Yeah, getting about 50 mpg's was the norm with those.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Mine only got 12 towing a truck on a trailer.. What's your secret? I'd hate to think my Banks stuff and big tires equals that much of a difference in fuel economy.

That would be a great car when it wasn't in the shop. If you add the complications of a hybrid to an unreliable VW, you may not get to drive it very often.

If Honda would add an electric assist to the Accord diesel, we could really see some high mpg numbers.

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1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

No real secret. Just easy on the throttle and stick to a speed she likes. She seems to want to go about 60 with the flat fronted camper on. And I have indeed seen 12mpg's pulling a lot of mountain and hills so thats not too uncommon to get if the conditions are tough. A truck on a trailer is a terrible wind resistance. Its going to really hurt ya. So is a big flat camper nose. But this particular rear end ratio does not like anything above 65 for fuel mileage as the RPMs are climbing above 2100 then. I could probably squeeze her to give me a 20mpg run on flat lands if I stuck to about 50 mph I would guess. She does however have so much grunt that she never ever drops out of OD even on moderate hills at 65mph. But I have to keep my foot out of the pedal and just set the cruise. And note... go back and read... that mileage best was not towing. 19.2 was an empty run from here in SC to Chicago and back. Typical highway NON towing is in the upper 18's. Like 18.8 or 18.9. Towing that little Motorcycle box trailer in the picture does not drop it more than 1mpg. But the Camper really drops it. Mostly wind resistance I believe.

Real world mileage for the Camry Hybrid is about 35 mpg. Go to www.fueleconomy.gov to check it out. While not terribly impressive, that is not bad at all, in fact pretty darn good, for a full size gasoline sedan with the latest safety technology. Not to mention ultra-clean emissions. Still I'd take a Bluetec over that, but it does cost a lot more.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

I think that is a very impressive number. It's not a small car. I've not been in one, but I presume it has reasonable power as well. I like modern diesels better as well, but we sure don't get much to choose from in the U.S. If I had to replace my sedan next week, I'd put the hybrid camry on the list of a half-dozen or so cars to look at.

If I needed to replace any of my cars right now, I would look for another used Honda Civic. Mpg's near 40 without any effort, uses regular gas and is cheap to maintain.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

My father-in-law owns nothing but Camrys. They have had a 96, 98 and now an 05 and 07. The 96 and 98 got 32mpg on the highway and 29 around town. The 05 and 07 have yet to break 29mpg at ANY time. They are both 4 cylinder/automatics. If a 66 year old semi-retired professor that NEVER goes over 65mph or any other speed limit for that matter, can't get these things over 30mpg then the average person won't either. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Unreliable? Keep thinking that, and I'll buy the used TDI's for myself. Ours has never, I repeat never given a lick of trouble. Nothing but routine maintenance for 100K and 47mpg mixed driving. You can keep the Jap metal. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

You're talking about the non-hybrid Camry, correct? I wouldn't expect it to get over 30 mpg either. The reason some newer cars lose mileage compared to their predecessors is the extra weight from improved safety and all the electronic gizmos.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

I'd probably test drive one too if I had to replace one of my cars this week. There's also the Altima Hybrid which uses the same technology in a slightly different tune. But it's better to wait a year or two, then we'll have some good diesel choices as well.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

Yes I am. It would seem like a long payoff time to cover the increased cost of the hybrid option with a 5mpg difference. Honestly I thought that the 4 banger would do better on fuel on the highway driven the way he does. I'm sure its a pretty aerodynamic shape and Toyota did their homework with rolling resistance, etc. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Unreliable TDI? WTF

News flash broskie, TDI's are world-renowned for their durability and longevity. Never had a single issue with mine. Combine a bulletproof motor with a relatively fun-to-drive car--that gets a solid 42 real-world MPG on the highway (cruising at 75)--and you have something that'll beat a Honda or Toyota any day.

Stick that in your hybrid tank and burn it.

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99 E300 TD -- sold
01 540i 6 spd

Considering the cost difference you would save money by just purchasing a base 4 cylinder Camry. I'm sure the Hybrid is a $30k car, a base Camry can be had for $8k less.

But since I am a MB enthusiast for $30k I'll just take a slightly used CDI please.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Here ya go.
Beautiful Black Mercedes E320CDI - $29999

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012