[Rhodes22-list] Bob Skinner's Car - what rabbit?

[michael meltzer]

Used diesel Passat ? 2005 ? 38 mpg highway IIRC consumer reports loved it,
+-20,000 fair market

-mjm

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Robert Skinner
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 6:46 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Bob Skinner's Car - what rabbit?

ED,

Thank you for your suggestions.  I have looked at the 
VW web site and drawn several conclusions:

VW does not have a diesel rabbit available in the US, 
and is only considering introducing one in the future.
The gas rabbit has no hatchback, unlike my pre 1980 
version, and so does not meet my basic requirements.

-----------------------------------------------
>From an article on the VW diesel subject:

"When an automaker introduces any kind of expensive 
technology, one of the first things it does is to 
try to distribute the cost of production of said tech 
across its lineup. For Volkswagen, that could include 
stuffing their new diesel mill into the 
vehicle-formerly-known-as-the-Golf, the Rabbit. Great 
news for fuel misers and penny pinchers alike."

[Note that no time frame is given for the rabbit.]

"The turbocharged two-liter diesel will find its way 
into the new Jetta TDI come next spring, with sales 
expected to be between 15,000 and 20,000 units 
annually.

Although nothing has been firmed up yet, Norbert 
Krause, VW of America's director of engineering and 
environment, is well aware of the demand, noting that 
40-percent of Jettas sold in 2006 were diesel-equipped. 
And considering that the crossover segment is expanding 
rapidly, a diesel-powered Tiguan, like the one shown at 
the 2007 LA Auto Show, is assured when it goes on sale 
in mid-2008."

-----------------------------------------------

The only diesel VW model I could find on their web 
site costs more than $40K - three times what I 
intend to pay, and at 250+ hp, I would not expect 
it to give me 30 mpg.

I think your info is old, but would welcome 
correction if there is supporting data.

/Robert

Tootle wrote:
> 
> Bob said, "I'd use a small diesel if any were offered."
> 
> There is a known to be good diesel out there.  Made by Volkswagon.  The
same
> engine is availabel is several of their models.  I would recommend going
> brand new if your pocketbook would handle it.  I had one of the early
rabbit
> diesels.  The car wore out before the motor.
> 
> Again, if your wallet will handle it, go for a new one.  In Maine, you
will
> need to always add fuel addititive during the winter, but that is not a
big
> issue.  In fact in the back of my garage, I still might have some.  The
> availabily is controlled by import restrictions on diesel engines rather
> than VW's ability to make them.  The newest ones made in Mexico are
reputed
> to be of good quality.
> 
> You may be aware, there was a labor dispute in Mexico with VW some years
> back.  It was over who really controlled production and quality.  There
were
> serious quality issues on the cars made in Mexico that nearly killed VW.
VW
> was ready to close production in Mexico when the government and uniions
> there yielded and let VW control quality.  They essentially built a new
> plant and retooled everything.  So far the results seem to be what VW
wants.
> 
> I looked hard at them when I got the used Focus.  For reasons stated by
> Captain Lowe, I took the used Ford at less than half the price of a small
> new VW.  My small personal car takes a lot of abuse and is subject to
> vandalism, so I choose something less attractive.  If I were to pamper the
> car, I would have gone VW diesel, even the ones made in Mexico.
> 
> However, if you got one, it might outlive you.  So think of its value to
> your heirs.
> 
> Ed K
> Greenville, SC, USA
> Quote of the Day, "I have rarely spoken a word in favor of labor unions,
and
> then only when they were the last alternative to complete subjugation by
> rich men lacking even the vestiges of ethical consciousness."  Bob Skinner
> 
> --
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> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> 
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-- 
Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven" 
Gorham, Maine         04038-1331
s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."
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