Gary wrote: << I'm investing $3500 in a TDI to put in my syncro westy -- it'd take a lot of gas savings to cover that cost. >> Assuming the reason you'll be installing the TDi is because you need a new engine anyhow - subtract the cost of a new waterboxer and you're only talking about an incremental cost of about $1500 (based on your $3500 figure). If one were to assume - validity aside - the cost of diesel and petrol both remain constant at $1.25/gal, and that a petrol Vanagon travels 18 mpg vs. a diesel at 25 mpg, you'd recoup the additional cost in about 78,000 miles of use. This mileage figure would decrease as gas prices increased. Of course, if you were installing a diesel strictly for the cost savings, it's a pretty poor alternative to the other investment possibilities currently available for your $1500! Doug Fitz-Randolph Yarmouth, ME '90 Syncro |
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