I know the Jetta does. I know that BMW does overseas. But what other cars have diesels and which one would you go for?

 

I think for a late model you are limited to the VW TDI's or a Mercedes... don't remember what model, I'm sorry. If you don't mind an older rattlebox, look at the older Mercedes or Volvos both had pretty good reputations I believe.

Jimbo

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee, or the PT Cruiser would be fun, and they are diesel powered "over there".

 

For 2006 the Chrysler 300C Touring Wagon (Dodge Magnum) will have a optional 4.0L TDI for the European market.
No word yet for the US market.

MikeyB

 

I like the 83-87 Mercedes diesels, but they made diesels on and off until now. My 83 will last easily 300k miles, but most have gone over 500k miles without any issues, it just depend how well it was taken care of. The 87s have a newer body design, but that is the last year of the real mechanical diesel. VW makes several diesel cars but they are to small IMO. I don't know much about the Volvos other than the older ones have a lot of electrical / wiring problems.

 

I would guarantee that the first company to offer a compact or mid-size pickup truck with a turbo diesel in the U.S. will have the market all locked up. That would be a great way for Ford to save the Ranger...offer it with a small turbo-diesel and people would be flocking to dealers for them. There are a lot of "truck guys" in this country that would love the fuel economy right now.

 

You'll find that EVERY non-US manufacturer offers diesels outside the US. Infact, diesels in cars outsell gasoline models.
The 2.7l CRD in the Liberty is just a start. They are going full force with diesels next year when the clean diesel starts flowing. Chrysler has the benefit of MB's diesel experience to draw from which means few if any growing pains.

LibertyCRD, how do you like yours? I'd love to test drive one but our Legislature in it's infinite wisdom banned the sale of new cars with diesel engines until 2006 when the low sulfur comes out.

 

In Europe, do drivers pump their own fuel? Personally, I can't see that sweet looking soccer mom up the road from getting oily diesel fuel under her freshly manicured nails and tracking onto the carpet of her overpriced kid taxi.

 

Screaminbanana there are awesome vw (diesel options not available in the US), audi, bmw, mercedes, honda, toyota, you name it that are available in europe. Me? I'd love a BMW 330D coupe.. 200hp 400lbs torque and 40mpg in a 3 series...0-60 under 7 seconds. OH my!

I have a 99 E300 Turbodiesel mercedes, the last imported until recently when the new E320 CDI came out. So far it's a fantastic car, and the engine is unlike any diesel I've experienced yet. I have to tell people it's a diesel, it's so smooth and vibration free. I had an 02 tdi and they are not comparable. The tdi did get fantastic mileage and was very reliable though - it was a great car.

 

Yeah and don't forget the diesel Unimog

 

I think you'd lose a lot of credibility making a guarantee like that. As someone else noted, you won't see soccer moms embracing the nasty diesel pumps we have here. Our collective memory is also long and those rattling, smoky, gutless diesels of the late 70s/early 80s didn't do much to instill a love for the diesel engine in the car buying public.

Even telling people I have a diesel truck they look at me like I'm strange and ask why, until I tell them I get ~20 MPG in a 7000# truck.

I agree with you that diesel cars are a better choice, but as for the us public flocking to them as soon as a manufacturer starts offering them? I have to disagree with that. I think it'll be a gradual move towards them as acceptance (quiter, low smoke, better mileage, biodiesel availability) grows. And the soccer mom's realize you can get a cheap box of rubber gloves to protect that manicure at the pumps!

My wife's next car will most likely be a diesel Passat, though we're upside down in her SUV right now since their value is dropping as fast as the price of oil is rising. I'd love to get the E class Mercedes, but at $54K, I don't think we'll be going that route. Maybe in a couple of years, there'll be more options besides the VWs.

 

How about VWs pickups , these may be before a lot of peoples times before or about early 80s when they quit making or selling in U.S. market , if your looking for one your talking buying a 20+yr old mini p.u. and if you can find one you pay a primemem 3,000-6,500

 

Hey, my sister is a soccer mom and she drives a Powerpoke Excursion! And she fills it up and changes the oil and filters!
I guess it's a Texas thang.....

MikeyB

 

You imply the E320 CDI is of good quality. I've heard they are having quite a few electrical problems on them, this is when they are new so imagine as time goes on!

I got my first "I can't hear you over your car" at a fast food place today!

 

i love them things