diesel

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Cypherian

I think the SUV has replaced the family wagon :} Though given a choice I would take a Chevy Concours wagon in an instant as a tug:}

I agree - "SUV" just means "station wagon with big tires". Although there are a few reasonable wagons left, most of the choice is SUV-style or "crossover" style, which means excessively tall with unnecessarily large tires. I had a 2004 Ford Focus wagon (until I was hit and it was written off), and it was a great package (for general use, not for towing)... but Ford hasn't sold a wagon version of the Focus in North America since 2007; instead, you're supposed to buy an Escape. (There is - or at least was for 2013 - a nice Focus wagon or "estate" in Europe, just not here.) The big conventional wagons are long gone, although least there are still a few minivans - which are effectively station wagons.

I had never heard of a Chevy Concours, and had to look for a photo to see that it was a Chevelle... much like our old family Kingswood Estate was an Impala. Nice (in the right model year to suit one's taste).

Wagons are great for travel, with or without a trailer. A limitation towing, though, is that they have longer rear overhang than a sedan (which in turn is longer than a hatchback), which isn't good for handling tongue weight and controlling the trailer.

On the diesel topic... car-style wagons seems to have remained more popular in Europe than here, and that means that they are available with diesel engines. Examples would include the VW Jetta and Passat... although neither currently comes as a wagon here, and only the Jetta comes as a wagon in the U.S.

[Jim Bennett]

I rarely go through Kamloops. The last time was 8 years ago, returning from a trip to Wells Grey, where I went up through Jasper, but came back to visit friends in the Shuswap. I do go to BC a fair bit, but trips usually end in the Shuswap, or I head down to the Okanogan. Either than, or the Fernie area in the SE of the province. I did notice quite a change going from Sicamous down to Osoyoos this year. It dropped around Vernon, then slowly rose again going south.

It has been years since diesel was cheaper than gasoline around here. I will revel in it as I fill up my work truck.

[Jim Bennett]

We have almost always owned a wagon as our second vehicle. For years it was a Mercury Sable, then we bought a Mazda6 wagon in 2005. Contemplating the new refined Mazda3 Sport, which is not really a wagon, but is a 5 door. A new model in 2014, but the Sport does not come with a stick shift until next years model. Zoom Zoom.

There is rumours of the Mazda3 getting a hybrid diesel/electric within two years.

[Brian B-P]

The relative price of gasoline and diesel gets a lot of attention. I remember diesel as cheaper than gas historically, but then I wasn't buying it so I didn't pay a lot of attention. Markets and refining costs change, and now diesel is more expensive to make than before, and more valued.

What I didn't realize until recently is that the difference between gasoline and diesel is - at least in some areas - seasonal.

Although a couple of years old, this Forbes article may be of interest to those expecting to save money by buying a diesel vehicle.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Contemplating the new refined Mazda3 Sport, which is not really a wagon, but is a 5 door. A new model in 2014, but the Sport does not come with a stick shift until next years model. Zoom Zoom.

I replaced that Focus wagon with a 2012 Mazda3 Sport (Skyactiv, 6-speed manual). I like driving the car, and it does have a hatchback, but I miss the more functional space of the Focus wagon.

I test drove a 2014 (that's the new style) Mazda3 Sport with a manual transmission a few months ago. Only the GT trim does not have the manual available until 2015.

Of course, as Jim mentioned the Mazda3 Sport is a little small in cargo area to call a wagon... and doesn't come as a diesel.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by J Mac

$1.25 to $1.35 per litre for reg gas in the Vancouver area.

According to the web .

Really, where? Haven't seen $1.25 since, well....can't use that expression, but a long time and if I saw $1.35 I'd be taking gerry cans to the station.

Ron

[Donna D.]

I JUST bought gas here in Oregon, 36 gallon tank... nearly empty. Cost me $125.06 and that will last me six business days (non-towing) ... sigh.

[gbaglo]

But, you didn't have to pump it yourself?

[Jim Bennett]

Remember going to the gas station, and getting a fill that cost under $20? Long gone are those days.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I test drove a 2014 (that's the new style) Mazda3 Sport with a manual transmission a few months ago. Only the GT trim does not have the manual available until 2015.

Must be the GT that is the 2.5 litre engine, as that was the one with auto tranny only.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

But, you didn't have to pump it yourself?

NOT in Oregon. We (the voters) decided that WE wouldn't pump our own fuel. AND I LIKE THAT. In the winter, when the rain is coming through the fuel island sideways... someone else (for pay) is getting wet. AND, we don't pay MORE for our fuel than surrounding states. Funny how that happens...

When I had a baby in a car seat.. I didn't leave the vehicle. The "pump jockey" took care of the transaction. I appreciated it then, I appreciate it now. YMMV

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Must be the GT that is the 2.5 litre engine, as that was the one with auto tranny only.

That's it. For 2015 the GT has the same engine, but you can get the manual.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Remember going to the gas station, and getting a fill that cost under $20? Long gone are those days.

How about $4.00 for fill up, .28/gal is my earliest recall, but now a gallon of milk costs more than gas….

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

How about $4.00 for fill up, .28/gal is my earliest recall, but now a gallon of milk costs more than gas….

Hi: cpaharley2008... Yup... Join the rest of us "Elders". My first new car MSRP was $1995. cost 4 bucks to fill @ .25/ Imp. Gal. and I had to stretch that for two weeks too!!! It actually had a crank and at one point I had to use it... At 998cc's it wouldn't tow a thing either. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[cpaharley2008]

The issue I have with diesel is the up charge for the technology which is older than dirt. I test drove a 2014 diesel Ram1500 yesterday, MSRP of $48K, almost identical to my 2009 Ram1500 in weights/specs other than the smaller motor. I'd have to pay $20k to up grade!!! That will increase my towing mpg from 12 to 18!!Not worth it to me and you know how I like to spend $$. My significant other says to go for it, it maybe my last big hurrah. I'm going to wait for more, like the Nissan Frontier diesel and the Toyota diesel next year.

[floorpanel]

Donna, I was in Oregon earlier this year and enjoyed getting my gas pumped for me but you are paying for it somewhere unless all of those guys pumping the gas are doing it for free.

[Jim Bennett]

We have stations around here that will pump your fuel for you, and at the same cost as their self-serve pumps. I always try to give them my business and use the full-serve, but will pump my own if needed.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

We have stations around here that will pump your fuel for you, and at the same cost as their self-serve pumps. I always try to give them my business and use the full-serve, but will pump my own if needed.

And, you have a CHOICE. In Oregon you don't.

Oops...the libertarian in me came out again. I hate it when that happens...

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

And, you have a CHOICE. In Oregon you don't.

Oops...the libertarian in me came out again. I hate it when that happens...

I will choose to exercise my freedom of choice elsewhere. As long as my fuel tank is filled by someone, either an attendant or myself, I will be happy.

I'm sure it was the same in the US, but until about 35 years ago around here, there was no self-serve, you were always filled by a pump jockey, a high school job of mine for a couple years.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by floorpanel

Donna, I was in Oregon earlier this year and enjoyed getting my gas pumped for me but you are paying for it somewhere unless all of those guys pumping the gas are doing it for free.

Oh probably, but our fuel is still cheaper than California or Washington and YOU do the WORK in those states.