another jetta warrior

[farmerpsv]

Huck,
i've had a truck all my life, so it was a scary switch. i bought the suv as a compromise and have a 14' trailor...found that worked pretty neat, not as convenient as the truck but holds alot more...got used to it pretty quick. when the wifes van finally died, i got her a new one that can tow. my car is indeed the commuter car. include in your equation the longevity of a diesel engine and the fact i can actually make my own fuel from waste veggie oil and the results change. i'm going for the independence factor as well as the mileage...course i understand not everyone is going to have a still in there tractor shed, but i will. my real excitement is with being more independent.
paul

 

[HuckBB62]

I guess you'd better hope it doesn't gain in popularity. As long as you're in the minority, you'll be in french fry smellin' heaven! We've got an SUV also. Can't get rid of the truck or the Denali. My buddy's got a TDI, it's a fantastic car! I particularly like the latest model's front end.

 

[arthr31]

hey there, have you started creating your own biodiesel yet? I've looked at the kits to convert the bio materials to oil, seem kinda expensive plus i'd have to collect a lot of used veggie oil, for instance... But, I have to fill up the truck this friday and am starting to fear the 2.59/gal that I have to fork out for another 20-30 gallons of diesel... thanks. -art

 

[Alan L.]

Everything I read says it takes more energy to produce biodiesel than what it saves. This would include the fuel needed for the tractors, etc. to grow the corn or whatever it is that biodiesel is made from. So you burn more fuel in the tractor and less in your car I guess.

 

[anthonyk]

Re: do the math:

Yep! I agree. I love the idea of getting 50 mpg instead of the 20 I average with my Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel, but....
I figure it costs me about 1700.00 per year more in fuel with the Dodge rather than the econo car. I can't imagine finding any car of any quality that I could own, fuel, operate, maintain, and insure for 1700.00 per year, so the difference ain't worth buying the second vehicle by a long shot.
However, if it's your only vehicle, then I'd be driving one for sure. I used to own one of the early Jetta GLI gas versions, and it was a blast to drive!
Kinda hard to pull my tractor with though.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
anthony

 

[farmerpsv]

art,
been away a few, building a house. check out www.homepower.com they had an article couple issues back on how to make your own still with a hot water heater, was a separate web site for it from a grass roots organization, at work now so don't have the mag with me, but you should be able to find it there.
paul

 

[arthr31]

Thanks, Paul. I'll check that site out...