Interested in finding a new diesel car - Diesel Forum

Nick382 · 10-26-2009, 02:35 AM

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?

Thanks in advance, Nick.

fordsforever73 · 10-26-2009, 03:18 AM

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).

hapaschold · 10-26-2009, 05:45 AM

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...

Nick382 · 10-26-2009, 08:46 AM

Alright, how about a model that is slightly less expensive to repair, or, is going to need repairs less often?

I've read a lot of bad owner reviews on the Jetta's, I'm not entirely sure on the year though.

ColLonewolf · 11-05-2009, 03:19 PM

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.

Nick382 · 11-08-2009, 06:10 PM

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?

FloridaEd · 11-18-2009, 02:36 PM

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

sig556 · 11-19-2009, 06:09 PM

Older Mercedes is the way to go. My buddy went thru two bodies before it gave out.

Nick382 · 11-19-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaEd

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)?