Newbie Wants to join the Dark side TDI Owner probably gonna buy a Prius!

[thelemite]

Hey there,

I am a long time diesel driver, Most recently a 1999 Beetle TDI that drives a lot(engine blew due to catastrophic oil pan puncture at speed at 300k miles. I but about 40k miles a year on a car and like being able to fuel up less often then once a day. I have decided to probably join the dark side and get a Prius.

Why?

1- VW service stinks. 3 horrible experiences with 3 dealers.
2- Everything but the motor breaks on these things
2- Diesel fuel stinks I have smelled it for 15 years in various cars and am a little tired of it.

I am used to getting about 46.5 mpg with my late great NB TDI and really hope to match that with a 2008 Prius.

Anyone help me pull the trigger and do it? Any reason I shouldnt?

[apriusfan]

The only downside that I can think of in your neck of the woods is that during cold weather, mileage will drop. However, there are solutions that range from almost free (grill blocking) to a few $100s (Block Heater).

You sure won't miss VW service.

Oh, and depending on the price difference between diesel and 87 unleaded, you may save some $ (diesel #2 is about $0.30/gallon more expensive than 87 unleaded at the moment in my locale).

[bestmapman]

I have both, an 06 Jetta TDI 6 spd and a 07 Prius. I think that the jetta is a better highway car, and the Prius is a better in town car. The Prius gets a little better mileage in the city and they get about the same on the highway.

Bottom line is I like them both.

[Birdums]

Oh no, it's NOT the Dark side... It's the GREEN side

As for mileage, I got up to 57 mpg before it got cold, and am getting 49-50 now. And I can't think of ANY reason to not buy a Prius; I love mine more every day. I managed to run over a bone somehow and until we could get the tire plugged, had to ride in the CR-V that was my transportation pre-Prius... it was like going back to the Stone age... and I felt unfaithful... but I'm sure DuPree forgave me.

Go for it, and never look back!

[efusco]

Can't it be the DARK GREEN SIDE?

[Bob Allen]

I had four Volkswagen cars over the last 35 years; three Beetles and a 1975 Rabbit. They were fun cars to drive but I didn't appreciate what maintenance hogs they were until (believe this) I had two Escorts, both of which made it to 150k with relatively little maintenance. The Prius is even better.

The Jetta TDI is a hoot to drive on the freeway but overall, I think the Prius is a better car and better built.

[cwerdna]

Originally Posted by Bob Allen

I had four Volkswagen cars over the last 35 years; three Beetles and a 1975 Rabbit. They were fun cars to drive but I didn't appreciate what maintenance hogs they were until (believe this) I had two Escorts, both of which made it to 150k with relatively little maintenance. The Prius is even better.

Are you talking about maintenance or repairs? Those are two totally different things.

Maintenance == things like changing oil, fluid flushes, tire rotations, changing spark plugs when reaching certain time or mileage intervals. Repairs == replacing stuff that broke or wore out WAY before it should've.