[Rhodes22-list] Bob Skinner's Car, more

[Brad Haslett]

Ed,

I was going to suggest the new VW Rabbit but it appears from their website
that the TDI engine isn't available yet. Robert said he wanted a hatchback
and so the Jetta doesn't qualify. I drove a new Jetta TDI diesel right after
they came out and was amazed at the improvements over my 1980 diesel
Rabbit.  The acceleration and noise was about the same as a gasoline
engine.  My best friend bought a 1979 Rabbit built in Wulsfburg and I bought
one made a few months later made in Pennsylvania.  The engines for both came
from Germany.  His car was so much better than mine it wasn't even funny.
The Pennsylvania plant stayed in business but a few years.  The VW Mexico
plant did have its labor problems a few years ago (I was hauling parts there
at the time) but as you say, the problems have been resolved.  BTW,
Volkswagon is the biggest selling car made in China.  As to the winter
issue, in Roberts part of the country all he needs to do is plug in the
heater at night.  My old VW allowed up to a 25% mixture of gasoline which
solved the winter issues (I lived in the MidWest at the time). My old
Mercedes diesel allowed 10%.  It is a PITA to have to mix fuel but they burn
so little you don't have to fool with it that often. I'm in the market for
another early 80's Mercedes 300TD to leave in Gulfport for my personal
ride.  About $3500 will buy an exceptionally clean one.  Diesels rule the
market outside the US.  GM ruined the market here in the 80's with their
junk and those perceptions have yet to die.

Brad

On 9/10/07, Tootle <ekroposki at charter.net> 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
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://www.nabble.com/Bob-Skinner%27s-Car%2C-Elle%27s-buttons-tf4409350.html#a12590783
> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>
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