WTB: Mythical, magical car that doesn't exist in US

[JohnC]

I would like to buy a car. Here are my requirements:

Diesel
Wagon
AWD
Manual transmission

Why is that too much to ask? Many cars meet 3 of those requirements, but none (as far as I can tell) meet all 4. I don't really keep up with the latest industry news, so can MM tell me when I'll be able to buy this car in the US?

[Steve85]

I think Audi just did a commercial for an A3-4 something sport wagon TDI..maybe even during the superbowl ??

edit: On their home page
http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en.html

Further investigation to see if manual option...

[JustinG]

Audis diesel, quattro wagons, dunno about a manual though. Only option I can think of

[Steve85]

Re: Audi Manual tranny in front wheel drive only...

[.RJ]

Can you get AWD on the Jetta TDI Wagon?

[JustinG]

Nope

[Evan]

Explain the draw of deisel to me? Is it just economics? Back when deisel was the same price as regular gas it made sense, now around here its more than premium.

[.RJ]

Turbo + Torque?

I dont think you recover the cost in the purchase price with better gas mileage, maybe you come out ahead at resale time? I'd drive one, even the new VW wagon.

[Apoc]

I would like to buy a car. Here are my requirements:

Diesel
Wagon
AWD
Manual transmission

I would like the same. You can't even get an AWD in manual in most cars.

Explain the draw of deisel to me? Is it just economics? Back when deisel was the same price as regular gas it made sense, now around here its more than premium.

Depending on fuel economy, it's still cheaper in terms of MPG. A friend of mine had a diesel Liberty and while it was a bitch car, it was still cheaper to drive than petrol.

There's also the torque.

[Mike]

Diesel engines also last forever.

[JohnC]

Explain the draw of deisel to me? Is it just economics? Back when deisel was the same price as regular gas it made sense, now around here its more than premium.

In no particular order, fuel economy, fuel diversity, gobs of torque, engine longevity. At least locally, diesel is cheaper than premium, and the Shell station near Jess' office has bio-diesel at the same price as regular diesel.

Getting to hang out at truck stops is just icing on the cake.

[Evan]

Explain the draw of deisel to me? Is it just economics? Back when deisel was the same price as regular gas it made sense, now around here its more than premium.

In no particular order, fuel economy, fuel diversity, gobs of torque, engine longevity. At least locally, diesel is cheaper than premium, and the Shell station near Jess' office has bio-diesel at the same price as regular diesel.

Getting to hang out at truck stops is just icing on the cake.

just playing devils advocate here,

you also pay more upfront for a deisel engine, so its going to take a while just to break even, if at all.
What does fuel diversity mean? Less stations carry deisel so that seems like a negative to me, not to mention home heating oil messing with your supply/demand.
torque= fun Im with you there
Ive never had an engine pop and the european imports that currently use deisels are known for falling apart well before the engine dies anyway.

[JohnC]

What does fuel diversity mean? Less stations carry deisel so that seems like a negative to me, not to mention home heating oil messing with your supply/demand.

Fuel diversity (to me) means that diesel can be made from several very different sources. And I could make it in my backyard if I was so inclined.

[Maengelito]

I would like to buy a car. Here are my requirements:

Diesel
Wagon
AWD
Manual transmission

I would like the same. You can't even get an AWD in manual in most cars.

+2 but there aren't many diesels available here that aren't VW/Audis and thats an immediate "no" for me.

[Jeff]

You cannot make diesel that will run in your late model car in your back yard. I mean, it will run. But problems will soon follow. All the EPA bullshit will see to it that you are out of commission fairly quickly. ULSD only...not even Bio will work in most NEW diesel engines right now as most Bio is just LS not ULS. Further, the fuel system on a common rail diesel engine is a bitch to work on / pay for if it breaks. Cleaning and replacing the fuel system in a Cummins pickup after a fuel contamination situation can cost over $14,000. Diesels are neat, and they do in general last for ever. But be advised, if you do have a failure you are looking at serious expense. There is NO surface (head, block, etc) in a Mercedes Benz diesel engine that can be machined. They run very close tolerances. Also, seeing as expense is so high, warranty will rarely pay for a replacement engine if a failure occurs. They will have your old engine rebuilt, as long as specs can be maintained of course. Just a few things to think about...I would just buy an outback with a manual and quit worrying about it.

[ScottyB]

There is NO surface (head, block, etc) in a Mercedes Benz diesel engine that can be machined.

wow, no kidding? so you're saying its so difficult to match the factory tolerances that they won't allow any machining due to being too far out of spec?

[Jeff]

There is NO surface (head, block, etc) in a Mercedes Benz diesel engine that can be machined.

wow, no kidding? so you're saying its so difficult to match the factory tolerances that they won't allow any machining due to being too far out of spec?

Tolerances are close in a diesel engine are close by the nature of a diesel. Compression is the ignition source right? So if you deck the block or the head you raise the compression ratio past its already retarded high number. Diesel engines are not...how do you say..."free wheeling". So if you were do adjust the deck height even marginally you are talking about shit hitting pistons. The stupid part is even knowing that, they will ALWAYS want you to go into the engine and look around because they are so expensive. I just got through will all my level 4 training in diesel engines/fuel systems so I have it on the brain. :bow:

[ScottyB]

cool! and congrats on the training.

[D_Eclipse9916]

There is NO surface (head, block, etc) in a Mercedes Benz diesel engine that can be machined.

wow, no kidding? so you're saying its so difficult to match the factory tolerances that they won't allow any machining due to being too far out of spec?

Tolerances are close in a diesel engine are close by the nature of a diesel. Compression is the ignition source right? So if you deck the block or the head you raise the compression ratio past its already retarded high number. Diesel engines are not...how do you say..."free wheeling". So if you were do adjust the deck height even marginally you are talking about shit hitting pistons. The stupid part is even knowing that, they will ALWAYS want you to go into the engine and look around because they are so expensive. I just got through will all my level 4 training in diesel engines/fuel systems so I have it on the brain. :bow:

'

Nice training...bit jealous...should take some classes and read more about specifics. I started getting real deep into suspension theory and dropped it.

Did you take that class through the dealership?

[Jeff]

Yeah. I have been working on all my Tech training though the dealership. It isn't really in depth like you would get going to Nashville or UTI but it is a good review for seasoned techs and a once over for new guys. I am level 4 (the highest level) in nearly every area for Chrysler as a tech. I want to take my SAE's here sometime, not to mention get my inspection license. Only things I need more classes in are electrical (sorta dumb, I'm good with electrical stuff) and automatic transmission. I'm half way though the level 4 training in auto trans. Its pretty neat shit, you learn a lot. Plus you get to hear stories and stuff from other techs at other dealers. Sometimes that is the most valuable part, getting to see what others have come up against.