Monday, August 26, 2013
Diesel Cars 6 To Choose From
Manufacturers retail price: $49,075
Mercedes makes luxury cars and the E-Class is no exception. The diesel version may look the same as the regular model (in fact, the body is identical), but underneath youll find a more powerful engine (a 201 hp V6) with better fuel economy to boot. This isnt a sports car -- its a finely crafted luxury sedan. But youre still getting the kind of performance that can jet you along when youre in a hurry.
If theres a downside to this car, its that it cant be sold in several states (including New York and California) due to emission standards. Mercedes is hopeful that when a lower sulfur diesel fuel becomes available, the car will become available in all 50 states. Until then, the company will miss out on some major markets -- and a lot of driving fanatics will be missing out on this piece of machinery.
What sets it apart: The E320 CDIs engine catapults it from 0 to 60 in just 6.8 seconds, beating out the regular gas version of the same car.
2- 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
Manufacturers retail price: $25,795
Heres an SUV that doesnt follow the rules. The Jeep Liberty combines high performance with powerful torque, while offering better fuel efficiency than most regular sedans. At first glance it may look like the Jeep Cherokee that you grew to love and admire, but this is actually a much more stylish replacement, boasting a larger chassis and more appealing lines. While the boxy frame of the jeep seems to be a thing of the past, the famous pulling power endures.
The 2005 version of the Liberty will also be available with the 2.8L CRD diesel engine. The draw of this version is that it gives the same or better power, without demanding constant refills of the tank. In fact, the diesel version boasts 25% better fuel efficiency, allowing you to go 480 miles on a single tank of gas.
What sets it apart: With a new independent coil spring front suspension, this jeep gives you the off-road handling of an SUV with the feel of a car.
3- 2004 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
Manufacturers retail price: Between $35,000 & $55,000
This is one of those smaller SUVs that doesnt look like a monster truck, so youll have some style and wont need a ladder to get in. The styling is a big feature of the SUV, as VW managed to move into a completely new class of car without departing from their bread and butter: cars that look and feel great. But youll still get the power of an SUV. The diesel model, running on a 5.0L V10 engine, offers 303 hp and more than 500 lb per foot of torque.
All this extra juice didnt require much sacrifice, and the Touareg still handles as a German car should. Youll get many of the advantages of an SUV, such as a ton of storage room, but if youre one of those people who buy an SUV simply to sit up high, this might not be the car for you. Unfortunately, unless you currently own one or know someone who is willing to sell, the 2006 Touareg models are not equipped with the diesel option.
What sets it apart: $35,000 might seem like a lot for a Volkswagen -- a carmaker that has built its reputation on cars for the people -- but the company seems to have broken new ground with one of the nicest SUV interiors around.
4- 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Manufacturers retail price: Between $22,000 & $36,000
This is your traditional power truck. It uses its big diesel engine best when pulling serious loads. But the cab has the creature comforts of a car, making it available for after work duty as well. The combination of styling, comfort and truck power have helped make the Ford F-Series the best-selling truck series for the past 26 years. That kind of consumer satisfaction speaks for itself.
One reason that Ford has enjoyed such high consumer satisfaction with its F-Series is that its trucks virtually define power. The F-Series comes in three engine choices: two V8s and a V10, offering a range of horsepower between 260 and 325. But the diesel model, which is nothing new in the truck market, gives you that same power at reduced cost with better fuel efficiency.
What sets it apart: One comfort that sets this truck apart from the rest of the pack is something that comes standard on cars: individual passenger and driver reclining seats. Weve come a long way from the old bench seats that used to define trucks.
5- 2004 Volkswagen Passat TDI
Manufacturers retail price: Between $21,000 & $38,000
Heres a sleek-looking sedan thats worth a second look. The price varies based on the options and it might not be worth getting a Passat at $38,000. But at $21,000, its a hot ride. As with the Touareg, VW has aimed the Passat at a slightly older, more affluent market, leaving its other models to the younger set.
That marketing decision shows in the lines of this stylish car, which has the look of a new Audi. The interior matches a very defined exterior with a wide array of small luxuries, including leather seats, automatic climate control and a power sunroof.
But heres the real seller: The Passat TDIs engine goes 25% to 30% farther on a gallon using cheaper fuel than it would on a gasoline engine. But, like the Touareg, VW has eliminated the diesel option on the new 2006 Passat. So if you consider a diesel-powered Passat a must-have car, youre best bet is to ignore dealerships and scan the internet or car mags for a suitable vehicle.
What sets it apart: Given the fact that it is no longer in production, its truly a limited edition.
6- 2004 Volkswagen Turbo Diesel Golf TDI
Manufacturers retail price: Between $15,000 & $19,000
The price says it all. Youll save money each month on your car payments and youll keep more cash in your wallet each time you fill up. But the primary advantage of the Golf is that youll get these savings without feeling like you lost out on something. The interior is well styled and the engine has enough juice to appeal to performance-oriented drivers. Although 115 horses may not seem like much, they can push the car from 0 to 60 in a little over 11 seconds. The Golf offers comfortable seats, the premium handling that might remind you of more expensive German cars, and enough storage space to surprise you.
What sets it apart: With the increased fuel efficiency of diesel, this is an economy car that lives up to its name.
Resources:
www.msnbc.com
http://autos.msn.com
http://washingtontimes.com
www.westchestergov.com
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov
www.detnews.com
www.caranddriver.com
www.usatoday.com
