Die richtige Fahrweise | Posts 16+

Hi,

Okay, so the number I mentioned regarding the amortization limit of 20,000 km comes from the ADAC (German Automobile Club). They calculated last year which diesel cars are actually worth it, and if so, at what mileage. The Golf, in that calculation, was around 20,000 km. There are also diesel cars that never make financial sense (like the Audi 3.3 TDI and the larger BMW models). They cost so much more than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles that you can't reach the break-even point (perhaps only interesting as a taxi).
If gasoline cars depreciate so much, just see it as an advantage. The used car market is practically at rock bottom, and gasoline-powered cars are available for a steal.
'Are there perhaps any insurance companies that offer significant discounts on diesel car insurance for drivers who don't drive much? It might be worth looking into.' Diesel engines are only expensive for the reasons that they typically cover more kilometers than gasoline engines, and this increases the relative risk of accidents.

Regards,

Eike.

@Rainer K.:

Quote:

How about a really nice calculation, where 2 graphs come out, specifically showing the costs per year as a function of mileage. Where the two graphs intersect, the vehicle with the lower curve at that point becomes the more cost-effective option. That would be something for our Excel specialists.

Done!

With kind recommendation from the webmaster of the Golf IV feedback forum... http://www.michaelneuhaus.de/php/forum/golf/)

The file is located at the same link as before...

Hi Roger,

The Excel sheet turned out great! It's not quite easy to find using your link.
Unfortunately, it would have also fit quite well with the technical articles .

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello,

Quote:

"Are there perhaps any insurance companies that offer significant discounts on diesel car insurance for drivers who don't drive much? It might be worth looking into." Diesel engines are only expensive for the reasons that they typically cover more kilometers than gasoline engines, and this increases the relative risk of accidents.

Here's a counterexample: Passat 35i TDI AFN 110 hp, liability class 17 - Passat 35i gasoline 2E 115 hp, liability class 18. So, the diesel version is cheaper for liability insurance, but more expensive for partial comprehensive insurance, likely because it's stolen more often.

Best regards, Albrecht.

I would like to add something to the discussion about 'Is it worth it or not?'

In my opinion, all cost comparisons are flawed because the TDI is always compared to gasoline engines that are far too weak, and therefore cheap.

Mine offers performance that's similar to what I was used to in my 280 Benz automatic.
Perhaps it can be compared to a modern 2.4-liter or 1.8-liter turbocharged engine today. My acceleration figures are significantly better than the factory specifications for the 1.8T.
Whether it's a 2.4 or a 1.8 engine, neither one will run properly on anything less than 10 liters of premium gasoline.


Therefore, when I compare the TDi to it, it becomes profitable from 0 kilometers.

Okay, mine is quite tuned up, but even in its standard configuration, the 130 PD engine is comparable to the 1.8T in everyday driving. To really unleash the extra power of the 1.8T, you have to rev it up and shift accordingly. Then it becomes strenuous and very expensive. The box can also be easily driven at speeds exceeding 16 mph.
If you drive the 1.8T in a way that keeps its fuel consumption close to the standard consumption, it has no chance against the 130PD.


However, I'm willing to accept the potentially expensive replacement parts/damages, as well as the alarming lack of knowledge among the workshops.

Oh yes, of course, I only drive off-road – you can hardly call them roads anymore around here.