I've been an automobile enthusiast for 25+ years and a diesel fan for
at least 15 of those.  I can unequivocably state that the closest
approximation of the car I've been waiting for all my adult life is my
'87 Mercedes 300TD.

http://users.zhonka.net/zeitgeist/Misc/4-27_TD%20sideview.jpg

The W124 chassis is an absolute dream to drive, and the OM603 engine
is powerful, yet still returns 30mpg, and runs quite well on
biodiesel.  My '96 Passat tdi is a close runner up, and was rock solid
reliable, with 40+mpg.  If my Vanagon were dieselized, it'd make a
serious run for the top, as well--it's currently awaiting a tdi
conversion.

I'd also consider an '87 Mercedes 190D 2.5 turbo, and '90-'93 Mercedes
300D 2.5 turbo.

On 1/27/06, Christopher Gronski <gronski@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all
>
> I'm dreaming about the second car I'll buy when I finish school. I
> will be doing a diesel engine conversion on my syncro vanagon (and
> probably SVO / bio diesel) and want the second vehicle t have the same
> options. So the question is what is your favorite (preferably 4wd but
> not necessarily) diesel vehicle?
>
> The two I am kicking around right now are an old Land Rover or a Smart
> fortwo convertible (yes very different but both diesels). Please give
> me some food for thought...

Casey
Olympia, WA
Biodiesel: "I drive in a persistent vegetative state"
'87 300TD intercooler (211k)
'84 300D (207k)
Gashuffer:
'89 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition (186K)