OT: diesel cars

[Butch Crain]

I'm probably going to buy a VW diesel (TDI) Jetta Sportswagen by the end of summer.

But I keep hearing Subaru will sell a diesel Forester in the US soon.

Any insights would be appreciated.

[RandyJ]

Google "diesel forrester" and you'll get plenty of hits. Didn't see any firm answers on when it would be available in the US. But yeah, that would be a nice ride.

[Butch Crain]

I had the same google experience as you Randy. Best I could tell was maybe a 2010 model released mid summer next year.

Right now it kind of depends on how fast congress moves on the cash for clunkers deal (got an '01 model SporTrac to mothball). With a 12 month window of opportunity from Obama's signature, the timing may not be right.

I'm thinking the 2 cars would be priced about the same, but with the Forester having all wheel drive compared to positive traction and probably better ground clearance. Either way 40+ mph on the highway is hard to pass up, not to mention the clunkers voucher, an alternative fuels tax credit, and this year's auto sales tax tax deduction.

PS - all you folks in Shreveport-Bossier ignore this - it's all lies - and I better not catch any of you bumping me down a waiting list.

[Cowper]

I've been watching the diesel subie's as well, and crossing my fingers. AWD at a hair better than the mpg I currently get from my Corolla would be hard to pass up. Also, they rate that little bugger to tow 4400#, so I when needed I could hook up a trailer and still do about 85% of the jobs my 3/4 ton diesel now does. Only downside is, someone else will have to tow the ramp of death to Rendezvous, but I've only had that honor one time anyway.

Mid calendar 2010 (other 2010 models could be here in Sept -09) is consistent with the buzz I've read also.

I suspect the Subaru's are generally going to be more reliable than the VW's (my bias). While some people get great service out of their VW's, I've run into one or two folks who had problems. But one thing that worries me - they are saying the US import version of the Subaru will have a urea injection system for emissions, making it different than the "proven" European version that has now been out for at least a couple of years. This could impact reliability (think "new model"), mpg (maybe), or cause schedule set-backs or even cancellation of delivery to US shores.

So for now, I'm getting my truck road-worthy again, hoping fuel holds under $3/gallon for another year or two, and trying to decide what kayak I should buy next.

If this rig does make it to our shores, talk to me some more about turbo cool down (idling before shutdown). Some folks laugh or are not willing to take the time, but 313,000 miles and counting with no turbo work, compared to others with the same rig who don' make it to 100k before a turbo replacement, tells me it is something worth doing.

[Butch Crain]

Anybody want to recommend a favorite Subaru salesman in Little Rock?

I got questions.

[Renee H]

Last year, Subaru was at Rendezvous and Rob was the guy who came out to represent. I can't think of his last name, but I know he's a boater.

[Mike B]

Rob is the guy you want to talk to at Riverside Subaru in Little Rock.

Make sure to consider the very high cost of owning a VW. VW requires the regular maintenance to be performed by VW for the warranty to be valid. They have a strict maintenance schedule that is costly. They have also dropped the warranty coverage to 5 years / 50,000 (I think that is current) while the industry standard is becoming a 100,000 mile warranty.

I'm not knocking VW as my wife has owned 3 and drives a 2001 Passat. It has been a great car but we have spent thousands in routine maintenance and a few small problems. Our previous VW was a Jetta produced in Mexico and it really didn't hold up the VWs reputation for quality. I think VW was also recentally sold (Porsche is now the main stockholder) and I think there will be more changes coming. I'm afraid the shift will be made from fine German engineering to more economical (cheaper) cars that will appeal to more consumers.

We are buying a Subaru as soon as the VW Passat dies (probably another 5 years, it's at 110,000 miles and running strong).

[Butch Crain]

Just talked to Rob - nice guy. But looks like it may be a while before the diesel forester is available (2012 model?).

VW & Audi are inexplicably holding back delivery of the 2010s until October or November.

I'm sure it's a ploy to clear out the '09 inventory and put folks in a rush negotiating price and getting in under the November deadline for the Cash for Clunkers rebate. Looks to me more likely they'll miss out on thousands of sales though.

Moffett in Bossier thinks I'll fold and buy the red eye sore they've got left in stock. If any one else is interested, please buy it so maybe they'll move on. Otherwise, I may be calling Rob back about a gas powered Subie.

[n2outdrs]

Patiently waiting for the Subaru Diesel. I want to purchase a Subaru for my next vehicle but my diesel loving husband is making me wait

Judy

[Fish]

I've got a diesel Jetta wagon. Very high quality car - 110,000 miles and the car still seems like a very low mileage car. As was mentioned, standard maintenance hurts a bit. Didn't need to change timing belt until 110,000, but it cost $700 to do it. Other than that, the TDI engine requires more expensive oil and you'll go through a few glow plugs every 100,000 - about $100 each. Any diesel will be higher maintenance cost. But it gets 40+ mpg while having big time power. I can haul two people, four boats, fill the back with gear and get 34 mpg while driving 80 mph on the freeway. It's like it breaks the laws of physics or something. My only real complaint is that the front end is really low - ground clearance is a joke. I've taken it down some gravel roads and even a dirt shuttle or two. A couple of those I regretted. It is not built for off-road at all - advantage Subaru. Not sure how good Subaru will be at making their first diesels, but I do hunger for the ground clearance and AWD. WIll probably watch them for a couple of years or so and then look for a used one somewhere. Of course, used diesels are desired cars these days - paid $1500 over book for mine and I got a good deal. I'm sure I could sell it today and do quite well.

See you in the funny papers,
Fish