Hi,

If I may ask, what has been your overall impression of trading in a "relatively new" 2007 4.8 for the diesel. What do you think of the differences in performance.

Do you think it was worth the cost (depreciation on the old, and advantages of the fuel economy on the new) I have an 07 4.8 and am wondering when trading it in would make the most financial sense.

Thanks.

Overall I am very satisfied. There is surely a difference in the characteristics of the 35d vs the 4.8i. My 07 didn't have 3rd row or auto leveling rear suspension and from my experience 500 miles so far, the 35d feels much less sporty in terms of its handling, the 4.8i felt much more agile. Now this could be totally in my head but the 35d doesn't feel like its has a quick a steering ratio, nor does it feel as happy to throw into a high speed corner like the 4.8i did. With the 19" michelins that the 35d came with it certainly felt as if it had more body roll, now with the 214's its better but still not on par with the 4.8i.

Now as far as performance, the diesel is a completely different animal, the 4.8i was always ready with power on demand with super fast response to throttle tip in, the diesel on the other hand is not, I am familiar with turbo vehicles and lag, once the turbos spool on the 35d you get going pretty good. Its just for lack of a better word different. On the highway I am content with the passing power, it's not as fast as the 4.8i passed 80mph but it still moves pretty good. So I guess to sumarize, it is not equal to the 4.8i in terms of handling performance, well at least that is my opinion compared to my 07 but the biggest reason I bought the 35d was for fuel consumption. And I am simply amazed at how good it is, I am getting far better mileage and that fact that diesel where I live is cheaper than 87 octane regular gas. All in all, I'd say unless your going to be driving the autobahn or around a race track, these differences in performance make up in economy, they do for me anyways.

Feel free to pm me with any other questions. Another decision factor for me was my 07 4.8i was pretty sparse with sport,activity,premium where as the new 35d is almost loaded.

^ good info... interesting that both have adaptive drive but body roll feels different?

OK, now I'm really ready for my summer shoes. Great pics!

From what I understand my 07 didn't have adaptive drive. This is the sport button by the emergency break button ? I really have to put more miles on my 35d before I make a final decision, but the 35d does feel like its heavier. However it may all be in my head. I've not looked at the weight numbers on how the diesel engine compares the all aluminum 4.8i maybe there's a couple extra hundred pounds there.... I am still enjoying every excuse to drive though.