A bit off the topic - your opinion please... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MercFan · #1 08-14-2006, 11:36 AM

Sorry if this is a bit off the topic here, but I was curious to what others think about this:

Although I'm generally happy with my Cummins Turbo diesel truck it's truly an overkill for me most of the time... I bought the truck because it had Cummins TD - I wanted a reliable engine with a promise of longevity and decent fuel efficiency and I plan on keeping it for a long time.

Wouldn't it be nice though if there was a SMALLER pickup truck on the US market with a nice efficient yet capable 4 cyl diesel engine - i.e. Dodge Dakota, Colorado or even Toyota Tundra. I would love to drive a small diesel powered truck that gets above 25mpg instead of hauling around in a 3/4 ton behemoth just so I can drive a diesel truck...

Am I the only one that's wishing for this?! Why isn't somethign like that available for us here in US especially with the looming fuel crisis?

TX76513 · #2 08-14-2006, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercFan

Sorry if this is a bit off the topic here, but I was curious to what others think about this:

Although I'm generally happy with my Cummins Turbo diesel truck it's truly an overkill for me most of the time... I bought the truck because it had Cummins TD - I wanted a reliable engine with a promise of longevity and decent fuel efficiency and I plan on keeping it for a long time.

Wouldn't it be nice though if there was a SMALLER pickup truck on the US market with a nice efficient yet capable 4 cyl diesel engine - i.e. Dodge Dakota, Colorado or even Toyota Tundra. I would love to drive a small diesel powered truck that gets above 25mpg instead of hauling around in a 3/4 ton behemoth just so I can drive a diesel truck...

Am I the only one that's wishing for this?! Why isn't somethign like that available for us here in US especially with the looming fuel crisis?

Isuzu tried this until 1986 - the 4 cyl Diesel was killing there service department - the problem was they were pretty damn reliable and were not comming in. I would bet we will start to see some more in '07.

Obnoxio · #3 08-14-2006, 11:46 AM

Toyota makes some great diesel powered trucks, we just cant have them in the USA right now. What I would give for a base model Landcruiser with the inline 6 TD engine, cloth seats, 4wd, etc. No frills, just a good schlepper.

Old300D · #4 08-14-2006, 11:46 AM

I would jump at the opportunity to convert my Toyota 4x4 to diesel. An engine can be imported in a half-cut from Japan that bolts in. Typical mileage is over 30 mph, instead of the 27 highway mpg I get now. I just don't drive it enough to justify the expense.

clint77002 · #5 08-14-2006, 11:47 AM

Nope, you are not alone. I have wanted somethink like you described for several years. When I talk to dealers about it they say that it would never sell. They have the image of a diesel being a "big rig" and "no one wants a small diesel". I think that if any respectable pickup mfg would sell a 4cyl diesel in the body of a standard 1/2 ton (or even better, Chevy Colorado or Dodge Dakota) pickup they would not be able to keep them in stock. To get 25mpg in a pickup geared for folks who need the bed capacity to haul loads of crap (not 10K lb of livestock) would be wonderful. I have no idea where Ford, Dodge, GM, get their marketing data but I know of lots of folks who'd swap their 1/2 gasser for a comparable or smaller diesel.

clint

dieseldiehard · #6 08-14-2006, 11:49 AM

I see the Isuzu diesel Pups around occasionally.
There are a few Mitsubishi diesel trucks around but not a lot but I would worry about finding parts for one. Go with what is popular. And the future should bring a lot of new diesel trucks with advanced engines that really provide great fuel mileage. You just have to wait a year or two I think. Toyota would get my bet for the better manufacturer.

Obnoxio · #7 08-14-2006, 11:49 AM

I hear thru the grapevine that a Diesel Tundra is coming our way. Hopefully with an inline 6 turbo. The new styling hasnt grown on me yet, but it might with the right engine.

Rashakor · #8 08-14-2006, 12:54 PM

but even the pickup you r discussing are real monsters (Tundra, F150...). what people need to realize is that they really don't need such large pickups. A diesel Ranger would be a nice size vehicle with all the perks we are looking for...

JEREMYC · #9 08-14-2006, 01:05 PM

Just think of all the WVO I could haul around in that!

MercFan · #10 08-14-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rashakor

A diesel Ranger would be a nice size vehicle with all the perks we are looking for...

You're right, that would be REALLY nice - it's a great size pickup. Think of a nice stick shift with a capable diesel engine... one can only dream...

fastpakr · #11 08-14-2006, 01:33 PM

They even produce the international Ranger with diesel engines. Definitely in South America, but I believe in Mexico as well.

Diesel4me · #12 08-14-2006, 01:53 PM

The Ford Ranger is nearly pre-historic these days, how long has that design been around anyway?

I'l love a Honda Ridgeline with the Honda turbodiesel, that would be the *****.

fastpakr · #13 08-14-2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel4me

The Ford Ranger is nearly pre-historic these days, how long has that design been around anyway?

I'l love a Honda Ridgeline with the Honda turbodiesel, that would be the *****.

I suppose that depends on what you're looking for. The Ridgeline is a very good design, if the passenger/road aspect weighs more heavily than the pure utility aspect (I'm not saying it's junk, just geared toward different purposes). Personally, I liked the utilitarian design of the pre-98 Rangers a bit better than the new SLA suspension, but it all gets the job done. Either way, if I couldn't get a diesel I'd love to have the Ridgeline's 3.5 in the Ranger, regardless.

mookie32 · #14 08-14-2006, 02:07 PM

I know that VW is selling cars with 4 cylinder diesels, but I heard they are discontinuing them in 2007. I may be wrong about that.
Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Jim Anderson · #15 08-14-2006, 03:52 PM

VW used to make a Rabbit pickup with a diesel.

I think it had a 1/10 ton capacity