Diesel Auto Sales Are Annihilating Expectations, Are YOU Ready To Buy? Why Or Why Not?

A couple years back, it seemed like diesel was up in the air. Would it sell at all? Would it explode and create waiting lists? No one knew for sure. The only thing that was definite was that Americans had an image of diesel in their mind.

If you were to ask any Joe Blow about their thoughts on diesel they would probably mutter something along the lines of "dirty, slow and unrefined." And, to an extent, they were right. Tufts of black smoke would exit the exhaust when a driver got on the throttle, there was some serious vibration on acceleration and they were not exactly rocket ships.

Turn the clock forward a decade and then the green movement came. Gas prices soared and drivers were sent scrambling for MINI's and Honda Civics. It was one of the rare times the Ford F150 was unseated from its beloved throne as the most sold vehicle in the States.

With consumers clamoring for longevity and cleaner autos, some manufacturers had a brilliant plan; bring diesel back with a vengeance.

Now it seems that diesel vehicles have become an integral part to sales.

Looking at Volkswagen's past several months it is clear that diesel sales propped up the brand in tough times and they continue to gain market share. And the story remains the same at Audi, whose Q7 TDI sport-utility is made up of nearly 50 percent of sales. Additionally, the all-new 2010 A3 TDI racked in an even 50 percent of sales this past January.

Diesel models are fantastic. They can offer a remarkable improvement in MPG and provide a thrill for an enthusiast. My 2004 VW Touareg usually achieved 14-15 MPG, where the 2009 V6 TDI I tested racked in 24 MPG at times while being much MORE powerful.

But it does not matter if I am sold, what about you? Do you believe in diesel autos OR are hybrids the way of the future? Electric technology, while it remains the cleanest, lacks the practicality at the moment -- unless you want to wait at a charging station for x hours on a road trip.

AND, we are curious: what is YOUR favorite diesel vehicle on the market today. Think hard, there is a large selection, running from BMW 3-series to X5's AND VW's Golf TDI to Jetta SportWagen.

Make your voice heard on AutoSpies. Let us know in the comments below.







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Shredmo - 2/5/2010 11:03:38 AM

+1 Boost

Why must every post be inflammatory?

AE86 - 2/4/2010 12:55:21 AM

+4 Boost

I am waiting for the VW GTD.

freeagent - 2/4/2010 6:55:25 AM

+3 Boost

diesels would post more impressive gains at BMW if, like at Audi and VW, they offer a more economical version than the 335d. why not bring over the 320d (the main seller in Europe) or the 330d with a manual transmission option. these cars get significantly more mileage than the 335d with the required auto transmission. i've rented a 320d in Europe and its a great car with fantastic mileage.

sstainba - 2/4/2010 8:56:23 AM

-1 Boost

i'm planning on getting an X5 35d myself next year. :-)

westy1974 - 2/4/2010 10:12:36 AM

+3 Boost

i have a 2008 GL320 CDI and it's not uncommon for it to get 26 mpg highway. It's EPA rated at 24 highway and I'm getting 22.2 combined, so yeah, I'd get another diesel.

As for everyone's complaint about the 335d being so expensive, when you factor in the $4500 eco credit being offered, it's not much more than a comparable gas model, although with a little less content.

My biggest complaint with diesel is how the government has the fuel itself taxed as a way to screw over big rig drivers and we end up getting it too!

sstainba - 2/4/2010 10:12:55 AM

-3 Boost

why exactly did i get deboosted for saying i'm getting an x5? you guys really are a little ridiculous.

thstone - 2/4/2010 4:07:06 PM

+1 Boost

You really should get the X5 xDrive48i.

enthusiastx11 - 2/4/2010 11:32:33 AM

+2 Boost

absolutely...love the some of the great european diesels are coming to the states again. i plan to buy the refreshed 2011 X5 diesel.

LexSucks - 2/4/2010 11:38:51 AM

+2 Boost

Welcome to the 1980's America. America is mega late accepting diesels. The rest of the world have accepted diesels for decades. But to answer your question; Yes I'd consider a diesel.

pennfootball - 2/4/2010 12:46:01 PM

+1 Boost

Too bad Acura couldn't get their diesel engine to work without eurea injection and scrapped the program. Also toyota, and Honda, and Nissan especially pissed me off for canceling diesel. I would give my right wheels for a freaking Diesel Jeep Wrangler!

thstone - 2/4/2010 4:04:24 PM

-4 Boost

Diesels are never going to catch on.

Shredmo - 2/5/2010 11:02:51 AM

+1 Boost

I like the idea of using diesels in passenger cars, but am not excited about the fueling process. Not sure if the process is messy or if the typical diesel user is sloppy when filling their tank. At the pumps that feature both gas and diesel, it seems that diesel fuel gets all over everything. Even filling up w/gas, you have to wash your hands thoroughly to remove the smell of diesel.

tango - 2/5/2010 9:55:08 PM

+1 Boost

I love diesels. The first vehicle I ever drove was a diesel (1982 VW Transporter D with a 1.6L turbo diesel). I did much of my later years driving my father's 1997 Mitsubishi L200 (2.5L N/A diesel). In Jamaica we have the pick of the lot, especially when it comes to SUVs and pickups. Everything from a Toyota Prado (Lexus GX) all the way to a Land Rover is available with a diesel. And if you guys have not heard the sound that a Touareg 3.0TDI makes under part to full throttle, I can tell you, it is music. Two turbos makes all the difference!

@Shredmo: Diesel fuel seems to linger because it is not as volatile as gasoline. In other words it does not evaporate as much. So it tends to just sit there for a while longer. If you have ever worked on the fuel system of any gasoline vehicle you would know that gasoline sticks to your hands too, and doesn't really wash off as easy as you would think. Gasoline sticks to the hands and clothes too. I suppose the smell, being less oily, is just a bit more tolerable.

Whelan - 2/11/2010 12:15:00 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not ready. I don't care how new the tech is on them for emissions, they still have that smell. Sit behind even a new Jetta TDI and you will see what I mean. And no, putting the recirculator on is not acceptable for an answer.

Secondly, the infrastructure. Diesel pumps are about 1 per station at most major gas stations in town. You would be at the local truck stop filling up or lined up for the only diesel at the station, no thanks.

Oh and the cost benefits of diesel are mute because you still pay a much higher price that is not negated by fuel economy. At least not yet. And they take forever to warm up in the cold, sure you have electric heaters but not while at the office.