2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI: Fuel Economy Update

Josh, don't share this news with your boss/co-worker Karl Brauer. He'll be crushed.

1487,

That's because you're looking at biodiesel, not regular diesel in this picture.

Diesel here in Massachusetts has been ranging from 50 cents up to a dollar more than Premium. I have no clue why.

I paid $2.17/gal for regular on Monday and saw diesel (petrol based) and a nearby station for $3.78.

Changing the topic slightly, but noticed the price of E85 in that phot. Why would anyone want to pay more for E85 than regular unleaded? Green chic, I suppose.

I saw E85 here in Dallas County for $1.36 yesterday. Still haven't had a chance to try it out in our GMC. I know it's got less energy and the fuel economy suffers, but I figure at those prices, I come out ahead if it gets no worse than 12 mpg.

And I know all the other reasons to dislike E85. Deposits in the engine, bogus government subsidies, food price inflation. But I still want to try it and see how it goes.

How does the biodiesel price compare to regular petroleum diesel prices? Looks like it is about the same, which is to say absurdly high relative to gasoline.

well even if regular diesel is cheaper it appears that station doesnt offer that option. There are numerous stations in my area that dont carry diesel at all because they arent places were trucks would go to fill up.

Do you think the credit convenience fee of $0.04/gal is worth it?

same in milwaukee. regular gas 2.06. diesel 3.19

Personally, I think it is worth it. The question is, do you want your money to stay in the country? or do you want it going to Saudi Arabia or somewhere out there?

adavis2493,

Good point -- I'm glad someone brought this up.

Given the current economic climate, though, I wonder how many people would agree with you. Anyone else think biodiesel is worth the extra buck a gallon?

-Sadlier

I'm 3 hours out of LA and here, normal diesel is right in step with regular gas. At some pricier places along the freeway up north it's a little more than premium. But this biodiesel price is certainly not representative of CA diesel prices in general if anyone's wondering.

The cheapest gas I've heard of is 1.69 (Houston). Gas Buddy rocks!

We're still seeing 2.14 up here. Diesel is 2.92.

If $147/barrel = $4/gal, then gas prices should be hovering around $1.50 right now at $56/barrel. Obviously, that's a rough estimate.

Is it just me or is it weird that you are paying more if you use your credit card? Because up here in Seattle its definitely not that way.

Near my home, ordinary diesel is a dime more than 89 octane gas. You're paying through the nose for B99--about $1/gallon more than diesel #2. And that's a 100% optional decision.

From where I stand, I'd use plain-old diesel #2, save money over gas ($/mile-wise) and still feel good about getting 30% better mpg, using 30% less oil and emitting 30% less carbon than gasoline (more or less, don't sue me over the ballpark figures).

I'm all for being green, but I'm not going to pay through the nose to take it to extremes. If B99 can't stand on it's own economically, then so be it. Same goes for the solar panels I have not purchased for my home. Until the price comes down and they can just about pay from themselves, I'm out.