98 stinkbug tank = 640 miles+

[tdibubble]

First full tank I've put through it, 1.9 tdi engine with about 130k.

Full tank no venting/over filling at all got me 640 miles then the low fuel light came on. I hit 500 @ 1/4 tank left, so I knew I could get 600!
I bet with the extra fuel of venting I could hit 700 before the light comes on no problem.
Who knows why anyone would buy anything but a diesel, this is very efficient and its virtually stock.

[ECONORAM]

I am guessing this is a VW? I owned a couple of diesel Rabbits years ago. You are right, they are very efficient. Mine would get 48-50 mpg highway.

[luvit]

that's very cool.
i had an 04 civic hybrid, i hit 600 miles on one tank often, but that was the end of my routine trip.
so far you have the highest miles i've heard.
is your car pretty much stock?

[tdibubble]

It's entirely stock, yes 98 vw bug with the 1.9 TDI ALH engine. It seems like Europe uses mostly cars like these, almost all are non-automatics as well. I didn't pay much attention to efficiency back while I was in germany, but I know gas/fuel was entirely too much vs the US gallon. Only saw a couple 'full size' trucks and those were at the US bases(army/airforce), and they wouldn't be fit to drive most streets!

What has strayed the US in thinking 30mpg is good? I see the jetta's with the same engine as the bug and getting slightly lower mpg's but I would assume that to the extra weight of the car.

FYI, it's usually 80-90*F here about this time of year, I'm sure that contributes.

[ChrstphrR]

Originally Posted by tdibubble

I see the jetta's with the same engine as the bug and getting slightly lower mpg's but I would assume that to the extra weight of the car.

FYI, it's usually 80-90*F here about this time of year, I'm sure that contributes.

Good job on getting an older TDI to eek out a frugal tank.

Temperature, and possibly, fuel are likely differences. In January, it's typically 10F to -40F, here. During the winter months, stations stock winter diesel, which has a higher ratio of kerosene so it won't gel from the cold. I doubt that Phoenix has a significantly different winter blend.

[ECONORAM]

Originally Posted by tdibubble

What has strayed the US in thinking 30mpg is good? I see the jetta's with the same engine as the bug and getting slightly lower mpg's but I would assume that to the extra weight of the car.

I have been wondering the same thing. 30 mpg in a VW gas engine is crummy. The cars are much heavier than they used to be. My Rabbits were maybe 1900 pounds, and my 84 GLI was 2100 lbs. The newer cars are at least 2500. My wife's 08 Avenger is 3700--very portly for a small car.

[MadisonMPG]

The VW Beetle has TERRIBLE aerodynamics.