Replacement costs? If the diesel engine goes south what would the
replacement costs be vs a gasoline engine? Are parts of the diesel
really expensive?
I've "heard" diesels are expensive, I've known people with 'other'
diesel engines who have been really really unhappy when something
like an injection pump went out. I've been loosely following this as
I am interested in better performance & better mileage too.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

At  1/22/2012 08:17 PM, Travis Newhouse wrote:
> > IMHO, most people are better off with a more modern gas engine
> vs. diesels strictly from a general drivability & economic point of
> view. Other factors come into play why people go to oil burners though.;-)
>
>Can you elaborate on why you think gas engine is better for general
>drivability and economic point of view.  I'm one of the
>"fence-sitters" someone mentioned who has been considering a TDI
>conversion for a Westy.  I thought the roughly 15% price difference in
>diesel fuel (that I see locally) would be outweighed by the nearly 50%
>improvement in MPG.  I agree that the TDI can cost more, but I've seen
>prices for 1.8T that seem similar - to compare to a modern gas engine.
>
>As for drivability, I cannot comment, and I certainly have questions
>about what it is like.  I've never owned a diesel, nor driven one
>myself.  I have to imagine the TDI had to be somewhat driver-friendly
>to go into Beetles, Jettas, and Passats.  But, I would be happy to
>hear more about your comment on general drivability.
>
>Thanks,
>Travis