What are the benefits and downsides of a diesel powered car?

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   JanHeathposted 12 years ago

   What are the benefits and downsides of a diesel powered car?
   
   

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   JP993posted 12 years ago

   Diesels have come a long way over the past 20 years. You get more miles to the gallon, the price of diesel is only a tad higher than a petrol. The power output of a diesel has been matched to petrol cars now and then some.
   
   I can't see anydownsides of owning a diesel anymore, they used to be clunky, loud and underpowered. This is no more.
   
   Make sure the car is turbo diesel rather than just a diesel. Make regular oil changes with top quality oil just like any other engine and you should see thousands of miles out of the car and save some money and help the environment in the mean time.

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      JanHeathposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      JP993, thanks for your answer, I had heard good and bad points about diesels, one being that the power was not always great but sounds like it's all good now.

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   The RV Guyposted 12 years ago

   Once relegated to heavy duty trucks, several automobile manufacturers have realized great success with their diesel powered offerings like Mercedes and Volkswagen.  With fewer moving parts, the diesel engine requires less fuel to accomplish the same amount of work as a gasoline engine thereby realizing better fuel economy.  Additionally, diesel engines are known for their longevity.  It is not uncommon to find a diesel powered Mercedes with several hundred thousand miles running as well as the day it first left the dealership.  Today's diesels run much smoother and quieter making them an ideal alternative for long distance drivers.  The initial cost of a diesel powered vehicle (certainly with trucks) is higher than  a gasoline powered model.  However, factoring in their longevity, the diesel powered vehicle may be a better overall investment.  The days of loud, knocking engines and limited diesel availability are long past.  A test drive of both, a gasoline powered vs. diesel powered comparable vehicles is highly recommended.  The greatest downside to diesel powered vehicles is there just aren't enough of them to choose from at this time.

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      JanHeathposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds like my next car needs to be a diesel!  Thanks for your comments RV Guy, appreciated.

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