I am anticipating buying a new Q5 but have not decided for sure on the engine. I have read in here that some gas model owners are a little dissatisfied with their gas mileage. I have, on the other hand read some people who say that the TDI reports from the EPA (31 mpg) are understated so that I could expect actually better than that. I am happy to hear that, but the price of diesel is substantially higher than gasoline. How can I justify the added cost of using diesel even if I get better mileage?

 

Well look at it this way.. will the TDI have the typical diesel feel and sound when idling... kind of like a truck? Are you willing to live with that.. if the price of diesel vs. mileage doesn't make too much difference?

You can also compare MPG of Diesel (TDI) vs. MPG (2.0T) of Gas vs. the price of each.

So if it takes 15 gallons of Diesel and gives you 31 mpg at a cost of $3.75/gal (current price in NJ) = 465 Miles a tank at a cost of $56.25, which equals to 0.12 cents a mile.

So if it takes 15 gallons of Gas and gives you 24 mpg at a cost of $3.29/gal (current price in NJ) = 360 miles a tank at a cost of $49.35, which equals to 0.14 cents a mile.

so since you would be saving an estimated 0.02 cents a mile.. So if you were to drive alot of miles to make up for the extra $3000.

This is just for entertainment... it's a rough estimate.

 

thanks for doing the math. I had done something equivalent in my head but wasn't as disciplined as you. So let me say this, addressing the sound of the diesel, I don't think they're noisy at least from what I have read in reviews, but at some point I will drive one to make sure about that. On the efficiency side, it definitely would take a lot of driving to pay for the cost difference. However, they say you can get more for a diesel nowadays on a trade in. I'll have to consult people who know more about that sort of thing later.
I think, though, it comes down to how much do I value the extra torque and thrill of driving a high torque engine? I don't think that the fuel cost savings argument is a very strong one for a salesperson trying to sell a diesel.

 

What ever you chose... just remember.. you'll probably be driving it for the next 5+ years.. so go with something you'll enjoy. I'm sure either way you.. you'll enjoy this vehicle.

 

there is another thing to consider with the TDI aside from great milage……torque 427 ft/lbs worth. It is addicting and puts a bigger smile on my face than the petro model. Im very glad I bought the TDI over the petro. great gas milage and a very quick car.