Diesel mileage - I'm impressed!

[younghno50]

Yeah I don't get it. Some places were .20 cheaper per gallon and some were the same price of premium? Another disadvantage is that there aren't that many domestic diesel cars do they jack the price up because they know who's getting the diesel gas. If diesel was everywhere and consistently .15 or more cheaper than premium I would have gone diesel instead of the gas version. The other question I have for all u diesel owners... Is this your first diesel car? Was 3mpg better economy that much of a deal breaker over the gas version with more hp and a smoother transmission? With the Eco credit was the diesel cheaper? I know in April when I ordered mine, there was an extension of the $2500 Eco credit along with an additional $1000 off an came out to be like a $7500 discount off msrp.

[seattle]

I test drove both and spent weeks pondering and calculating.
Chose the diesel, and it came out this:

1. "out of the door" price difference was substantial (with the 3,500 credit)
2. Low range torque hard to ignore
3. Did not want to face "beta version" reliability of the 35i. The comparatively old diesel was expected to be more reliable.
4. Expected the diesel to have better resale
5. Planned to buy obtain a boat at some point, expected 35d to excell in towing.
6. Better in-town and highway MPG a plus (even with 25cent/gal price difference, still saved money. Although it sounds funny when talking about 60K vehicle).
7. Deep down, wanted to try owning a diesel, and conditions were perfect to buy it.

[Mike75]

Diesel prices tend to move with heating oil prices, so there is an increase in the winter months and a decrease in the summer months. Currently diesel is about 10 cents cheaper than premium near me. In the winter, diesel can be 30 or 40 cents more than premium.
Regardless of price, diesel makes a ton of sense in a truck, and I'm surprised more auto makers aren't putting them in SUVs. The torque by itself is worth it. The mpg is a bonus. And the diesel clatter is pretty bad ass IMO.

[4MoJoe]

Originally Posted by younghno50

Yeah I don't get it. Some places were .20 cheaper per gallon and some were the same price of premium? Another disadvantage is that there aren't that many domestic diesel cars do they jack the price up because they know who's getting the diesel gas. If diesel was everywhere and consistently .15 or more cheaper than premium I would have gone diesel instead of the gas version. The other question I have for all u diesel owners... Is this your first diesel car? Was 3mpg better economy that much of a deal breaker over the gas version with more hp and a smoother transmission? With the Eco credit was the diesel cheaper? I know in April when I ordered mine, there was an extension of the $2500 Eco credit along with an additional $1000 off an came out to be like a $7500 discount off msrp.

This was my 2nd diesel, my first was a 1981 VW Rabbit (and it was new). Ya wanna talk about noise and smoke! Plus in the winter the glow plugs would try to heat and drain the battery and then I'd have to get a jump start when I drove to work and then when I left. Not a great winter setup.

My X35d was around 60K MSRP and I paid $52,500 for it. Had it not been for the Eco credit, incentive & financing offer I would have been in a used E70. Coming from a 4.4i and needing to tow my boat I really wanted the diesel and torque was my motivating factor (and better towing economy over what the 4.4i did). I didn't feel that the prior generation i6 (I was looking at 2007 & 2008 3.0) would work out for my towing needs.

[Whizzo]

My first diesel vehicle ever, and can't help but be impressed. In a 12 mile one way commute, I consistently get 23.5 MPG.

On a one way trip on flat ground of about 70 miles, I tried to "hyper-mile," staying at a steady 62 MPH (100 km/h). Displayed consumption for the trip was 30.9 MPG. Of course, it's tough to drive this sensibly in this country.

[seattle]

Did a 610 mile roundtrip to E.WA with family this weekend - a kickoff to camping season. 2 adults, 3 kids, 3 stuffed luggage bags, cots, etc.
About 400 miles of the trip were on interstate at 80mph. Up to Snoqualmie pass, then down to the desert of E. WA.
The rest was hilly and twisty county roads and state routes at 55-65mph. Ocasionally at 80mph and DS mode. Enjoyed them - a lot .

MPG-wise, did slightly better than I expected, accounting for driving style, weight, and terrain. 25.2 mpg.

Even had a chance to climb up a forest road. The hill descend control worked marvelously when coming back down.

[TigerDave]

Just drove up to Lodi, CA two weekends ago for Zinfest. Added 1,000 miles to the odo (now at 11k). Two adults, luggage, and came home with 4 cases of wine. A/C was on the entire time on the mostly-flat trip (5 fwy).

Averaged 75-80 MPH and got 24.0 mpg! Truly impressed with how we easily covered the 450-mile one-way stretch on one tank.

I had oil/filter service and Diesel Exhaust Fluid topped-off a week prior. The only issue we experienced was that iDrive was reporting the oil level was too high when I checked it on the way home. It was right at MAX after the service and prior to leaving for the trip. False alarm?

[jddssc121]

i just did Seattle to Portland. Light traffic only. Averaged 28.5 mpg w/ 5 bodies in the car

[seattle]

Originally Posted by jddssc121

i just did Seattle to Portland. Light traffic only. Averaged 28.5 mpg w/ 5 bodies in the car

Nice! What was the average speed? I could never keep it under 75, which does bring the economy a couple MPGs.

[seattle]

Just came back from Seattle to Disney/SeaWorld trip.
2 adults, 2 kids, luggage, stroller, etc.
Most of the way to destination was at 75-80. Nearing LA, did a 2-hour 90mph run, which did bring the fuel economy down a bit (the computer showed 22mpg at 90mph).

On the way home, took US101 through SF and mid-Oregon. 60-70mph there, often through towns at 30mph.

When got home, the computer showed 25.0mpg over 2850 miles, with average speed 56.9mph.