I bought a Mercedes diesel in 1979. It got 28 mpg city or highway, but the
power it was supposed to have wasn't there. It wasn't the turbo model but
they weren't any quicker because it was off the line that they were all but
embarrassing. At highway speeds it was fine but power is needed at the
start, especially if you are towing. I had it for 140,000 miles and it did
last pretty well because in those days nothing lasted that long. When I
sold it, one of the camshaft lobes was disappearing and at highway speeds it
would only go 70mph with the pedal on the floor. All of them were like that
and in 1980 they started to put carbide followers on the rockers so the cam
would last longer. I don't know if it worked or not. The oil had to be
changed every 2500 miles and the oil was more expensive and the filter at
that time cost $15 and that little engine took 7 quarts. At 2500 miles the
oil looked like it would take a putty knife to get it all out. That was 56
oil changes while I had it and it still wore out. I understand that they
are improved when it comes to cold weather starting but one time I had to
take an old Mustang to the grocery store when it was about -5 degrees and
hook up a 110 volt generator off the Mustang battery so I could plug the
Mercedes in and warm the engine with the block heater for 30 minutes so it
would start. I acted like I owned the Mustang and was just helping the lady
in the car (My wife). Never again a diesel for me. I am cured of that
notion.-- Bill --
I agree with a that. I have a 03 Chevrolet duramax 3/4 ton. The motor is
actually made by isuzu, but it has 450 horse, 550 ft lbs of torque and
still gets 21 mpg. It has easily pulled anything I've ever had behind
it, cruises nice, and has more power than I can really use. Diesels are
impressive.
you guys in the states need to get some diesels!
the audi a6 3.0TDI (wagon!) gets 35mpg urban/highway combined (45mpg on
the highway).
it has 230hp but a huge 450nm torque (335lb/ft) 0-60 in 7s and 155mph.
its the ultimate long distance, high speed cruiser.
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