Re: Gas vs TDI: Calculate your break-even point
You can't compare renting a car. There is no maintenance except for gas. YOu dont even have to do any oil changes. Poor example.
No, it's VW's fault for bringing in a vehicle that isn't made for the high sulphur diesel that we have. VW has made a statement that the problem with the intake clogging is not the car's fault but the fuel in North America. Well, then clearly the car is not made for this climate. Nowhere in my research did it say this car must NOT be driven in the city and it should be driven predominately on the highway and shift above 3500 rpm. Nobody, not here, not the dealer said that. If I had the time and money, I would sue all the bastards. In fact, one of the deciding reasons I bought the TDI was after reading Fred's FAQ on the EGR mod. He wrote that with the Mod, clogging will not be a problem. What BS. I didnt expect to have the intake clog, neither did my friend who also drives a TDI, neither did my other friend who also drove a TDI. Is there a pattern here?? Hmmm. Of course, we all find this out AFTER we buy the car.
New cars can save you money if you factor in low or minimal maintenance and lack of frustrations compared to a used vehicle. This car has been one of my most frustrating vehicles I have ever owned. The fact that I inhaling carcinogenic particulte regularly is not conducive to my asthma. When I test drove the TDI, there was no smell. Funny, eh?
I have done oil changes on many vehicles but I wouldnt want to touch it on a TDI, but that's as far as I would go on doing any maintenance. I am not a shadetree mechanic and I dont like to tinker. That's why I prefer "turn-key" vehicles. Just turn the key and go. After 5+ years, I can tinker with it, but not while it is under warranty, and I shouldnt have to. If I do, something is wrong.
Buying used has a lot and in fact many risks. Buying one that is 8 or so years old has no warranties. I have seen first hand how people pay good money for vehicle inspections and there are major omissions or errors in the inspections. The [new] owners are caught off guard. I think buying a used car and selling it every few years is a good theory, but in practice doesn't work.
As far as the anology of the computer, I am very very happy with my P3 800mhz. I just increased the memory and storage and it runs faster (actualy it seems that way) than my 2.8G laptop. Unlike a car a PC doesn't breakdown as often. Besides, the cash outlay is always a lot less and a PC won't leave you stranded on the side of the road or have you worry what is going to go wrong next with a car and how much is it going to cost to fix.
It's so easy for you loyalists to blame the owner or the driver of the car when they dislike your favorite machine, but perhaps one day, you all can see the forest through the trees.
Anyhow, enough of my ranting about how I am disappointed and frustrated with my TDI. I will be happy when it is gone. I will also be a lot healthier too. Something you TDI'ers should really think twice about.