If the price of diesel was lower than gasoline's would you still buy a Prius?

[vahrn]

Most people in my country keep saying that buying a Prius here is stupid since diesel is cheaper than gasoline, and diesel engines tend to be more efficient than gasoline engines and as much as efficient as a hybrid.

So let's imagine that fuel prices were the following (current average prices in my country):

Diesel: EUR 1,168 - USD 1,7207 per liter
Gasoline: EUR 1,324 - USD 1,9505 per liter

Let's imagine also that a high efficiency diesel like BMW's is considered by the law as much as polluting as a hybrid, my question is:

Would you still buy a Prius?

[Rae Vynn]

Diesel engines are more polluting than the Prius.

So, no. I would not. It isn't just about the MPGs, it is also about the exhaust. I'm a fan of cleaner air.

[vahrn]

Originally Posted by Rae Vynn

Diesel engines are more polluting than the Prius.

So, no. I would not. It isn't just about the MPGs, it is also about the exhaust. I'm a fan of cleaner air.

Yes, you would then (still buy a Prius ), you voted no instead of yes!

[LaPriusGuy]

I owned a diesel Jetta for many years and loved the gas mileage, but it was a very expensive car to maintain when it needed service. I went back and forth between getting a new Diesel Jetta or a Prius, and finally decided that there was no comparison in quality - and bought the Prius.

I would say, that if Toyota made a Diesel car, I would be pretty tempted to get a Diesel again, as much as I'm loving my new Prius.

[TonyPSchaefer]

I was fortunate enough to be in a situation to pay cash for my Prius. This opens up a whole bunch of opportunities for vehicular purchases. The $26,000 top-end Prius could have bought me entry-level BMWs, Lexi, VW, just about any GM family sedan, a used Mercedes, and whatever. Instead, I CHOSE to buy a first-year redesigned hybrid knowing that there was new technology, a new shape and a very great possibility that I would be mocked, laughed at and criticized.

I have been mocked, laughed at and criticized. Some friends admire the car's design and technology while others mock it for the same reasons. Like you, I have those who tell me that the Prius will never "pay for itself." Like you, I stand firm and know that it's not about the money. I know that I did the best I could in 2004 to buy the most fuel-efficient mass-produced vehicle and reduce my personal dependency on foreign oil.

So when asked if I would buy something else based solely on cost, the answer is an adamant "no." If asked whether my next car will be a Prius, the answer is a resounding "yes."

And speaking of dependency on foreign oil, vahrn, you should ask your countrymen how much of their petrol was drilled and distilled in Italy. In other words, how dependent are they on foreign oil?

[tomhalv]

I would still get the gas, easier to find a pump to fill up when traveling and I do not like the smell of diesel when you get it on your hands. Sometimes the diesel nozzle will have some residual on the grip which sticks to your hands.

[vahrn]

Originally Posted by TonyPSchaefer

I was fortunate enough to be in a situation to pay cash for my Prius. This opens up a whole bunch of opportunities for vehicular purchases. The $26,000 top-end Prius could have bought me entry-level BMWs, Lexi, VW, just about any GM family sedan, a used Mercedes, and whatever. Instead, I CHOSE to buy a first-year redesigned hybrid knowing that there was new technology, a new shape and a very great possibility that I would be mocked, laughed at and criticized.

I have been mocked, laughed at and criticized. Some friends admire the car's design and technology while others mock it for the same reasons. Like you, I have those who tell me that the Prius will never "pay for itself." Like you, I stand firm and know that it's not about the money. I know that I did the best I could in 2004 to buy the most fuel-efficient mass-produced vehicle and reduce my personal dependency on foreign oil.

So when asked if I would buy something else based solely on cost, the answer is an adamant "no." If asked whether my next car will be a Prius, the answer is a resounding "yes."

And speaking of dependency on foreign oil, vahrn, you should ask your countrymen how much of their petrol was drilled and distilled in Italy. In other words, how dependent are they on foreign oil?

What do you mean with "reduce my personal dependency on foreign oil"?
I mean: since diesel contains more energy than gasoline and both derive from oil then if both fuels had the same price, you would end up using a volume of fuel almost equal by driving a diesel car instead of a hybrid.
I am asking because I don't understand the reasons behind your assumption..

[bestmapman]

Diesel by itself is not as good as any Prius. In years to come, the Prius of all Generations will have a PHEV option that the non hybrid diesel will not. The enginer battery pack is a good example.

So the diesel by itself is old technology and antiquated, so no I would not buy a diesel just because the cost of fuel was cheaper.

[Felt]

Originally Posted by tomhalv

I would still get the gas, easier to find a pump to fill up when traveling and I do not like the smell of diesel when you get it on your hands. Sometimes the diesel nozzle will have some residual on the grip which sticks to your hands.

Good point. I own a Dodge diesel truck in addition to the Prius, and have driven it from coast to coast several times. Many, many locations, (yes, there are exceptions) the diesel pumps are off the side; the area around the pump is oil saturated; the pump filler is foul, oily, and unpleasant; plus, many times (because the pump is off to the side) the card reader is different, and you need to go inside to pay. Oh, and so often cars are in line with big pick-up trucks (like myself) (often with RV's behind, or other trailers) they must wait while the big tanks are filled. I endure this in my truck .... I am not interested in filling up my automobile at the same outlet ... especially considering I might be better dressed in my car.

[alfon]

We have both cars, our 2010 Prius, and a 2003 Jetta Station Wagon 5 speed TDI Diesel engine.

The Jetta is more consistent on MPG. The MPG's are usually about 53 MPG. There is no big hit like with the Prius.

The Prius can get over 57 MPG and than the next time 46 mpg. The jetta, which has over 128,000 miles, never has that much of a swing in MPG. Also the Jetta has a 10,000 mile oil change interval with Mobil One 5-40"Delvac".

I enjoy both our cars.

alfon