ralphd@teklds.UUCP (Ralph Durtschi) (01/29/85)
[] I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone with experience with small diesel pickups. VW, ISUZU or any others. Examples of info needed: 1. Mileage 2. Any routine maintenance 3. How long does the motor last when frequently serviced 4. How much does 4-wheel drive degrade fuel mileage 5. Prices 6. Any other pros/cons Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me out. Ralph Durtschi..."love the rattle of a diesel engine"
jeff@rtech.ARPA (Jeff Lichtman) (02/08/85)
> [] > I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone with experience with > small diesel pickups. VW, ISUZU or any others. > > Examples of info needed: > > 1. Mileage > 2. Any routine maintenance > 3. How long does the motor last when frequently serviced > 4. How much does 4-wheel drive degrade fuel mileage > 5. Prices > 6. Any other pros/cons > I have always wondered how a full load would affect the traction of a front-wheel drive pickup. I can imagine trying to go up a steep, wet driveway and getting nothing but wheelspin. Does anyone have experience with this? -- Jeff Lichtman at rtech (Relational Technology, Inc.) aka Swazoo Koolak
rjp@drutx.UUCP (PinkneyRJ) (02/10/85)
In response to the request for diesel pickup information, I can offer some comments and experiences. I own a 1981 Isuzu 4X4 P'UP with ~34K miles on it. The diesel engine cost me ~$1.5K more than an equivalent gasoline version. I have not compared my mileage with anyone having a gasoline equivalent, but 4Wheel & Off-Road magazine estimated 6 mpg town and 4 mpg highway better for the diesel -- I get 26 - 32 mpg suburban driving to and from work depending on the weather, and whether or not I am using 4wd. The 4wd definitely saps power from the engine and cold weather lowers the efficiency. Also, I get better mileage driving the back roads rather than the highway. Part of this is because I don't have the bed covered and don't like to drive with my tailgate down, but the diesel engine really likes low speed stop and go traffic. Pros and cons? Pros: 1. The Isuzu was the best performing diesel that I test drove. 2. The diesel engine should outlast 2 gas versions. 3. There are no ignition components to maintain. 4. The diesel definitely gets better mileage. Cons: 1. The oil must be changed every 3750 miles and the oil filter must be changed every 7500 miles. The oil filter is expensive (~$11) and hard to find in the after-market. The oil turns black with carbon and is a mess to clean up if spilled. 2. New glo plugs cost $15 and I had to replace three. 3. You must be a patient driver and the "big boys" like to kick sand in your face. 4. You have to be careful where you buy fuel. There are no diesel fuel standards for quality control. A bad batch of fuel with some crud or water in it can mean $400-$500 in fuel system repairs (pump, injectors, etc.). Buy only from reputable high-volume dealers such as truck stops. 5. The fuel must be treated in the winter to prevent it from "jelling." "Winterized" fuel is usually a blend of no.1 and no.2 diesel fuels to get the "pour point" down below 0 deg.F. Don't trust anyone on this item, always treat your own fuel in the winter, or you may have to leave your vehicle parked until warmer weather. 6. The fuel filter must be changed at 30K miles on the Isuzu, and it costs $40. 7. Colorado doesn't like diesel powered vehicles. We diesel owners must pay a $10 per year surcharge just for the privilege of driving a diesel vehicle, and diesel fuel is taxed more than gasoline. Owning and driving a diesel powered vehicle is not just a casual activity. It can be an expensive proposition if you have all your maintenance done by the dealer. Treating the fuel is a bother in the winter. When diesel was 50 cents cheaper than gasoline, it was estimated that it would take 8-9 years to break even on the additional cost of the engine. I haven't figured how much longer it will take now that diesel fuel costs more than unleaded regular gasoline in Colorado. Would I do it again now that I have had the experience? Probably not. Some of the reason is in the cost of fuel, an some because the gasoline engine technology has really advanced since I purchased mine. With so many options now, the diesel doesn't look nearly as attractive. I still like my lil P'UP, however. Rod Pinkney AT&T Information Systems 11900 N. Pecos St. Denver, Colorado 80234