[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by Deezler

But the emissions rules applied to new diesel engines are ruining their economy and affordability.

How so?

For reference... The here's the TDI Jetta specs

Automatic
2009 Jetta Automatic Diesel 2.0L 29/40 enter Full TierII Compliance
2006 Jetta s6 Automatic Diesel 1.9L 30/38
2005 Jetta s6 Automatic Diesel 1.9L 30/38
2004 Jetta s5 Automatic Diesel 1.9L 28/39
2003 Jetta s5 Automatic Diesel 1.9L 29/40
2002 Jetta s5 Automatic Diesel 1.9L 29/40
1999 Jetta s5 Automatic Diesel 29/40 Prior to TierII Transition

Manual gearbox
2009 30/41 6 speedenter Full TierII Compliance
2006 30/37 5 speed
2005 32/41 5 speed
2004 32/42 5 speed
2003 35/44
2002 35/45 5 speed
1999 35/44 5 speed

2009 - 140hp
2006 - 100hp
2005 - 100hp
2004 - 100hp
2003 - 90hp
2002 - 90hp

From fueleconomy.gov

2009 TDI Jetta - $21,990 ($4650 above base - but there's additional features other than the diesel engine :/)
2006 - $21,605 ($2390 over base) (before TierII)
2005 - $21,385 ($3485 over base)
2004 - $18,670 ($1240 over base)
2003 - $18,490 ($1390 over base)
2002 - $18,145 ($2100 over base) (before TierII Transitional period)

If we compare the 2009 TDI to the 2009 SE - where feature sets are a little better aligned (SE does have a few extras that the TDI doesn't) - the price difference is $2020....

Really, I don't see how the additional TierII emissions rules - being applied to these new diesel engines - is making them less affordable compared to what they were before... The price did go up $385 from the last year it was sold in 2006 (before the new rules came into full effect)... But $385 doesn't even keep up with inflation

The biggest jump is between 2004 and 2005... Which is when VW moved from the s5 to s6 platform....


Now, $20,000 for a car.... For me, isn't affordable... Diesel or otherwise Even the $17,000 base gasser - isn't affordable for me

The ultra low gasoline prices right now make me ill. We really need a progressive tax that keeps the price floor at $4 / gallon, with proceeds to alternative energy research. Its the only way Americans will learn to conserve energy.

It saddens me as someone on a peanut butter and bread diet - but I wholeheartedly agree


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Really, I want to know why so many people are claiming that the new emissions rules are drastically increasing vehicle costs and drastically reducing FE figures.... I know diesels in America generally have a negative connotation - but what gives now?