Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with biodiesel

Fuel efficient, fun-to-drive hatchbacks for < $4500

pilibeen — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 05:27:45 -0800

Which hatchback should I be looking at? Plus: diesel vs. gas engines... So I'm looking to trade in my boring wagon, and get something more fuel efficient, compact, and fun to drive. Ideally this would be a hatchback - but I'm also considering the idea of a compact pickup truck.

I'm not really sure where to start my search. I know that I like the Subaru Impreza Outback (though bad gas mileage), the Honda Civic hatchback, and the VW Golf.

My ideal vehicle would have good fuel economy: 30/mpg +, manual transmission, fun to drive, have room for stuff. Any other vehicles I should be considering? Thoughts on what I'm already interested in?

My budget is no more than $4,500.

Also, I was wondering what the general opinion of diesel engines is. Are they much worse, emissions wise, than gas (even with the Golf TDI getting 50mpg)? Outside of biodiesel and veggie oil conversions, is it a total sin to own a diesel? Keep in mind my budget...I'd probably be owning a late 90's/early 00's vehicle... I'm also interested in the idea of biodiesel or veggie oil conversions.

Thanks!

Going where the wind takes me.

laughinglikemad — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:09:58 -0800

I wish to travel the world, learning about renewable energy. Discuss. I have hopes to eventually get my European Master's in Renewable Energy with EUREC. In the meantime, however, I'm looking for leads on how to educate myself outside of the classroom. Room+board/volunteer programs would be ideal.

I'll be starting at the Earth Embassy, in Japan. There are ample amounts of solar-power NGOs in Nepal, like Swogun's Solar Aid or Himilayan Light Foundation. Australia seems like a ready-made solar powerhouse, but could I really expect to get a green-collar job with something like BUNAC?

And that's only solar power. What about wind, biodiesel, geothermal?

American citizen, best languages are English/Russian/German, fast learner.

Suggestions for wacky educational adventures like Thai massage courses are also appreciated.

Biodiesel warranty

ykjay — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:21:29 -0800

Are there commercial diesel engines being manufactured and sold that will not lose their warranty if run on biodiesel? I just read this article http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/freeheadlines/LAC/20070223/SUZUKI23/national/National about David Suzuki (Canada's environmental alarmist in chief) who was recently traveling around in a diesel fueled bus because "But using the more environmentally friendly fuel would void the engine's warranty" (from the article).

I'm curious as to whether it is possible to buy a new diesel powered bus (or engine for another purpose) that will not have its warranty voided by using biodiesel. Any ideas folks?

Tips for buying and using a car with biodiesel

jruckman — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:58:26 -0800

What car models are best for biodiesel? Anyone done the full conversion to vegetable oil? Today my car died. Engine needs to be rebuilt so I am going to sell it for parts.

I'm going to buy something else and this time it's going to be able to run off biodiesel. Anyone have any experience with this and care to offer advice?

2002 or older is best for biodiesel I've heard. Any specific models good in particular? For biodiesel or just diesel in general. Mercedes? Volvo? VW?

Driving off the fat of the land.

kaseijin — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:41:42 -0800

Biodiesel or hybrid? I need a new car, and of course there's I'm interested in hearing opinions, facts, pros, cons, conjectures, slander, and testimonials regarding both biodiesel and hybrid technology.

Which is better for the enviornment? Which is more efficient? Which is cheaper? Cleaner?

Also, which cars are available? I want something with a bit of personality as well as some reasonable get-up-and-go, and most of the hybrids I see are boring sedans. On the other hand, most diesels I see are trucks. What are my options?

BioDiesel or Veggie Oil?

goalyeehah — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:22:48 -0800

Vegetable Oil vs. BioDiesel? I am about to purchase a diesel van and am thinking about converting it to bio-diesel/vegetable oil. I would like feedback from others as to how well their vehicles run, conversion costs and costs for ongoing maintainence and the pros/cons of both fuels.

BioDiesel or Veggie Oil?

goalyeehah — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 21:23:47 -0800

BioDiesel or Veggie Oil? What is working for you? I am about to purchase a Diesel Van with the idea of converting it to Bio-Diesel or Vegetable Oil. I would like to know peoples experiences with both options. (how well does vehicle run, conversion costs of both, access to fuel and overall feelings)

I live in SoCal area.

Diesel that meets CA's "clean air vehicle" requirements?

scarabic — Fri, 12 May 2006 13:35:41 -0800

I would like to purchase a high-mileage / low-emissions vehicle which I can drive (alone) in the carpool lanes around the Bay Area. Hybrids present one option, though I'd rather be in a diesel VW Golf, running biodiesel. I need help figuring out the requirements listed here to see if a diesel Golf meets them. And does anyone know if filling it with biodiesel changes anything? What other vehicle options are there?

biodiesel truck conversion: dodge vs ford

oigocosas — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 15:54:07 -0800

Biodiesel Truck Conversionfilter: can anybody weigh in on the Dodge (cummins engine good; multiply dying transmissions bad) vs Ford (engines bad; everything else ok?) debate?

Will the biodiesel revolution kill people with peanut/soybean allergies?

Alt F4 — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 03:24:54 -0800

I've been interested in the growing chatter about biodiesel. Some friends raised an interesting question, though: peanut allergies are increasingly common and are increasingly lethal. Soybean allergies, although less common, still exist. Will biodiesel emissions from peanut or soybean oil cause negative reactions (like, well, death) in people with severe allergies? If so, what type of regulation on biodiesel is likely?

Options for Diesel Cars

odinsdream — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 08:25:36 -0800

I love my car, but am becoming increasingly concerned about gas mileage and environmental responsibility. It isn't a guzzler, but I know I could do better. What are your experiences with diesel cars? Currently I drive a VW Passat Wagon with all-wheel drive. It's been a pleasure to own, and I can't think of a single complaint. In fact, I really would be sad to part with it, since it's been so good in snowy weather with the all-wheel drive, and the storage space is great.

And yet... I get an average of 25MPG, and I sometimes take long trips where this really adds up. I've been looking more into switching to something that gets better mileage. Diesel seems to be the best option (perhaps with a conversion kit for veggie oil, even).

If there was a diesel Passat Wagon with all-wheel drive, I'd switch today, but as far as I can tell, this doesn't exist.

Are there any all-wheel drive diesel cars out there? What's your experience with diesel cars in general? Does anyone have first-hand experience with bio-diesel or vegetable oil conversion kits? I'm partial to VW because I've had such a great experience, but I'm open to new options. I have no prior diesel experience myself.

VW Biodiesel in USA

gesamtkunstwerk — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 10:55:36 -0800

Fuel Filter? Has anybody had long-term experience using North American bio-diesel in a TDI? My dealership is dead-set against it, but my European friends swear by it. (I tend to distrust my VW dealer, but I don't want to be cavalier) Since I live in a moderately cold climate, I would only be using it in summer.