As far as new cars, there aren’t any diesel-powered models available for less than $20,000. But the much anticipated diesel 2009 Jetta TDI will hit the market in August with a base MSRP of $21,990 for the sedan and $23,590 for the SportWagen.
Although the VW TDI crowd is a passionate bunch, we’re not sure how much interest the diesel Jetta will receive since the national average price of diesel is 75 cents more than regular-grade gasoline.
Fuel economy is an estimated 30/41 mpg city/highway for the Jetta TDI with manual transmission, and 29/40 for the automatic. Annual fuel costs and fill-ups are sure to be lower than a gasoline Jetta, but current fuel prices mean it will take longer to recoup the initial price of admission it takes to get into a diesel Jetta; or $4,650 more than a base gasoline-powered Jetta.
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Mitsubishi is bringing a diesel version of the Lancer to the US. I'm not sure how much it will cost, but it's likely that it'll be cheaper than the Jetta.
Although the diesel version of the VW costs more and diesel fuel costs more, don't forget that diesel fuel costs (now) about 20% more than gasoline, you are looking at a 40% increase in fuel mileage for a net savings of 20%. ALSO AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, we would be buying 40% less oil from our sworn enemies in the Middle East. That's the important part for me and my children!
Just a comment on your comparison between the base Jetta S and base Jetta TDI - the base TDI is equipped similar to the Jetta SEL, not the Jetta S. Therefore, when you say that it takes longer to "recoup" the $4,650, you are comparing apples to oranges. The SEL and TDI are a few hundred $ apart. The savings in fuel cost is immediate.
Just a comment on your comparison between the base Jetta S and base Jetta TDI - the base TDI is equipped similar to the Jetta SEL, not the Jetta S. Therefore, when you say that it takes longer to "recoup" the $4,650, you are comparing apples to oranges. The SEL and TDI are a few hundred $ apart. The savings in fuel cost is immediate.
I own a 2004 Jetta Wagon TDI 5speed stick that I bought new in 2003 and have driven 107,000 miles. I keep a spreadsheet on fuel mileage and cost and the overall averages are 45.4 mpg and $0.054 cost per mile. EPA mileage ratings seem to be low on window stickers for diesel VW, Mercedes, & Dodge...I own all 3 in diesel.
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While it's nice that they're bringing the TDI back, I'm not so sure the extra cost of the car and diesel fuel is worth the extra gas mileage.