"TARAAAAAA!

TDrag27

Shared on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 09:08

The puffer's puffed!" ~ Dean, yelling from basement.

Every once in a while he (or she) puffs for no reason. It doesn't last long. Luckily, I had just finished uploading pictures from Dean's birthday party so my camera was sitting right there. I grabbed it and ran downstairs and caught him. He wasn't completely puffed in this picture. When he is, it's a complete round ball. But it's still cool to see a half-puff. So cute and happy looking.

Second topic...What do people know about clean diesel? I mentioned a couple blogs ago that I want to buy a new car in the next 6-12 months or so. I really like the Prius, but I want to explore other options too. The best part is doing all the research. I was looking online at Jetta TDI's and I just don't know very much about diesel engines - the pros/cons. Share what you think, please.

Comments

Automan21k's picture
Submitted by Automan21k on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 09:38
The con's; if you aren't familiar with them they are a nightmare to work on. they don't run as smooth as a normal gas engine since they will normally only have 3 cylinders (atleast of all the diesels I've worked with) Not all stations carry Diesel. The Pro's; a good Diesel engin is almost bulit proof, even when they break they still run.
newtizzle's picture
Submitted by newtizzle on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 09:47
here is a link for you that should help a bit on the gas vs. diesel topic http://www.gadzooki.com/cars/buying-a-car-gas-vs-diesel/ living in our arctic north also used to be a problem on diesel vehicles because the fuel would gel up in the tank. tank heaters are really one of the few things that prevent the gel'ing. basically it would not start since the fuel could not flow properly. but now days the fuel is a bit different and you typically do not run into the problem as much. and i dont think you have to get tank heaters anymore. also, the fuel is more ecologically friendly, less emissions and better mileage. the diesel engines are typically more reliable. usually last longer and are more durable. hope this helps a bit. awesome pic also. puffers are sweet. i like how the side fins seem to flow more then flap and the eyes look like a ball full of water and glitter.
TANK's picture
Submitted by TANK on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:11
'clean diesel' is ULSD diesel (ultra low sulfur diesel) which combines with new emission systems in diesel vehicles to cut down on the traditional dirty emissions. Diesel is traditionally cheaper per gallon than gas although i'm not sure if you got a new jetta if you'd need to specifically buy ULSD diesel and where you could get that or what the price is. But Diesel is always harder to find than regular gas. Here's a link for you though http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/alternative-fuels/how-clea... As for the prius, if you want to buy one just because you want something 'green'. then ok. But if you're buying one to save money on gas, you're just throwing money away. Unless you can get one hell of a deal on a Prius right now which may be possible given lower gas prices and the recession, but the premium you pay for a hybrid generally doesn't = a savings over gas at $3/gallon on a fuel efficient vehicle over the course of 7 years.
TheDastard's picture
Submitted by TheDastard on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:28
TDrag27's picture
Submitted by TDrag27 on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:36
Thanks for the links - @tank. It's more about trying to conserve resources than trying to save money. I understand the economics of it are not favorable. If I had lots of money, I'd get a Volt next year. But at 40k - no thanks. I drive a Civic now. I would like something in the same efficiency range. Not a lot to pick from with that requirement. And the other thing - my driving "style" is not very hybrid-ish. lol. That's why I'm trying to learn more about diesel, seems like you get the best of both worlds.

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