Prius Hybrid vs. VW Diesel (new tech)

Are you sure you will be able to purchase a TDI in the US? I've heard they will not be offered in Canada in 2008. When I go to the VW websites, the Canadian one shows a 2006 TDI. The US site doesn't even display or mention a TDI.

So is this lengthy discussion relevant?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SB2 @ Sep 6 2007, 08:26 AM) [snapback]507863[/snapback]</div>

Can you document this story?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SB2 @ Sep 5 2007, 01:08 PM) [snapback]507370[/snapback]</div>

Should you choose the VW you may want to hold off for at least one year. It's generally a good idea to let them work some of the bugs out before buying. Plus the info on the 2009 Prius may be out and make your choice more interesting.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SB2 @ Sep 7 2007, 07:33 PM) [snapback]508788[/snapback]</div>

I disagree... not every road ends with hydrogen. Hydrogen is a pipe dream... an imaginary carrot that the auto makers and the oil industry dangle always just 20 to 25 years ahead of us so we don't pay attention to how they want to just stick with the status quo and burn more petroleum today.

What I think we can safely say is that all roads will end in some kind of electric drive... be it pure battery-electrics, gasoline-electric hybrids, plug in hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, or hydrogen fuel cell (which, guess what, looks a heck of a lot like a series hybrid).

 

I've never seen such a story about CR and I did some searching. Sure, there have been some companies that have attacked their testing methodologies (Isuzu for one), but no news of a bribery scandal. Anyway, CR is good for somethings...not so great for others.

As for "real people"reviews...I'd be careful. Nowadays companies have paid folks going to review sites and pumping their products. It has virtually turned most of the online review sites to crap...they like to call it "viral marketing". All in all it's kind of sad.

I have a 2005 Prius and like it. A buddy has a TDI Jetta and has had pretty good luck. He gets roughly 40MPG I get about 45. He's had a number of problems with the car (A/C, Windows, Engine) over the past couple years...all that were fixed under warranty. Other than the Prius recall and a replaced driver-side armrest that suntan lotion ate through I've not had any issues.

The Prius seats aren't great...especially on a long trip. They're not so bad that I'd consider replacing them though. A seat heater is a fairly easy third-party option to add.

As for diesel availability. I've owned two diesels (both Mercedes) and while I did have a problem every so often finding a station it was never all that tough. From a safety standpoint it's also nice having a car where you can toss a match into the fuel only to have it go out.

A lot of it will come down to your likes. For me I like a car that is incredibly reliable...I'd trade a lot for that. I want to push the Start button and know it's going to start. But, to others style, performance, means something. Hell, nowadays I hear people are buying the Prius because they want to announce their environmentally friendly to the world (I'd suggest a bike would do the same thing for a whole lot less )

Anyway, good luck in whatever you choose.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SB2 @ Sep 7 2007, 11:22 PM) [snapback]508877[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SB2 @ Sep 7 2007, 09:22 PM) [snapback]508877[/snapback]</div>

That would need to be a lot of Google searching. I've searched all over the web. There is no documentation of Consumer Reports or their parent organization, Consumers Union, taking bribes. And they've been around since 1933.

A "Consumer Reports Taking Bribes" story--accurate or not--would certainly have circulated online as much as something like "Prius outdoing Hummer in pollution." Instead, it doesn't even exist.

 

If you are serious about a VW, wait at least TWO years before you buy one. The engine is new, the body is new, things will break, it will take at least two years for the bugs to be ironed out. If they are still using the same transmission, be prepared to replace it, be prepared for high maintenance costs over high miles driven. If you plan to get it next year when they first come out, make sure you insist they give you a beta testers hat! Just remember what ford owners went through with the first two years of the 6.0.

 

Look around for a rental Prius. Rent it for a week. It will save you a lot of "buyers remorse" if you decide it's not the car for you. If you do this, make sure you follow the owners guidelines, such as:
1. Inflate the tires to at least 40 PSI front 38 rear.
2. Learn to drive the economical way.
3. Don't carry what you don't need in the car.
4. Don't go on MPG for one tank. The bladder makes it hard to "estimate" fuel economy.

The dealer may be able to rent you one. If not, try the local car rental agencies.

Best way to ensure you are making the right decision.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 8 2007, 09:02 AM) [snapback]509068[/snapback]</div>

I put a good bit of credence in their reliability and satisfaction surveys.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SB2 @ Sep 8 2007, 01:41 PM) [snapback]509124[/snapback]</div>

<div align="left">If it's just the seat that bugs you buy a third-party Recaro or something similar that you like better. You'll lose an airbag, but you get power seats, heater and all the bells and whistles. When you consider the cost of the cars a seat isn't that big a deal if it makes you happy. There may even be a third party that can incorporate the airbag.

Just a thought.</div>

 

I apologize if this is not useful anymore, but I decided to buy my Prius after a three-day trip in Belgium and Holland last June where I drove a Golf (Rabbit) TDI. The car was wonderful and got excellent mileage (I have no doubt it will be able to do 60mpg on the highway when it finally gets here) and it had a great interior and some lovely accessories that the Prius doesn't have (loved those automatic passing flashers, for example), but ultimately I couldn't get over this horrible Diesel rattle. They can do whatever they try to make these cars quiet, but ultimately it's the experience of sitting at a traffic light where the Prius and the Golf TDI differed the most. The one car is blissfully quiet and the other shakes and rattles like an 18-wheeler. If you live in a climate where you can have your windows open in city traffic, that difference alone is enough to steer you to the Prius. Otherwise I am sure that both are great cars and I really hope that the small Diesel movement takes off in the U.S., especially with a good biodiesel infrastructure.

 

Hi SB2,

On the seats, the lumbar support is too high and too large for me. But I may be an exception, as I am 5'10', and a mid husky (I say a mid, as I have known guys my same height that are 50 percent more husky than me - kinda Arnold built). So, its like the lumbar support is pushing the top of my body into the steering wheel, if I sit normally. The way I get around it is to suck in my gut, strech way up tall, and then hang the top half of my torso on the lumbar support. This stretches out the lower spine, and as long as I properly maintanance this position, I am fine. I have shorter legs, and they are like a perfect fit for the Prius. So, its like I have the build of a large Japanese guy (although I am of french and german descent), which is why the legs fit, but they have that lumbar support in there for the 6 foot 3 wirery guy. The compromise results in nobody having a perfect fit in the Prius.

They really need to put in an adjustable seat! Because besides everybody being different, everybody changes from morning to night.

Try that stretch thing, and see if it does not work for you.

 

I had a F250 6.0 when it first came out. I think I had to take it in for 3-4 times for recall stuff. Although I never noticed any problems. 3 years after it was stolen I have still been getting recall notices in the mail. lol

There is a way to get around the Diesel rattle. I did it with my F250 and my Prius. I had the entire inside lined with Dynamate Extreme. My F250 sounded just like a sedan once I closed the doors, you could barely tell it was on. My Prius went from 70 db on the highway to 60 db. This upgrade cost me about $1k. It has also helped reduce the amount I need the A/C on or the level at which I need it.