Geriatric Diesel (TDI) Checking In...

[Stealth TDI]

Hello,

I'm not the one who's geriatric... I'm only 40. "Geriatric" is how I describe my 10-year old TDI with 275,000-miles. It's fairly well modified for power, I run it ragged, and it can still return over 50-mpg with good driving style. I need to run it on a long trip with no AC just to see what it can still do.

Anyway, about me, I'm the original owner of the car, a 22-year veteran of the Coast Guard, married for 17 years with one eight-year old daughter, and I like to autocross and read up on diesel technology (not an oxymoron, I promise). I also like to travel via car. I just returned from a trip to the TAIL OF THE DRAGON.

I have set up a profile here and have my long time website linked in my sig. I like this site because it unifies us ALL in our efforts to achieve better economy!

Take Care,

Scott

[tasdrouille]

Hey welcome to ecomodder. It's always nice to see an other A3 join the club.

[SVOboy]

Welcome to ecomodder!

[RH77]

Welcome to EM...

Do you auto-x the TDI or have another car in the garage? I know it tears up vehicles (though it's a blast), but have you tried Rally-Cross?

Best FE to ya...

RH77

[Stealth TDI]

RH77,

I autocross the TDI, may daily driver:





Autocross is really not too hard on cars... not as hard as road racing, anyway. I still find my car to be quite reliable. I just replace parts before they break. I've never tried Rally-Cross. Autocross is about as much competitive autoracing as I can have without a "conflict of interest" in my home.

It's the summers of autocrossing that really bring my FE average down. Sure, I just averaged 48.5mpg on an 1800 mile adventure in TN. But I'll also get just 43mpg during the summer weeks of commuting in DC traffic; and towing/autocrossing will knock my FE average down after a few trips at "only" 35mpg. But I know FE would be much worse in just about any other car under the same circumstances.

Scott

[cfg83]

Stealth TDI -

Welcome to EM! Keeping your TDI going is like recycling! I like the "YES, it's a DIESEL" sticker on the back. Last thing they see as you pass them by,

CarloSW2

[RH77]

Classic 3-wheel action!

I wondered if you tried Rally-Cross, which is more off-road or farm-field stuff (sometimes breaks wheels or busts-up suspensions). Definitely a blast -- more for AWD Audis, Subarus and stuff.

Every car was designed for autocross and survives just fine (OK, maybe not all). I used to autocross before I got the Eco-Driving bug. I kinda miss it

Nice setup with the race tires and trailer.

RH77