No TDI for tongodeon

[tongodeon]

I've been looking for a new car since the White Windowless Child Molester Van Of Doom isn't exactly the most comfortable vehicle for driving up and down I-5. The VW Golf TDI ("turbo diesel") is a top pick for me: it gets better highway mileage than a Prius with far fewer parts, doesn't have batteries that need to be replaced, and can earn the

Comments

[sambushell]

Very good. Happy birthday.

[matrygg]

Happy Birthday.

I've thought about trying to get one of the flex-fuel model police cruisers and run it in CNG mode unless I have a big trip, but I'm not sure they can be run in California (or if they are, if they get the CNG free ride through the car pool lane). I wouldn't mind getting a diesel either, but none of the options available have really thrilled me. I like to be able to drive without my knees against my chest, so as time has gone on that's become more and more of a priority, especially if I'm going to be going on long trips.

[tongodeon]

Penn Jillette (6'8" 290lbs) apparently drives a Mini. He says all other large vehicles are equipped for 6'3" and Minis are equipped for 6'6". Unfortunately Minis don't get particularly good gas mileage, and I didn't like how the automatic drove.

[criollo]

I hunted like a madwoman for my Jetta TDI last year, and this is the best search engine I found:
http://www.autobaron.com/ It collates listings from a ton of places (although not craigslist), but it has graphs! With pop-up thumbnails! Yum.

I was just about to fly up to Oregon to get my 7500K baby when I magically got one on CL, but it's totally possible to find what you want. Also check www.tdiclub.com.

BTW I'm reading you via occlupanid, but we haven't met. Howdy & Good Luck!

[sploof]

kitos just got a TDI in California. You might want to talk to him while considering your options.

[deathraypony]

Indeed, he did. He bought it used from a TDI reseller in the San Jose area, and the car's in great shape (he's since referred some people to this same reseller, and they've had similarly good luck). Another option is Green Car Co. in the Seattle area -- they ship to California and (last I checked) waive sales tax for CA residents.

TDI guy

[kitos]

I just sent you an email with the contact info of the guy I bought it from. If anybody else reading this is in the market for a TDI, let me know. I had a really good experience with this guy.

[ikkyu2]

I foresee the possibility of difficulty getting it smogged - not because of the emissions it puts out, but because it might not be on the list of approved makes at the smog-check place. If you ask kitos or someone else, that's probably one of the questions that should come up.

[deathraypony]

Actually, you don't have to smog them.

[tongodeon]

O RLY? Why not? Because they're diesel?

[deathraypony]

That's what the CA DMV says.

[cactusthesaint]

Happy birthday! (even though I think I'm a little over 2 hours late.) :P