Getting 48 mpg

[RGardner]

We bought a 2002 Beetle with the tdi in Dallas. Our shopping experience was much like Red Ramrods in that no one could find what we wanted. We internet shopped till we found what we wanted. There were 2 within driving distance. One in New Mexico and they wanted sticker, no haggling just sticker, we said no thanks. The dealer in Dallas would take dealer invoice and let us keep the rebate. Needless to say we drove to Dallas and picked it up! It has been averaging 46 mpg day in and out driving. Best has been 53 mpg but haven't taken it on any long trips yet. I hate to the the Dodge at home when I travel long distance!

 

[MMiller]

That smoked and would never die. He called it:



The THUNDER PICKLE

Ours was the "Rabid Diesel" :-laf Mom used to get so mad when we called it that. Ours also would never die, and I hated it! But then again, how may boys between the ages of 14-18 would call a rabbit "cool" It was my high school car, then my sister's, and then my brother's. How it made it through 11 years of 200 miles a week, wide open clutch assaults, 2nd and 3rd gear scratches, I will never know. VW sure built a tough transaxel.



Our rabbit got around quite well, it was fast enough to get all three of us kids speeding tickets, could hold off most other 4 cylinders, and even some v-6's. It would gaunt down the interstate at speed too. Not quite triple digit speeds but close.



Even with all the abuse handed out to ours it still averaged high 40's mpg.



Michael

 

[av8r]

How it made it through 11 years of 200 miles a week, wide open clutch assaults, 2nd and 3rd gear scratches, I will never know. VW sure built a tough transaxel.



Even with all the abuse handed out to ours it still averaged high 40's mpg.



Michael

I just had to replace a Passenger side half-shaft on my '86 Diesel-VeeDubb(265k miles) and was shocked by the SIZE of the shaft and CV joints. They are literally bigger than a 1-ton Chebby. :-laf

 

[MMiller]

They are literally bigger than a 1-ton Chebby. :-laf

I'll have to remember that the next time a chivvy guy starts spouting off how tough his "truck" is! :-laf



Michael

 

[EricBu12]

Supposedly they are in the process of making the Jeep Liberty with a V-4 Diesel. Not sure of size or power ranges and I also saw an article that Cummins was developing a v-6 Diesel for the Durango and a V-8 for the Dakota... Haven't heard anything else since the article but that would be pretty neat...

 

[av8r]

Supposedly they are in the process of making the Jeep Liberty with a V-4 Diesel.

It's an in-line, turbo 4. 2. 8 liters 160hp and 295lb. /ft. This year available only with a 5-speed auto, 4x4. Next year... ? The motor is from an Italian company which is a subsidiary of Detroit Diesel, which is a subsidiary of Daimler/Chrysler. They are on the lots now. Nice little rigs. I wonder, straight pipe, better air filter, chip, hmmm.....



I hope to get one for the wife.

 

[Wray]

We purchased a 2003 jetta wagon 5 speed late in 2003 in case there would be no more imported in 2004. Went to dealer,offered them 20k cash and went home with white GLS with cloth interior. It now has 30k miles gets 52 mpg best & 48 mpg @ 85 mph coming north from Fl. Love the car, best tracking (stearing) car i have ever driven.

1994 2500 2wd auto TSP shift kit Alcoa 150000mi. 2004-1/2 3500 srw 2wd auto Alcoa 3 gages