Maybe it's a Euro-import turbo diesel?  That would be faster.

Diesel has been about 17-18% higher (4,09 gas to 4,79 diesel in Atlanta),
but it will come down.  My Beetle TDI still saves much money - I got 50 MPG
out of two consecutive tanks.

I'd go for it if it were a turbodiesel.  It will be worth it in the long
run.

On Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 8:58 AM, Doug Fitz-Randolph
<fitzr@suscom-maine.net>wrote:

> Phil,
>
> First, there aren't any US model 1985 diesel vanagons. They were only sold
> here from 81-83. So either the seller has the year wrong, or the van was
> not
> originally a diesel, or it is a non-US model. You can check the year by
> looking at the placard usually on the drivers door pillar or by decoding
> the
> windshield VIN at http://www.vanagonparts.com/vin_decoder.html . If the
> van
> was not originally a diesel, chances are the batter will be located under
> the passenger seat. Diesels have the battery in the engine compartment.
>
> Re. recommendations/advice... if you are happy driving 50-55 MPH on the
> interstate and watching the line of traffic in your rear-view mirror queued
> up waiting to get around you, and if you don't mind shifting into 2nd gear
> to get up hills a gas vanagon could probably lug over in 4th, the diesel is
> a pretty nice vehicle. It does get very good mileage - you might be able to
> get 30 or more - but factor in that diesel costs nearly 25% more than gas
> and your savings are eroded somewhat.
>
> If you are planning to collect grease to either make your own biodiesel or
> put in a grease system so you can run straight vegetable oil (SVO), I would
> suggest securing a supply of grease first. Lots of people are doing it now
> so finding grease is not as easy as it used to be. Also, it does require
> considerable effort to collect and process the oil. And with diesel at
> nearly $5/gal, you will be competing with the commercial waste collection
> companies. Not trying to talk you out of it, but I hear a lot of people
> saying they are going to get a diesel car so they can "burn biodiesel"
> without really knowing what it entails - just do your research.
>
> Cheers,
> Doug Fitz-Randolph
> Freeport, ME
>