same hill with the cruise set at 65mph the dang thing downshifted twice. I put a bunch of gas in it the two days I had it also. I think a big advantage for me is the torque of a diesel. The 2007 is ordered and I can’t wait!!
Frank
Diesel's kick-a$$ on the hills. You have to get those gas engines spinning so fast (more waste) to get into the feeble "power band". Then when you get there it's like...is that all you've got?
topless said:
You take a gas truck and a turbo diesel truck with the same size and weight and head up a 4 mile long 6% grade, and the gasser will be 1-1/2 miles from the top when the TD is headed down the other side.
Thats not considering the diesel lasting 2-3 times as long. One more thing, yes a diesel costs more up front, it also returns more on the end. Almost dollar for dollar.
Word-up!
Gerry, need we add resale value?