Big Three Go After Diesel Market - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Dewhite2485 · #61 01-02-2008, 10:18 PM

88 Hp. thats a race car next to the S10 diesel I just sold, it made 58 Hp it was awfully slow but got close to 40 mpg

SwampYankee · #62 01-03-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistel

Now here is a real diesel! A whopping 88 HP!

But really, it gets 30MPG, is a 4x4, 5 speed, has 6 bolts on the wheels, and it can carry anything I can fit in the bed. I had it so loaded with hardwood firewood that I had to run straps over the top of the wood.

That's a cool little truck! I dig the rallye wheels, too. If I could ever find one...

Hatterasguy · #63 01-03-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

That's a cool little truck! I dig the rallye wheels, too. If I could ever find one...

They are all swiss cheese by now up here! Salts wicked.

Skippy · #64 01-03-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistel

Now here is a real diesel! A whopping 88 HP!

But really, it gets 30MPG, is a 4x4, 5 speed, has 6 bolts on the wheels, and it can carry anything I can fit in the bed. I had it so loaded with hardwood firewood that I had to run straps over the top of the wood.

That reminds me. I was thumbing through Consumer Reports auto edition looking at the Toyota Tacoma and wishing someone would sell a little diesel-powered compact pickup in the States again. I saw all kinds of Ford Ranger, Isuzu compact, and Toyota pickup diesels when I was overseas, but they don't sell them here.

rwthomas1 · #65 01-03-2008, 05:58 PM

Since the Big 3 all offer plenty of diesel options outside the US I don't see how they can screw it up too badly. Should be plug-n-play.

Any vehicle weighing over 4K SHOULD be a diesel. The MPG difference is worth it.

Cold starting is generally not an issue anymore. Powerstrokes are notoriously cold-blooded. Diesels won't be as popular with the people in the coldest states. Not to worry, there are plenty of buyers in the other 90% of this country who will do just fine with them.

A 1/2ton truck is a joke for doing anything other than making the Harry Homeowner run to Home Dip*****. Yes, they can tow a 5K boat but its not what I would consider safe. The 3/4 and 1 ton frames are drastically different and the brakes are much larger. Gas engines SUCK to tow with. They have no torque and like to spend time with the RPM's in the stratosphere to keep the load moving. Of course, there are the large displacement gas engines that produce plenty of torque..... Then the gas mileage really sucks.

I tow either a tool trailer or a dump trailer every day. I wouldn't even consider owning a 1/2 ton or a gasser. Waste of time. My current truck just turned 251K. Minimal maintenance, super reliable, better resale and great longevity. I'll always buy a diesel to do what I do.

RT

Mistel · #66 01-03-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistel

Now here is a real diesel! A whopping 88 HP!

But really, it gets 30MPG, is a 4x4, 5 speed, has 6 bolts on the wheels, and it can carry anything I can fit in the bed. I had it so loaded with hardwood firewood that I had to run straps over the top of the wood.

It's a bit dirty in the picture, but there is no rust on it anywhere. It came from Arizona and was sold in the US by Dodge, but it is really a Mitsubishi. It's a 1983. I also use it to plow snow, as good as any truck I ever had.

TchTchr · #67 01-03-2008, 08:14 PM

My .02

The company that brings back the small, and I mean small, truck (think 1980 Toyota) will clean up especially if it is a diesel.

notfarnow · #68 01-03-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TchTchr

My .02

The company that brings back the small, and I mean small, truck (think 1980 Toyota) will clean up especially if it is a diesel.

Agreed, but the company that takes on the VW jetta will really take a big chunk too. I know so many people that hate VWs but want a diesel... I am one.

Subaru has the flat 4 TD on the way, Honda already has the 2.2 CTDi in europe. If I could buy a Honda Civic or Subaru Forrester diesel, I would never touch a VW again as long as I live.

aklim · #69 01-03-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwthomas1

Any vehicle weighing over 4K SHOULD be a diesel. The MPG difference is worth it.

Cold starting is generally not an issue anymore. Powerstrokes are notoriously cold-blooded. Diesels won't be as popular with the people in the coldest states. Not to worry, there are plenty of buyers in the other 90% of this country who will do just fine with them.

A 1/2ton truck is a joke for doing anything other than making the Harry Homeowner run to Home Dip*****. Yes, they can tow a 5K boat but its not what I would consider safe. The 3/4 and 1 ton frames are drastically different and the brakes are much larger. Gas engines SUCK to tow with. They have no torque and like to spend time with the RPM's in the stratosphere to keep the load moving. Of course, there are the large displacement gas engines that produce plenty of torque..... Then the gas mileage really sucks.

I would only use a diesel if I had to. Why? Because it is harder to get fuel, pumps are dirtier and it will have gelling issues if it does get cold. With the diesel, I always have to pump with disposable gloves. I never had to with gas. So yes, if mpg is the one and only concern, you might be right. However, the cost of diesel is higher too. Something to remember so it might not all be good. As to fuel availability, it is going to be a "chicken or egg" thing. It is going to take many more diesels to make them add a new tank and it is going to take new tanks to make it more convenient.

I have changed the oil to 5W40 and it starts in single digit temps. Now that they have gone to common rail it might be better than the old HEUI system

IF that is all that the guy is doing, I would agree with you. However, if you are towing a 5K boat once every couple of weeks, I don't think it is such a big issue. I don't think they suck towing. I have towed very well with gas engines. However, they are weak when you go up high altitudes because of the atmospheric pressure. Give them forced induction and you will see a difference. Remember, the diesels have forced induction otherwise it would too be a pooch.

rudolfgreen · #70 01-03-2008, 09:24 PM

It has been downright enjoyable to see oil topping $100 a barrel on the ticker with a horsepower touting commercial playing above. I will never own another gas powered vehicle again; to me it embodies the ignorant american consumer who believes the world revolves around them, racing in suburbia from light to light.

The sweetest thing seen these days is in a national geographic flick when a diesel nissan frontier or toyota landcruiser slides by with manual everything, and all that comes to mind is a glimmer of hope for the future of sustainability.

The big 2.5 are a scary corrupt bunch, and it seems that it will be a while before they give up milking us along with their bastard petroleum counterparts. Remember the EV-1? WAY ahead of its time, and all crushed to cover up the possibilities of freedom from oil. $.02