From: "Rod Speed" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers misc.consumers.frugal-living misc.consumers.house misc.rural
Subject: Re: List of highest MPG *used* cars...
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 06:02:58 +1000

SMS  wrote
> Ted B. wrote

>> A number of reasons, the main one being that gas (only) designs have
>> been refined over many years to the point where even the worst of
>> the bunch are pretty darned reliable.  Diesel (only) designs are
>> pretty close, in terms of reliability, but not QUITE up to par with
>> the gas (only) vehicles yet. Again, there are exceptions, but if you
>> want to play the odds on a car that will last a long time, gas (only) is your 
>> best bet right now and Japanese makes are also your best bet.

> A lot of people do not understand the reliability issue with hybrids,
> since they are so new. Similarly, many people believe that since
> diesel engines are so reliable on trucks, that the same extends to
> cars, but this hasn't been the case in the few diesel passenger
> vehicles sold in the U.S..

Lie. They've been around since the 60s and are very reliable.

> Actually there are some very reliable automobile diesel engines from Europe 
> and Asia, but most don't make it to the U.S. because of the sulfer content in 
> the diesel fuel.

Irrelevant to how RELIABLE they are.

> Once we have the same low sulfer diesel fuel in the U.S., it will make diesel 
> engines in cars more practical.

Nope, just more AVAILABLE, a different matter entirely.

>> All things considered, gas (only) is the best bet, right now (2005).

> Probably for several more years as well.

Nope, particularly with diesel and natural gas powered cars.