I'm looking into buying one and I would love to hear how others like theirs. I'm having a hard time trying to find a bio diesel car. And another question is, if I want a bio diesel car am I going to have to hook it up like that myself.
Thanks!! :)
2007-12-09 09:43:34 · 9 answers · asked by J 4 in Environment ➔ Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Any diesel can run on biodiesel, but they need some minor modifications. I'd take it to a mechanic to make those modifications.
The problem is that there are very few diesel cars available in the USA, and biodiesel is not easy to come by.
Hybrids are a good solution. A Swiss study recently named the Prius the greenest car on the planet, and it's really a great car.
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL2733658020070727
2007-12-09 10:06:01 · answer #1 · answered by Dana1981 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Any diesel car will run biodiesel :) honest :)
That's the whole point of biodiesel :) Vegetable oil fuel is converted to work as-is on existing cars. The other way is to convert the car to run vegetable oil directly, but that's tricky and not for the casual consumer.
What that other fellow was talking about is this: Biodiesel helps clean fuel lines. On an older car with old fuel lines, that can cause the usual problems with old fuel lines. not an issue on a new car.
Oh, and remember. Diesel fuel contains 15% more raw energy per gallon than gas. So even though it seems more expensive, it's a better buy as long as it's not 15% more expensive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_fuel#Petroleum_diesel
Besides, diesel engines are more efficient in some modes (especially idle), so you save there too.
2007-12-09 16:14:06 · answer #2 · answered by Wolf Harper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a '77 mercedes 300D that runs well on Biodiesel. All the older diesel mercedes are perfect for biodiesel, as long as you update the fuel lines, you don't have to alter the car in any other way! Biodiesel is a solvent and really old fuel lines can be eaten through by the biodiesel
About a year ago I converted my car with an Elsbett kit to run on straight waste vegetable oil (basically preheats the veggie oil so it flows). Generally the car has been fine, but this has caused a few problems, mainly with some oil I got that had lard in it, clogged up all my fuel filters. The elsbett kit is what's known as a "one-tank" kit because I only have one fuel tank, that holds the veggie oil. There are also two tank kits that start the car on regular diesel and then switch over to the 2nd tank w/ veggie oil.
2007-12-10 01:33:23 · answer #3 · answered by Rebekah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My next car will be a Ford Escape Hybrid. I currently drive a "regular" Escape and I love this vehicle. It's got cargo space and the mileage I get on the highway is outstanding. A hybrid version will be fantastic.
As for diesel, in my area, biodiesel's not available and a gallon of regular diesel is more than the most expensive premium unleaded gasoline.
2007-12-09 10:20:11 · answer #4 · answered by Resident Heretic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own a Toyota Prius and I love it. I average 54mpg and I have all the space I need (you would be surprised what you can fit in a Prius). When stopped or driving in electric-only mode, the car is quiet. Unfortunately, you can hear the other vehicles, but even that is muted.
Everything works just like the average car, except I don't fuel up for over 2 weeks. In winter/summer you get about 5mpg less than fall/spring, but it averages out for a full year (unless you're a lead-foot).
I would highly recommend the Prius!
2007-12-10 06:17:57 · answer #5 · answered by Richard the Physicist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My opinion of the best current hybrids are: Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, in that order. The increased price of other hybrids do not justify the added expense of buying them instead of the same cars with conventional engine. The Camry and Altima probably give the best ride. The Civic probably gives the best mileage. (I personally don't like the looks of the Prius.)
2007-12-09 13:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by The Oracle of Omigod 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maximum diesels do no longer come pre-equiped to attend to veggy diesel even though it is not too complicated project for many. in case you reside interior the states you may desire to besides forget with regard to the hybrid because of the fact the gas low fee expenditures are very fair and infrequently warrant the extra suitable motor vehicle fee besides as upkeep, i think of that's in part to do with the fact they have been designed to roam the streets of countries with non stop, stop-and-bypass site visitors.
2016-10-01 06:07:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cars do NOT require ANY modifications to burn Biodiesel, thats just more hybrid propaganda.
2007-12-09 15:13:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most work very well. Nice to drive is a subjective evaluation. I don't find any of them particularly nice, but that's just me.
2007-12-09 10:53:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋