Are diesels taboo in Canada like they are in the USA ? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Cd · 02-13-2012, 02:23 PM

Are diesel cars taboo in Canada the way that they are in the USA, and if so, why ?

( My girfriends 2005 Vibe needs a new engine, and of course my first thought is to wonder if there are any diesels that will fit this car .)

gone-ot · 02-13-2012, 02:47 PM

...the diesel engine isn't taboo, but apparently the smoke & smell are (wink,wink).

Duffman · 02-13-2012, 08:40 PM

Lots of diesel trucks here, not much for cars other than VW. In Alberta diesel is usually 10 cents per Liter (40 per Gal) cheaper in the summer but costs more in the winter due to heating season.

JasonG · 02-13-2012, 10:13 PM

They get some models not available here as well.
I think they make a diesel Vibe that gets shipped overseas.

MetroMPG · 02-13-2012, 10:48 PM

Brands that offer a diesel option typically sell a significantly higher percentage of oil burners in Canada than they do in the US. I believe the majority of VW's sold in Canuckistan are diesels.

Unfortunately, there are no diesels you can just plop in that Vibe/Matrix though. (EDIT: I mean, none native to the Canadian market that are direct swaps.)

jamesqf · 02-13-2012, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...the diesel engine isn't taboo, but apparently the smoke & smell are (wink,wink).

Not even that, at least among a certain group of diesel pickup owners. I've seen more than a few that lay down a smoke screen worthy of a WWII destroyer.

Oh, yeah, and the same sort of "mufflers" the ricers use, too.

soulman · 02-21-2012, 10:14 PM

Starting with the 2013 model, you'll be able to get a Jeep Liberty diesel.

niky · 02-22-2012, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...the diesel engine isn't taboo, but apparently the smoke & smell are (wink,wink).

Smoke and smell is largely a thing of the past. Though there is argument about microscopic soot particles which aren't, and which are potentially as bad for us as trans-saturated fats.

Some modern diesels actually smell... sweet... for some odd reason.

Big Dave · 02-22-2012, 11:00 AM

I agree with jamesqf: A whole subculture of diesel pickup guys like 100% opacity black smoke. Not me. Black smoke is unburned fuel.

Sweet smell. Not hard to do. Cut in about 10% kerosene in your tank and throw in a quart or two of scented lamp kerosene.

Some biodiesel will make diesel exhaust smell like french fries.

niky · 02-22-2012, 11:08 AM

Mhmm... 100% veggie oil smells even better.