I looked into getting a TDI VW (the American version), but when I worked out the increased maintenance costs vs the fuel savings it was a wash. That was several years ago and fuel prices were much lower then. Would be curious to see a Consumer Reports analysis given current gas prices.
We are still at 4 bucks a gallon here in WA state.
“I looked into getting a TDI VW (the American version), but when I worked out the increased maintenance costs vs the fuel savings it was a wash.”
Increased maintenance costs?
My 1996 VW Passat TDI got 40-50 mpg; maintenance schedules were the same as for the gasoline model, EXCEPT that I drove it for 315,000 miles before I sold it to a friend, who loves it and now has >350,000 miles on it.
My 2002 VW Golf TDI now has 165,000 miles and gets 40 mpg as a daily commuter into NYC from the ‘burbs;
My 2011 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen has free maintenance for the first 3 years(same schedule as the gas model); it is not yet broken in (Oonly 8500 miles)and is getting 40+ mpg in suburban driving.
The longevity of diesel engines is well-established. I can’t for the life of me understand your impression that maintenance is more expensive than for gas engines.
My friend says his VW TDI gets 55 miles per gallon. He has a 2 hour commute from time to time.