General DieselDiscussion about diesels in general. All brands are welcome, please refrain from brand wars. Discussions about types of diesel fuel also go here.
My main problem is, I don't know where to start looking, or how much i should expect to spend on a used diesel. I'm hoping for a sedan, or a coupe. And, It would be grand if it could get >40mpg, or could be modified within reason (Turbo's, or other cheap modifications) to get this much out of a gallon. I don't actually have the money, just trying to do a little bit of research.
The main reason I'm interested in diesel is because I'm driving a 1987 mercury grand marquis that is getting about 9 MPG, and I've been throwing money into it ever since i got it.
As far as a new car goes, I'd hope it could be newer than 1990. What brands would you recommend me looking into? What particular car models? How possible is it to modify these engines with turbo to achieve MPG ratings of >40-50?
Look at Volkswagon (Golf/Jetta/Passat). Good quality cars. From what I've read about them, the 2003 was the best year as far as reliability goes. They get 55+ MPG (keep in mind, that's Canadian gallons).
__________________
05 F-350 Crewcab 4x4, 6.0, Auto, Dually, My new Tow Rig
95 F-350 Crewcab 4x4, 7.3, Auto, Awesome Tow Rig...Sold on May 17/09 (went to a good home)
80 F-250 4X4, 429, 4 Speed, Lifted, Solid Axles, Boggers, 450,000km and going strong...Gonna Go
90 Bronco, Work in Progress
the vw diesel is good choice, especially the early 2000's......
older mercedes diesels are still out there, but rather expensive to fix cause it s a mercedes....... i just replaced a 6cyl diesel in my 1991 mercedes diesel with a factory rebuilt... wifey ran the car to #ell during an overheat...
__________________
'12 gmc sierra slt cc, lb, duramax, carbon blk outside, blk leather inside.
'11 e350 super cargo,ingot silver, v10.
'09 mazda6i grand touring, black cherry,blk leather.
'77 450SL benz in the family since new.
'91 350sdl turbo diesel benz
'10 MAZDA 6i, DAUGHTERS RIDE
'90 560sel benz. what a pos.
Older Mecrcedes is the way to go. Stick with the 617 turbo five cylinder engines as the late 80s - early 90s had engine issues (603 six cylinder engine). They can be had for a few grand and you can find them in a two or four door model. Parts are cheap until you get into motors and trans but then you just run down to the local junkyard or CL and find another one to put in. Volkswagons are great till you have to work on one as everything is burried under something. If money is not the issue the new BMW three series can be had with a diesel and they are fine as frogs hairs.
__________________
1989 Centurion Classic 350 4X4 (F-350 4door Bronco), W/93 7.3L IDI non-turbo, ZF 5-Speed(LUK)/BW 1356/Dana 60/Sterling 10.25, 3.55, Hypermax Turbo/Intercooler, 3 1/2" Exhaust/Pyro(inop), RDT, 265/75R16 BFG/AT on 16X8 American Racing Wheels 138K and still going strong
Money is an issue, I'm not working at the moment, but I'm looking for a car that gets pretty good gas mileage. What kind of gas mileage can I expect to get out of the 5 cylinder engines you mentioned? What year and model's actually have these engines?
I put 137,000 miles on a 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis company car and it got about 23 MPG on the road (at 65-70 MPH) and about 19MPG around town. Sounds like yours is not in real good shape.
Good luck... the VW's are probably the best choice out there, but they don't have an excellent reliability reputation.
2001 7.3 F-350 Dually Lariat CC LWB 4X2 Dark Green 4.10 4R100 5'ver Hauler (32' Montana 2 slides 10,500# - 2,000# tongue weight), 106 gal aux tank, 159K miles, nephews arguing over who will inherit it 'cause I'm gonna' drive it 'til I die. Bone stock.
2001 5.4 Gasser F-250 XLT Crewcab SWB 4X2 3.73 4R100 98K miles headed to 150K stock as the day it was made
Before these: '00 F-250 CC PSD, '97 F-250 CC PSD, '94 Ford F-150, '91 Ford E-250, '81 Ford E-150, '66 Ford F-100 (cars not included)
I put 137,000 miles on a 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis company car and it got about 23 MPG on the road (at 65-70 MPH) and about 19MPG around town. Sounds like yours is not in real good shape.
Good luck... the VW's are probably the best choice out there, but they don't have an excellent reliability reputation.
Florida Ed
My god... I think that engine has about had it then. I'm sure a rebuild could fix it, but i would just buy another car before I'd rebuild that behemoth.
Yeah, Reliability would be an issue, cause i would be driving it to and from college.
So, what kind of problems can I expect out of these 5 cylinder Mercedes, and how often can I fix them without prior knowledge (assuming a I have a book on the car)?
I get around 30mpg out of mine and it is the "S" class which is the big one. I could get a little better but I enjoy driving the car a lot more than I enjoy better mileage. I paid a grand for mine and it has over 300K on it now. I paid $500 for a parts car and have not bought parts for it this year other than filters. Just get one with a good maintenance history and enjoy the ride.
__________________
1989 Centurion Classic 350 4X4 (F-350 4door Bronco), W/93 7.3L IDI non-turbo, ZF 5-Speed(LUK)/BW 1356/Dana 60/Sterling 10.25, 3.55, Hypermax Turbo/Intercooler, 3 1/2" Exhaust/Pyro(inop), RDT, 265/75R16 BFG/AT on 16X8 American Racing Wheels 138K and still going strong
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
