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A simple example of the "addiction". I use full size vans for business. The typical gas powered van gets about 12 to 13 mpg in city traffic and runs about 15,000 miles per year. Almost everyone buys these vans.
However, Chevy makes that same van with a diesel that gets about 21mpg city and over 30 mpg highway, which has huge amounts of bottom end torque that is very useful in city driving. The diesel option is around $1500.00 more than the typical larger v-8 option.
I sat down and did the math before I made my decision. Monthly payments are slightly higher for the Diesel opt, however, I will be saving about $300.00 a month on fuel. I now have a new van that is only costing about 390.00 a month, instead of 650.00 per month over 6 years. The diesel will have some extra maintenance costs, but will very likely last much longer. Over the 15 year life of the vehicle, I will save about $35,000.00 in fuel costs over the gas vehicle.
Almost no one buys the optional diesel.....
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