ssm@leg.ri.cmu.edu.ARPA (Sesh Murthy) (09/17/85)
I own a 1980 Volkswagen Dasher diesel. Here is what I think 1) Regarding noise. I increased my idling rpm to 1500 so that the car never shudders or makes any noise. Who cares about minor differences in city mpg anyway? 2) Regarding power. It can be driven at 60 mph up the Pennsylvania turnpike slopes. This is better than many gasoline cars with auto transmission However it misbehaves at 70+ mph so I never try to go that fast. The noise level and mpg are highly nonlinear functions of rpm. (quiet at 55mph bearable at 65 and unbearable at 70 mph 55mpg at 50mph 48mpg at 60 mph and 35mpg at 70mph.) The only constant problem is changing the oil every 3000 miles. That for me is every month and I hate it. However considering the number of miles I drive it is very economical ( about 5 c/mile all inclusive) It generates positive cash when I am reimbursed. To the guy who was complaining of engine oil being used at high rpms there is a three-way hose which removes this problem. My 1980 Dasher had the same problem and it was fixed by my dealer for free. ( The only honest thing he has ever done in his life.) If you are still looking to get rid of your 79 VW I will buy it for $1000 if you deliver in Pittsburgh. Tel no: 412-683-9180-- uucp: seismo!rochester!cmu-ri-leg!ssm arpa: ssm@cmu-ri-leg