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05/30/2008 06:25:36 PM · #51 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
FWIW, Volkwagen is coming out with a new diesel engine for the Jetta and Jetta Wagon that is supposed to deliver mileage in the 55mpg range. Even with the price premium for diesel, that makes a good deal.
Especially over my POS Ford Focus which can't get over 27mpg to save its life. |
Yep, the 2009 Jettas should hit the dealers around December of this year, later than the other 2009s. But do expect that there will be a mad rush for them, and do expect sticker prices approaching $30k. For a Jetta. Ouch. I paid $22k for my 2003 diesel Jetta. |
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05/30/2008 06:31:03 PM · #52 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
FWIW, Volkwagen is coming out with a new diesel engine for the Jetta and Jetta Wagon that is supposed to deliver mileage in the 55mpg range. Even with the price premium for diesel, that makes a good deal.
Especially over my POS Ford Focus which can't get over 27mpg to save its life. |
Yep, the 2009 Jettas should hit the dealers around December of this year, later than the other 2009s. But do expect that there will be a mad rush for them, and do expect sticker prices approaching $30k. For a Jetta. Ouch. I paid $22k for my 2003 diesel Jetta. |
Yeah and I doubt that the fact that diesel is selling at a 30% or so premium, which cuts the gas mileage comparison by an equal amount, will help them sell. That would bring the milage figure down to 35 which can be beat by a much lower cost cars. |
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05/30/2008 07:29:37 PM · #53 |
| The only thing about the diesel jetta that makes it appealing is the fact that it runs so well. It has all the power in the world. |
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05/30/2008 07:36:22 PM · #54 |
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
Originally posted by kirbic:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
FWIW, Volkwagen is coming out with a new diesel engine for the Jetta and Jetta Wagon that is supposed to deliver mileage in the 55mpg range. Even with the price premium for diesel, that makes a good deal.
Especially over my POS Ford Focus which can't get over 27mpg to save its life. |
Yep, the 2009 Jettas should hit the dealers around December of this year, later than the other 2009s. But do expect that there will be a mad rush for them, and do expect sticker prices approaching $30k. For a Jetta. Ouch. I paid $22k for my 2003 diesel Jetta. |
Yeah and I doubt that the fact that diesel is selling at a 30% or so premium, which cuts the gas mileage comparison by an equal amount, will help them sell. That would bring the milage figure down to 35 which can be beat by a much lower cost cars. |
Actually, Volkswagen is supposed to begin selling them in late summer, August is what I heard. I haven't heard anything about sticker prices, where did $30K come from?
I expect that by the time I am ready to ditch my Focus, the mad rush will be over and the price premium for the sulfur free diesel over ordinary gasoline will have evaporated.
As much as I dislike my Focus, it only has 150K miles on it and it's paid for so its operating cost is much lower. Unless the monthly cost for repairs starts to exceed a monthly car payment and increased insurance. I should be able to get at least 250K miles out of it before then.
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05/30/2008 08:23:17 PM · #55 |
im thinking of throwing a Civic motor into my '02 Monte Carlo SS. I can't take another year of 15/20 mpg *pulls hair out*
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05/30/2008 08:55:00 PM · #56 |
Honda's latest vehicle was released today. It's called Freed, a minivan. It's slated as going at only 16.4 km/l (Fit is about 24 km/l) but can seat 5, 7 or 8 people.
The price of petrol goes up another 20 yen or so tomorrow, so there were a lot of people filling up today. Some queued longer than me, because I don't mind filling up on the "wrong" side. |
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05/31/2008 02:11:30 AM · #57 |
Don't own one and probably wouldn't work given my climate (Rocky Mountains), but the KING of the hybrid world is clearly this. 120+ mpg
Plus, you get to look like you just came from an episode of the Jetsons.
Aptera |
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05/31/2008 06:57:41 AM · #58 |
Jeep had something like this at the auto show as well.
If I could afford it, I would buy a Tesla. But sadly I will never probably have one. |
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06/09/2008 06:46:24 AM · #59 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Actually, Volkswagen is supposed to begin selling them in late summer, August is what I heard. I haven't heard anything about sticker prices, where did $30K come from? |
The 2009 Jetta TDI diesel is supposed to sticker at around $20,000 which makes it the cheapest 40mpg car (rated at 41mpg on the highway) on the market. The cost of the diesel is currently about 20% higher than that of gasoline but the Jetta diesel has a 40% benefit in gas mileage, so you still win. And besides, with having 236 lb-ft of torque, it would still be fun to drive.
Reference
I really, however, think that the best application of hybrid technology these days is in the Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade hybrid lineup. No, they don't get 40-50mpg but they can pull your boat, trailer, camper, house, etc all while still almost doubling the fuel efficiency of the normal version by getting 20-22mpg compared to 12mpg (when not towing, but at least the capability is still there should you need it). And since this is just the beginning of the hybrid trend in large SUV's and trucks, it's only going to get better.
Edit to add:
Originally posted by mhlambi:
Still driving my 1973 super beetle and when well tuned, I get up to 30 mph. |
That sounds about right. :)
Message edited by author 2008-06-09 10:47:06.
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06/09/2008 07:06:35 AM · #60 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Actually, Volkswagen is supposed to begin selling them in late summer, August is what I heard. I haven't heard anything about sticker prices, where did $30K come from? |
The 2009 Jetta TDI diesel is supposed to sticker at around $20,000 which makes it the cheapest 40mpg car (rated at 41mpg on the highway) on the market. The cost of the diesel is currently about 20% higher than that of gasoline but the Jetta diesel has a 40% benefit in gas mileage, so you still win. And besides, with having 236 lb-ft of torque, it would still be fun to drive.
Reference
I really, however, think that the best application of hybrid technology these days is in the Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade hybrid lineup. No, they don't get 40-50mpg but they can pull your boat, trailer, camper, house, etc all while still almost doubling the fuel efficiency of the normal version by getting 20-22mpg compared to 12mpg (when not towing, but at least the capability is still there should you need it). And since this is just the beginning of the hybrid trend in large SUV's and trucks, it's only going to get better.
Edit to add:
Originally posted by mhlambi:
Still driving my 1973 super beetle and when well tuned, I get up to 30 mph. |
That sounds about right. :) |
The best application is subjective, but most SUV's are rarely used for anything that really requires such a vehicle. Most of the time the things that people do while driving and SUV could be done with a 40mpg car.
As for the Jetta, I'm holding out for the wagon. I'm done with sedans. |
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06/09/2008 08:04:59 AM · #61 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The best application is subjective, but most SUV's are rarely used for anything that really requires such a vehicle. Most of the time the things that people do while driving and SUV could be done with a 40mpg car.
As for the Jetta, I'm holding out for the wagon. I'm done with sedans. |
I agree with that completely and believe that people are just now beginning to realize that you don't need a Hummer to drive on the freeway but for those who have a purpose to have/need an SUV or large truck, this option is now available.
As far as saying it's the best application, I meant that it has the most gains in fuel economy as opposed to it's gas only counterpart. It's beginning to show that even non-hybrid cars are very capable of producing 40mpg+ ratings but having a large SUV weighing almost 3 tons and having a 6.0L V8 get 20-22mpg in the city, now that I think is a big achievement even though it is just the beginning.
By the way, if you really want fuel economy...and don't mind being slightly cramped. VW sells the Lupo TDI. A small car with a diesel engine that is rated to 78mpg. Catch is that you have to move to europe to get one.
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06/09/2008 08:24:15 AM · #62 |
| I drive a "Smart Car" and have for a year. Best car I've ever owned and saves me at least $400 per month on fuel costs. I have the diesel and would suggest this for anyone if you can get your hands on one. I'm at 55mpg but also heavy footed as I do a great deal of Highway. Many boast 75-80 mpg and I have yet to hear of anyone who does not like it. |
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06/09/2008 08:37:36 AM · #63 |
We have a Toyota Yaris as a third vehicle, and we have a family of 6 and a service dog that comes with us everywhere. We keep a Gas Pig Chevy Tahoe for when we are all together, and a 4wd pickup to plow in the winter. One of us takes the Yaris whenever possible. My husband pushed the green envelope with his employer for "work from home" days and I schedule my shoots on the days he is home. Even with taking on the payment and insurance of the third car the amount it has saved us in fuel STILL saves us over $300 a month and the more ways we find to conserve the higher that number goes even with prices skyrocketing.
Its worth looking at the fuel efficient cars and other greener options even if you have a car you need to hang onto for other reasons. If you have a bio-fuel resource near you, or your commute suits an electric car - the costs it saves you make it worth the initial investment. We opted out of the hybrid and are waiting for the second generation technology to come forward since the Yaris is getting 40+mpg (close the the hybrid estimates). And bio-fuel options just aren't available where we are yet....
You guys might want to check out Hypermiling. Even being aware of small ways to conserve fuel makes a big difference.
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06/09/2008 09:27:47 AM · #64 |
Originally posted by Ivo:
I drive a "Smart Car" and have for a year. Best car I've ever owned and saves me at least $400 per month on fuel costs. I have the diesel and would suggest this for anyone if you can get your hands on one. I'm at 55mpg but also heavy footed as I do a great deal of Highway. Many boast 75-80 mpg and I have yet to hear of anyone who does not like it. |
I don't believe the diesel Smart Car is available in the US. (yet?)
Also, since I have kids, I do need a back seat. |
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06/09/2008 09:41:56 AM · #65 |
Originally posted by Ivo:
I drive a "Smart Car" and have for a year. Best car I've ever owned and saves me at least $400 per month on fuel costs. I have the diesel and would suggest this for anyone if you can get your hands on one. I'm at 55mpg but also heavy footed as I do a great deal of Highway. Many boast 75-80 mpg and I have yet to hear of anyone who does not like it. |
I am rather intrigued by this... How much do you drive if your savings are $400 per month.
On a different note, I do not own one of these vehicles but I was a passenger in one not that long ago and to be honest with you, I can't say I cared for the way the car was pushed around when the wind picked up, albeit I would certainly consider one for city driving.
Ray |
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06/09/2008 09:51:00 AM · #66 |
Originally posted by RayEthier:
I am rather intrigued by this... How much do you drive if your savings are $400 per month.
On a different note, I do not own one of these vehicles but I was a passenger in one not that long ago and to be honest with you, I can't say I cared for the way the car was pushed around when the wind picked up, albeit I would certainly consider one for city driving.
Ray |
Hi Ray, in the past year I have put on 27,000 miles and I'm comparing my mileage to my 2002 Ford Escape. My driving is primarily highway as mentioned and I concur with the buffeting you experience when behind big trucks and/or high winds. Like anything, you get used to it and it really becomes a "non-issue" as you learn to lurk back a bit further as to not get bumped around. For the city, it ROCKS and parking is an adventure into the "unachievable spaces of past". Took me a year of research and numerous test drives to buy into the concept, let alone the vehicle. These things have been whizzing around Europe for years and there are a good number of them here in Canada. I also had NO problem with it during our "Arctic" months though the diesel did require a bit more nursing due to cold weather issues associated with all diesels. Hope that helps.
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06/11/2008 07:13:18 PM · #67 |
Actually on my last tank of gas (2004 Honda Civic LX manual transmission) I got 47 mpg - 392 miles on 8.3 gallons. Compared to my GPS, my odometer is high by about 5% but thats still 45 mpg per the GPS. I drove across PA on the turnpike so it was almost all highway driving. Dead-sticking whenever I could, cruise control set at 57 mph pretty much the whole way, AC on. I'm driving this tank similarly conservatively to compare. That said I've never gotten above 40 mpg before (typically 34-38), but I have a pretty heavy foot.
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
Originally posted by smardaz:
Originally posted by Jason_Cross:
I just bought a Honda Fit, and I love it more and more everyday. At first I was freaked out about how small it was, but inside it is as big as my Subaru Legacy. I drove it into the mountains today and got 48.2 MPG. It has grown on me so much that I would have to say that it is now my favorite car of all time.
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thats what i get in my Prius (that I am also infatuated with) are those hybrid also? |
They aren't, 48.2 mpg seems a bit high... |
It's quite high, actually. The EPA estimates for the 2008 Fit 5-speed manual are 28 City, 36 Highway, 34 combined. The 2008 Prius is rated at 48 City, 45 Highway, 46 combined (I'm currently averaging 56 MPG in mine). That will vary by driver, but it's also quite possible even for the same driver to vary quite far from that on a single tank in fuel, for reasons including weather, tire pressure, traffic conditions, altitude change over the course of the tank, etc. I've even found that some gas pumps will fill my tank more completely than others. Averages over time tend to be the most meaningful.
~Terry |
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06/14/2008 03:01:04 AM · #68 |
Originally posted by Pug-H:
I thought it was only called Fit in Japan. In Australia it's called Honda Jazz, and has a reputation (apparently) of being easy to steal.
I sat in the new model Fit last year but I found that it had a major design fault - the new design has a sloping windscreen which severely limits visibility for tall people - I'm only 183cm (ok, 6 feet) tall - as my head was touching the ceiling. I would have a hard time seeing the overhead traffic lights if I was waiting for them to change to green. ;-Þ |
Well, I must amend that. It's not a design fault! I sat in one today --- now I see there's a lever on the side of the driver's seat that makes the seat go up or down. When it's down, I have no problem. ;-Þ
Also, this month in my own car I've been going easier on trafiic light starts and general driving - my fuel consumption has improved by 3 or 4 km per litre. |
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11/08/2008 05:15:13 AM · #69 |
| Now that Gas is $1.98 where I live, I filled my fit up from empty for $17 today! Whoohooo! |
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05/04/2011 08:06:17 AM · #70 |
| I just traded my 2008 Civic lx 5-speed coupe in for a 2011 Fit Sport 5-speed! I live in illinois and i have been averaging 40mpg in the city, and my last trip to wisconsin we were getting 45 mpg with 4 people in the car. No the fit is not a hybrid and they are not planning on making one soon (my husband works for Honda). I looked at the prius and it did not meet my standards! While it's still a great car it just didn't have as much room as the Fit did and for only 5 more mpg i couldn't justify spending the extra $20,000 for the new prius! My fit was $16,000 out the door! The new prius was $36,000!! To me that is way to much for a car, especially if my fit is getting only 5 mpg less! I will always own a Honda just because of their reliability and the fact that they make GREAT cars!!! |
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05/04/2011 09:55:49 AM · #71 |
Originally posted by Jason_Cross:
Now that Gas is $1.98 where I live, I filled my fit up from empty for $17 today! Whoohooo! |
What a difference a 2 1/2 years makes. Gas is $4.31 wher I live and i just filled up my motorcycle for $15.81 |
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