While reading this thread I was smiling most of the time. The Oldsmobile diesel was unique and there are those who think they are the greatest - still. Stop by this location to read a little about their history and problems:
http://members.tripod.com/~A350Diesel/menu.html
I am relatively new to the diesel crowd - I shopped for a diesel and considered the Hummer H1 (even with 150K miles they still sell for $45 - 60K!), an early Toyota Landcruiser, and a host of other forgotten types that were propelled by diesel power plants.
Finally the light went on ---> *MERCEDES* and I realized that an MBZ diesel would be hard to beat. My 95 is without a doubt not only a well engineered vehicle but also and most importantly a great ride!
I live in Texas and as such the cost of gas is relatively cheap most of the year. Diesel runs a little less than regular - until now. It has skyrocketed to Supreme and in some cases has even climbed higher. I still figured my 3.0L diesel gets 33% better mileage than my Jeep GC 4.0L so diesel would have to climb to $2.30 to begin to be a bad investment. I think given the prevailing winds of uncertainty we are being gouged at present - you get 40% more diesel from a barrel of oil and it takes less to crack it!!! So they are charging more and letting the trucking and airlines pass the costs to the consumer - too bad we drivers can't do the same.
I noted some like the smell of diesel fumes! They are not offensive and remind me of my childhood rides on the train and later trips by jet! But this is NOT why I bought a diesel. I like the idea of a well engineered motor with a long life.
Bottom line - I used to own a Corvette and I posted that I have given up the adrenalin rush of a 350 5.0L V8 gas for the pur-r-r-r-r of the 3.0L diesel. The MBZ is so well engineered and such a blast to drive with the top down (read that "sunroof open") that I don't miss the Vette at all - although I don't get the stares I did at one time - but the cops don't eyeball me as much either now!!
I had never considered a MBZ because I knew they were $$$ new. But I didn't realize that most first owners get the maintenance done and usually have more than one car - this means a second buyer/owner can get a like-new car for 1/2 the price or less if it is 5+ years old!
Last thought - my 91 Jeep 4.0L I6 gas is great and has 166K miles now with no sign of oil usage or power loss. I use Mobil 1 in all my cars - diesel included. I think if you pamper your ride, get the maintenance done - treat it with respect - it will last a long time. I have been told that the Jeep dealers see the gas 4.0L engines routinely at 200K with no major work required so you draw your own conlusions about gas vs diesel engine life.
My two cents...no charge
Mike