Why do people not like diesels? Why doesn't everybody drive diesels?

Question

They are fast, get better MPG, ARE quiet (my godfathers Mercedes 1983 300sd turbo is quiet and my dads 1986 GMC vandura diesel is quiet, especially in the inside from being insulated), don't stink, are cheaper to maintan, pollute way less and put out less harmfull fumes...

-Just because you can't see unleaded smoke doesn't mean it doesn't pollute at all. Go put your mouth up to the tailpipe and see how long you live. The black carbon in diesel smoke eventually falls to the ground anyways.

You people do know that Gasoline vehicles do pollute more than Diesel, why do you think there are no emission tests for diesel vehicles? Duh!

Oh, and why would diesel cars cost more to opperate when they hardly ever break. Parts might cost more I guess, but when those parts hardly break, they are cheaper in the long run. Besides filter and fluid changes, I've never had to take my Mercedes 1984 190D to a mechanic to fix, only one engine part has ever broke.

As a matter of fact it is gasoline that spoils faster than diesel. That same 190D that got in a wrecked sat for about 5 years, they we moved away from the apartment, went to the car cranked it, it ran fine like it was driven everyday, and then we drove it several miles to my new place. Not only in a gasoline vehicle does the fuel go bad in that period of time, but the ENGINE ALSO GOES BAD! There goes that bad fuel theory! ;-)

Answer 1

Well, I've never bought a diesel because cars I like aren't made that way.

Answer 2

Well, the Dodge trucks running around STILL sound like some sort of construction equipment, like a earth mover or something, they DO stink if you stand next to them, with fuel AND exhaust stink, and they are more expensive to maintain too.

Algae does not grow in gasoline tanks, like it can in diesel tanks.

These are why I wouldn't own a diesel CAR, but I do own a diesel motorhome. The engine is in the rear, so I don't notice the noise much.

ALSO, there are PLENTY of pollutants in diesel exhaust besides the black soot, friend. Check it out if you don't believe me.

P.S. There will be emissions tests for diesels, eventually. The reason they don't exist now is because diesel cars were only a VERY small percentage of the total, so why bother? Also, the trucks that keep our nation supplied are gradually being forced to use cleaner fuel, and improve their induction systems, knowing that testing is coming.....soon.

Do some research on the net and find out for yourself. Don't just rely on what you hear from others.

Answer 3

Because they used to be noisy, smelly and have little acceleration.
Most people are not aware that this has changed in the last 7 years.
They are now supplied with direct fuel injection and are just as peppy as gas engined ones.
The fact that a diesel engine is twice as efficient as a gas engine, makes even a higher price for diesel fuel a bargain. Higher energy density.
Diesel engines cost more than gas engines to produce, but last about 3 times as long.
You need 1 lb of gas to generate 1 hp for one hour.
You only need 1/2 lb of diesel for 1 hp for one hour.
Now Mercedes advertises that they have cleaned up diesel exhaust considerably.

Answer 4

Diesels are better. They're just not the most common engine for a car. Pickups have em' because they have more horsepower and get better mileage. I think you will begin to see them offered due to the price of all fuel.
For example, back in the early 80's, Ford put a I4 diesel in the Ford Escort, but not many were sold. Things are changing, now.

Answer 5

I've always found that diesel engines are less responsive than petrol and that means that you have less control. In Europe I had a diesel because of all the advantages you lised and the fact that diesel is cheaper there. In America, however, diesel is more expensive and that makes a big difference.

Answer 6

You mean like cars that run with diesel fuel? I do like them, but it's more dirty than gasoline or other fuel types. I love those those Mercedes, and the gallon of Diesel fuel costs less than a gallon of gasoline. Smart Choice, ain't it?

Answer 7

Diesel cars emit greater amounts of pollution in the form of nitrogen oxides, they are generally louder than gasoline engines, diesel fuel can gel (making it unusuable) in cold temperatures and it has less of a shelf life than gasoline (it breaks down faster).

Answer 8

In South Africa diesels are more expensive to buy and maintain. Diesel also costs more than petrol.

Answer 9

OK here we go:
- noise
- smell
- lack of power
- hard to start when cold
- cost to buy
- no diesel at all the gas stations
- more expensive to fix if it breaks

I know most of these are myths like you said, but you asked.....!

Answer 10

You make good points, but in this part of the country (east coast US), diesel is always more expensive.