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Economy & Safety
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Posted by glenna (more from glenna) on Fri, 30 Apr 2004 10:28:24 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Saab 9-5 versus 04 Passat TDI?? Here is my test drive.., cindy, Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:53:35
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If I were driving 40k per year, I would lean toward a diesel. I just sold my diesel MB to my brother in law who has a 200+ mile round trip commute to work. The savings in fuel costs are great. Diesels are much more efficient than gasoline engines AND actually are more environmentally friendly (contrary to popular belief). Here's a nutshell regarding that topic:

http://www.stealthtdi.com/Emissions.html

Passat 4 cyl gasoline engines have a horrid reliability reputation, the 6 cyl gas has a better reputation. I'm not sure that the diesels have ever been broken out statistically to verify reliability - however popular opinion among mechanics/motorheads seems to be pretty good so far. Having said that, if I were buying new - either VW or SAAB, I'd get an extended warranty.

Diesels, in general, are usually a more economical choice for high mileage drivers (mileage is better, cost per gallon is usually the same or cheaper than regular gas - much less premium!). The cost per gallon tends to be more stable than gasoline as well (no special oxygenated formulas etc.).

Having said that, an even bigger concern for the high mileage driver should be SAFETY. If you are driving 40K per year, statistically you probably have a higher chance of dying in a car wreck than just about any other cause (assuming you are not elderly, sick or a smoker). From the summaries I've seen, the Saab has scored slightly higher in government/insurance tests AND the 9-5 is about 10% heavier than the Passat (weight is a big factor that is NOT adjusted for in tests). Also, subjectively I would say that Saab is on higher ground in the safety arena than VW - (again, subjective).

If I were on the fence b/w these two nice vehicles, I'd go with the safety edge (Saab) as safety is my overriding decision factor.

posted by 64.81.15...

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