Nine Diesel-Engined Vehicles That Could Save You Money

Summary

Diesel vehicles are known for their superior fuel economy, but they often come with higher initial and maintenance costs. This article explores nine diesel vehicles that could save you money over time, despite these higher upfront expenses. We analyze the total cost of ownership over five years, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, to determine which diesel vehicles offer the best value.

The Economics of Diesel Vehicles

Diesel engines are celebrated for their fuel efficiency, often outperforming gasoline engines in miles per gallon (MPG). However, the initial purchase price and maintenance costs can be higher. This is partly due to the need for a urea tank in modern diesel vehicles, which helps neutralize emissions. This clean-diesel technology has made diesel emissions cleaner than many gasoline vehicles, but it also adds to the maintenance complexity.

Higher Initial Costs

Diesel vehicles generally cost more to purchase. According to Vincentric, a company specializing in cost-of-ownership analysis, diesel vehicles often have higher insurance, maintenance, and repair costs. This is due to the more complex engine systems and the need for additional components like the urea tank.

Depreciation and Resale Value

Diesel vehicles tend to depreciate at a slower rate compared to gasoline vehicles. However, because they cost more initially, the total dollar amount of depreciation can be higher. Despite this, the slower depreciation rate can make diesel vehicles a better long-term investment.

Vincentric's Analysis

Vincentric analyzed 23 diesel vehicles available in the U.S., including 11 classified as commercial vehicles and 12 as consumer vehicles. The analysis considered the total cost of ownership over five years, assuming 15,000 miles driven annually. Based on this analysis, nine diesel vehicles had lower five-year ownership costs compared to their gasoline counterparts.

Top Diesel Vehicles for Cost Savings

Here are the nine diesel vehicles that offer the best cost savings over five years:

1. Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec

   • Fuel Savings: $4,650
   • Total Cost Savings: $101 compared to the gas-powered GL450 4Matic
   • Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, 22 MPG combined

2. Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec 4Matic

   • Fuel Savings: $4,003
   • Total Cost Savings: Lower than the gas-powered S-Class
   • Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 21 MPG city, 31 MPG highway, 25 MPG combined

3. BMW 328d

   • Fuel Savings: $3,500
   • Total Cost Savings: $200 compared to the gas-powered 328i
   • Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 31 MPG city, 43 MPG highway, 36 MPG combined

4. Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

   • Fuel Savings: $2,500
   • Total Cost Savings: $150 compared to the gas-powered Cruze
   • Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 27 MPG city, 46 MPG highway, 33 MPG combined

5. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

   • Fuel Savings: $3,000
   • Total Cost Savings: $250 compared to the gas-powered Ram 1500
   • Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, 23 MPG combined

6. Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

   • Fuel Savings: $2,800
   • Total Cost Savings: $200 compared to the gas-powered Grand Cherokee
   • Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 22 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, 25 MPG combined

7. Volkswagen Golf TDI

   • Fuel Savings: $2,200
   • Total Cost Savings: $100 compared to the gas-powered Golf
   • Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 30 MPG city, 45 MPG highway, 36 MPG combined

8. Audi A3 TDI

   • Fuel Savings: $2,400
   • Total Cost Savings: $150 compared to the gas-powered A3
   • Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: 31 MPG city, 43 MPG highway, 36 MPG combined

9. Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel

   • Fuel Savings: $3,200
   • Total Cost Savings: $300 compared to the gas-powered F-250
   • Engine: 6.7-liter V-8 turbodiesel
   • EPA Estimates: Not available (heavy-duty trucks are not EPA-rated)

Conclusion

While diesel vehicles often come with higher initial and maintenance costs, their superior fuel efficiency and slower depreciation rates can make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. The nine vehicles listed above offer significant savings over five years, making them worth considering for anyone looking to minimize their total cost of ownership.

Interesting Stats

• Diesel engines can be up to 30% more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines (source).
• The global diesel vehicle market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2021 to 2026 (source).
• Diesel vehicles account for only about 3% of the U.S. passenger vehicle market (source).

By considering these factors and the specific vehicles listed, you can make a more informed decision about whether a diesel vehicle is the right choice for you.