Compact Diesel trucks that we can't get here

[RalphVa]

I'd like to have a 1995-1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup with a 2009+ VW TDI running gear in it. That would be my ideal pickup.

The VW TDI is the most capable engine/transmission that I've ever driven, diesel or gas. I travelled all over the world and rented lots of cars during my career. Nearest thing ever to it was an Alfasud in driving excitement and pleasure.

Re that comparison on the Cobalt diesel. That 33 mpg shown for the diesel is abysmal. That car should get the same overall 40-42 mpg as the VW TDI since they're almost identical weight. Yes, the gas engined one will only do about 27 mpg. That's what the gas VW Jetta does (the non turbo one).

Diesels can be very comfortable and not be like the old-fashioned, noisey, clanky, slow diesels. The VW TDI drives like a high torque gas engined car. My Isuzu (approximately 20 hp) diesel generator can't be recognized as a diesel either. It doesn't smoke or clatter.

Ralph

 

[paulharvey]

Can't all the environmental crap be taken off? I mean it's just on for new production tests, once you have it your good, right? Or would your fuel air mixture be messed up?

 

[aczlan]

Re that comparison on the Cobalt diesel. That 33 mpg shown for the diesel is abysmal. That car should get the same overall 40-42 mpg as the VW TDI since they're almost identical weight. Yes, the gas engined one will only do about 27 mpg. That's what the gas VW Jetta does (the non turbo one).

That is the EPA listed combined mileage. Using the combined average of 40MPG vs 27MPG (all other variables staying the same) would have you breaking even after 35,263 miles if there are no extra repairs.

Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

Can't all the environmental crap be taken off? I mean it's just on for new production tests, once you have it your good, right? Or would your fuel air mixture be messed up?

Cant legally be taken off, if caught there are nasty federal fines ($10k or so IIRC).

Aaron Z

 

[3930dave]

I'd like to have a 1995-1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup with a 2009+ VW TDI running gear in it. That would be my ideal pickup.

The VW TDI is the most capable engine/transmission that I've ever driven, diesel or gas. I travelled all over the world and rented lots of cars during my career. Nearest thing ever to it was an Alfasud in driving excitement and pleasure.

Re that comparison on the Cobalt diesel. That 33 mpg shown for the diesel is abysmal. That car should get the same overall 40-42 mpg as the VW TDI since they're almost identical weight. Yes, the gas engined one will only do about 27 mpg. That's what the gas VW Jetta does (the non turbo one).

Diesels can be very comfortable and not be like the old-fashioned, noisey, clanky, slow diesels. The VW TDI drives like a high torque gas engined car. My Isuzu (approximately 20 hp) diesel generator can't be recognized as a diesel either. It doesn't smoke or clatter.

Ralph

The Chevy spin on the Cruze diesel seems to be "A Performance engine, that happens to get good Economy"..... perhaps in part to avoid taking on VW directly ? I can understand that approach, Marketing wise, in the USA. Me, I'd buy a diesel car for firstly fuel mileage, AND I want a stick, so that puts me out of the Cruze.

Rgds, D.

 

[buickanddeere]

Can't all the environmental crap be taken off? I mean it's just on for new production tests, once you have it your good, right? Or would your fuel air mixture be messed up?

The computer is looking for temperatures and pressures at various points. A missing particulate filter and no urea in the tank will throw trouble codes and lower engine power. Imagine trying to obtain warranty service if the systems have been tinkered with?

 

[94BULLITT]

Thankyou Aczlan . Guys like Houston can't move past the 1990-2002 era of P pump Diesel engines and burning fuel 2/3 to 3/4 the price of gasoline.
It's about cost per mile and they don't get it. One set of common rail injectors and the truck will never break even on cost vs gasoline.
Now many try to use economy, reliability etc to justify a reprogrammed diesel with stacks.

I not really sure if a diesel in a truck is more reliable than a gas. With what a set of injectors cost to replace in some trucks you could buy a drop in engine for a gas truck.

 

[3930dave]

Not a truck, but a good example of what a modern diesel can do.....

A friend of mine is in Germany on business. Sent me this email today:

Drove a Ford diesel Cmax today in Germany. Sized like a Civic, told me I was getting 3.8 l/100 km at 140 kmph. Solid on the road at 140, was like a civic at 80 kmph. Amazing creature comfort features too numerous to mention. Would love to bring it home with me. Man... We get crap cars in NA.

62mpg US, at close to 90mph. Even allowing for nominal error in the onboard 'puter, that's impressive. My street bike gets close to that, but I don't drive at that speed.

The EPA et al only get away with what they do here, because most people don't know any better....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

I not really sure if a diesel in a truck is more reliable than a gas. With what a set of injectors cost to replace in some trucks you could buy a drop in engine for a gas truck.

You've got a point.... modern diesel injectors are pricey new. Rebuilt injectors from a quality service shop are one option.

I haven't priced DI gas injectors, as I don't drive anything that new..... but I'm guessing the price on those is drifting up too....

I like diesels, and smooth running powerful gas engines just fine.... but all this talk of cost escalation has me thinking about Model T's, again.....

Rgds, D.

 

[94BULLITT]

You've got a point.... modern diesel injectors are pricey new. Rebuilt injectors from a quality service shop are one option.

I haven't priced DI gas injectors, as I don't drive anything that new..... but I'm guessing the price on those is drifting up too....

I like diesels, and smooth running powerful gas engines just fine.... but all this talk of cost escalation has me thinking about Model T's, again.....

Rgds, D.

The playing field may be more level now with gassers going DI. I guess we will have to wait and see how reliable their injectors are VS a diesel.

I'd like to have a Model A with a diesel in it, kinda make a green rod out of it.