What Do You Drive?

[CM]

I have a 2003 VW Jetta wagon TDI (diesel) recently turned 73,000 miles with a life time of 55.53 mpg. Sometimes I drive for mileage and get in the mid 60’s or drive “normal” and get mid 50’s or pull a 2 ton trailer and get mid 40’s. Usually I drive normal.



I recently bought an electric moped, technically a motorcycle since it can go about 40 mph max, I am working on that. I plan to charge it via solar and use it to go to and from work once we move closer to work.

Those are impressive (and real) numbers. My coworker has a Golf diesel and reports numbers in the mid 50's. I often wonder why hybrids get so much publicity in comparison to these. I'll take a diesel over a hybrid anyday.

 

[Mandril]

Those are impressive (and real) numbers. My coworker has a Golf diesel and reports numbers in the mid 50's. I often wonder why hybrids get so much publicity in comparison to these. I'll take a diesel over a hybrid anyday.

The american public believes that diessel is dirty because all the semi's use it. In europe we have been using diessel for ages. My Dad's Golf Station Wagon diessel gets impressive numbers around mid 50mpg's but it only has 64hp nothing thrilling. Another thing is that the clutch on diessel cars are very easy to use to the point that with some practice you can shift without using clutch.

 

[Probedude]

Modern fuel-injected four stroke 50cc scooters might get to 50, maybe even 60 km/l if you're gentle on the throttle, so it seems highly unlikely that a carburated 180cc could do better.

FWIW, The Geo Metro got better gas mileage as a carbureted version vs the fuel injected version. What I've read is that fuel injection is great from an emissions and driveability point of view over the life of the car due to all the automatic tweaking done by the the ECU to keep emissions in line BUT carb's give better gas mileage.

Might not be true today - I read this probably 4 years ago.

 

[gadget_lover]

Those are impressive (and real) numbers. My coworker has a Golf diesel and reports numbers in the mid 50's. I often wonder why hybrids get so much publicity in comparison to these. I'll take a diesel over a hybrid anyday.

The reason the hybrids get the publicity is:

1) They were originally designed to be clean, not fuel efficient. They are extremely clean running, and even the newest diesels running low sulfur fuels are not nearly as clean.

2) They maintain their efficiency even in stop and go traffic or in hilly terrain.

3) They drive exactly like any other car. No special techniques required.

4) They don't require special fuel. Most insist on unleaded regular.

5) They can be fun to drive.

6) While not touted as such, the technologies used in hybrids carry over to electric cars and fuel cell cars among others.

7) Did I mention that they are neat gadgets? :)


Daniel

 

[jzmtl]

Half of what you said is true or more true for diesel cars. I think everybody should watch this episode of southpark. :naughty:

Reason diesel is not popular is public perception is ruined by the crappy diesel years ago, and hybrid is the political correct thing to do right now, not diesel.

The american public believes that diessel is dirty because all the semi's use it. In europe we have been using diessel for ages. My Dad's Golf Station Wagon diessel gets impressive numbers around mid 50mpg's but it only has 64hp nothing thrilling. Another thing is that the clutch on diessel cars are very easy to use to the point that with some practice you can shift without using clutch.

Not adviced on modern transmission, people think they can do it, but in reality the synchro is acting as clutch and gets wear down prematurely.

 

[270winchester]

while what you said are not false, too many people in CA refuse to consider diesels a viable option for cars because there are hybrids grabbing the attention of the legislature(hybrid tahoes? it's okay because it's hybrid!!!! The legislators can get a ton of money in reimbursements if they buy a hybrid of ANY kind).

Whatever happened to freedom of choice?

The reason the hybrids get the publicity is:

1) They were originally designed to be clean, not fuel efficient. They are extremely clean running, and even the newest diesels running low sulfur fuels are not nearly as clean.

2) They maintain their efficiency even in stop and go traffic or in hilly terrain.

but their milage drops when cruising at highway speeds(worse if driven at 80mph+). Trade-offs I suppose.

3) They drive exactly like any other car. No special techniques required.

diesels cars don't require one to know how to operation a front and a rear gear boxes like semis, they drive just like gasoline cars if you know where the torque band is.

4) They don't require special fuel. Most insist on unleaded regular.

diesel is hardly "specialty fuel".

5) They can be fun to drive.

great.

6) While not touted as such, the technologies used in hybrids carry over to electric cars and fuel cell cars among others.

we have existing technology to implement diesels quickly. Why not use what we have now to improve fuel economy and still work on cool concepts??

7) Did I mention that they are neat gadgets? :)

you can have your gadgets, I just want a CA-legal 55mpg midsized car that is also decently clean-burning.

 

[BrighTor]

I drive a '96 Ford Explorer. I live about 10 minutes from work so the gas isn't too bad. I bought it from a friend, which I would probably not do again. I've had terrible trouble with the transmission...I've had it rebuilt, it still couldn't run for more than about 10 minutes at speeds higher than 50 mph, took it back, had it 'fixed' under warranty, and it still doesn't work right. :mecry: Anybody out there with transmission experience? :grin2:

So I just drive it back and forth to and from work and we use my wife's '98 Grand Prix when we go anywhere out of town. It has a 3.8L 6-cylinder and gets pretty good gas mileage.

 

[Fallingwater]

5) They can be fun to drive.

I invite you to try a Seat Ibiza Cupra (1.9 turbodiesel, 160hp). Then you tell me which is more enjoyable to drive. :p

 

[jzmtl]

One diesel I'd love to try is the golf TDI GTI.

 

[gadget_lover]

2) They maintain their efficiency even in stop and go traffic or in hilly terrain.

but their milage drops when cruising at highway speeds(worse if driven at 80mph+). Trade-offs I suppose.

While I agree that the Prius mileage drops when driving at 80 MPH, the laws of aerodynamics pretty much say that most cars will do the same.

I imagine that there will be the odd case where the gearing and exact shape of a car will lead to higher mileage at 80 MPH. Someone said something like that last year in this forum about their car.

I suggest it's not a trade-off when it's normal for just about every car. :)

BTW, I was not trying to compare diesels to hybrids. I was responding to the question "...why hybrids get so much publicity...". You have to admit there are SOME features worth talking about.


Daniel

 

[neophyte340]

Daily Driver is a Black 81 Datsun 280zx (Fuel/Oil Crisis car) with clear headlight covers for sleekness and decreased drag.
*This car is calibrated for 55 which is sutiable for access road only sadly as everyone does 80ish on highway; I would if I could.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_280ZX)

Also a 97 3000gt at parents house garage beacause of horrible mpg :sick2:

 

[Wattnot]

I drive a '96 Ford Explorer. I've had terrible trouble with the transmission...I've had it rebuilt, it still couldn't run for more than about 10 minutes at speeds higher than 50 mph, took it back, had it 'fixed' under warranty, and it still doesn't work right. :mecry: Anybody out there with transmission experience? :grin2:

Yes. I bought one of these from a friend (same year). It had 115000 miles on it and he had JUST had the tranny replaced by a stand alone tranny shop. It failed the day we bought it. He took it in for us and they replaced it again. It ended up going in FIVE times and they changed the tranny at least THREE of those times. I ended up selling it and the day after I sold it, a problem like yours cropped up for the new owner too. I don't know what happened after that but I've seen it on the road from time to time.

 

[Monocrom]

Time to update my post....

Had to give the Base model '08 Sentra back to the rental place. (Not entirely upset by that. Not a bad car, but in some ways; it couldn't compete with my '98 Ford Escort).

Currently using mom's car as a daily commuter to the job site. '92 Mercury Sable. Car has a few issues, but otherwise runs reliably. It'll take awhile before some finances open up, and I can go car shopping.

 

[jzmtl]

While I agree that the Prius mileage drops when driving at 80 MPH, the laws of aerodynamics pretty much say that most cars will do the same.

I imagine that there will be the odd case where the gearing and exact shape of a car will lead to higher mileage at 80 MPH. Someone said something like that last year in this forum about their car.

I suggest it's not a trade-off when it's normal for just about every car. :)

BTW, I was not trying to compare diesels to hybrids. I was responding to the question "...why hybrids get so much publicity...". You have to admit there are SOME features worth talking about.


Daniel

My friend's boss had a volvo that gets best mileage at 80 mph. I guess volvo figured people will drive at that speed anyway so might as well make it efficient, and I whole heartly agree.

 

[dudemar]

I drive a 1999 Audi A4 2.8 (V6) Quattro with the sport package. It's basically an S4 minus the 2.7 bi-turbo engine (and shiny side mirror housings). I get 22 mpg average, 17 city and 27 hwy. IMO it's pretty good mileage for a V6. I can confidently say it will beat out most of the wannabe racers in my college parking lot, lol.:twothumbs

I am planning on buying a motorcycle to offset the gas price surge, I need to save up at least 4 g's to get one (bike, safety equipment, insurance and extra money put away just in case it needs repairs). It'll happen soon, I know it will.:thumbsup:

 

[Omega99]

Strictly for a back and forth to work beater I drive a 1994 Honda Civic DX, manual trans, manual door locks, manual windows, two door, 13 inch tires with about 45 psi, non-powersteering. On the highway I get around 43-45 mpg and in the city about 35. Mine lookes exactly like the one above but wasn't blessed snooty-patootie hubcaps.


For all my other driving duties:

Lexus IS350. I love this car. These pics were taken on day 2 of owning it. Since then I've had the windows tinted to 10%. I came from owning two 5.0 Mustangs so a little civility was a welcome change. 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Kinda tough pill to swallow at first especially since I use 93 octane. But I got used to it. BTW, gas prices here in Augusta are around $3.47 for regular and $3.68 for premium.
(Whoa I just noticed my post count is really low. Lotsa lurking, not a lot of posting)

 

[RA40]

Omega99...are you on either/both of these forums?

http://my.is/forums/
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/index.php

I really like the IS350. :twothumbs

 

[dudemar]

BTW, gas prices here in Augusta are around $3.47 for regular and $3.68 for premium.

Holy cannoli you have it good!:faint: It's $4.15 for premium where I live, and on the cusp of $4 for 87 octane. I should be using 92, but can't afford it (as you can see).:(

 

[Omega99]

Omega99...are you on either/both of these forums?

http://my.is/forums/
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/index.php

I really like the IS350. :twothumbs

Thanks RA40. It was a nightmare getting a 350 (not a 250) in the matador red mica with black leather and metallic interior in my area. :hairpull: Anyway, yeah I check out my.is about once a week, but I prefer clublexus.com because it's geared more towards the 2nd generation IS. My name is the same there as here.

Holy cannoli you have it good!:faint: It's $4.15 for premium where I live, and on the cusp of $4 for 87 octane. I should be using 92, but can't afford it (as you can see).:(

Well dudemar when people in this area start bitching about the price of gas it's hard for them to understand that we really don't have it that bad. Plus I don't even bother to complain, I'm gonna buy it anyway.:shrug:

 

[Probedude]

My friend's boss had a volvo that gets best mileage at 80 mph. I guess volvo figured people will drive at that speed anyway so might as well make it efficient, and I whole heartly agree.

That's interesting because my Geo Metro is sort of similar.

I babied the throttle on one tank and tried to keep the speeds at or below the speed limit. I found my gas mileage was about the same, maybe a touch less than cruising at 75mph.

I was hoping for 'massive' gains, but doing the speed limit around here is actually more dangerous.