Comment

Comment by J. Casey Pendleton on April 13, 2012 at 8:34am

Pat, I appreciate your oppinion and you present valid insight.  There is certainly cases where the initial investment required to get into a diesel would make sense.  But it's math, not magic.  This isn't a debate of Ford vs. Volkswagen or any other manufacturer vs another.  More simply, it's an analysis of the actual savings in fuel economy weighed against the cost of the diesel product.  If you are someone who drives 30,000 miles a year and you keep the same vehicle longer than the national average, then yes, a diesel could make sense.  But if you are not the "exception", then the diesel may not be the route. 

Remember, you can make the same argument between electric/hybrid vehicles and the cost associated with them compared to a regular gas operated vehicle.

Again, as to the trade value...

Today, NADA Retail on a 2011 Jetta TDI is 24,400.00 USD

The same vaule on a 2011 Ford Fusion is $19,925.00 USD

So I don't see "BIG" difference in the depreciated values between these two vehicles when looking at the percentages of values today vs. MSRP and considering the costs of ownership.

Comment by Pat Kirley on April 13, 2012 at 3:28am

J I think your wrong, it applies more to the state with higher mileage motorists and lower numbers of diesel cars. The people who promote diesel will gain more market share and have quicker selling stock and your customers will be happy campers with their low fuel cost and high trade in valued.

Comment by J. Casey Pendleton on April 12, 2012 at 10:04pm

Guys, I'm not at all saying that the Jetta is a bad idea or even diesel isn't a good fuel. I just saying that your kidding yourself by thinking your saving money by purchasing a diesel. @Hans...shouldn't the Jetta be worth more down the road if it cost more initially? @Pat...I realize in different regions that diesel could very well be a more cost effective means. Just not so much here in the States.

Comment by Hans K on April 12, 2012 at 9:39pm

You forget the projected trade value after 3.4 or 5 years. I predict that the Jetta may produce a higher trade value than the Fusion. MMR of a 2009 model of either car suggests a big difference.. Am I correct? That would add another factor to your equation and might give the VW a little edge.

PS. I don't sell FORD nor VOLKSWAGEN

Comment by Pat Kirley on April 12, 2012 at 7:53pm

Hi J
You need to drive the diesel, the diesel always returns more miles than manufactures quote,I have got yo to 65mpg imperial gallon(not US) from a VW Passat 2.0TDi. You are also going to find once people find out about the real economy of diesel, residual value will soar on diesel and cost of ownership will decrease. Look at sales in Europe diesel is outselling petrol, the new generation diesel engine are really winning customers over and diesel price will fall as it becomes more common. Here in Ireland diesel is .10cent cheaper per litre than unleaded.. On trips stateside I can't believe how few gas station sell diesel, it will change and with cars in US generally covering more miles annually the savings will drive the customers away from petrol. Currently I think diesel engine options are overpriced by the manufactures, here in Europe diesels are now about €1,000 ($1,300) extra and the resale is higher and there is greater demand for used diesels. Hope this helps