2009 Ford F 350 King Ranch-CNN then Edmunds-

Consumers Voice Their Concerns

Today I was going to write about the Pros and Cons of the 2009 Ford F-350 King Ranch. It was one of my weaker moments as I laid back and listened to a report that came across CNN. I say “weaker moment” because I took a short beak today and flipped on the TV and was channel surfing. (Normally I NEVER watch TV during the day.) Anyways I came across this story discussing the rise and fall of oil prices this past year and what some people speculate could happen to fuel prices in 2009.

Remember when diesel prices were significantly lower than gasoline? And there was a mild rush or at least an interest in anything that was powered by diesel fuel? The story I listened to today was not totally objective. As a Ford dealer who sells his fair share of diesels let me lay it on the line, backed
up by an independent source or two.

CNN said in the U.S. you can usually count the number of diesel cars and personal trucks you see on the road during any given road trip on one hand. Unlike many European countries, in the U.S. Diesel passenger vehicles have never really held a large portion the market. Of course, looking at today’s fuel prices one can see that it costs a diesel driver significantly more to fill up the tank. When you ask people why they don’t drive diesel, this is always listed as a major factor. It costs us all an arm and a leg as it is, so any savings in fuel prices has a real impact on the pocketbook. My counter point is that there is a percentage of the population who love their diesel vehicles. They swear buy their diesel cars and trucks. So what’s behind this diesel dilemma? I checked out Edmunds and with the CNN story read what both types(*gasoline/diesel) of drivers were chatting about.

CNN and Edmunds pointed out that the relatively high cost per gallon of diesel fuel. While the diesel drivers protest that you get and extra twenty to thirty percent fuel efficiency from a comparable diesel engine, most drivers say they had rather settle for the lower price per gallon with reduced efficiency. They simply say the cost of diesel isn’t worth it. My counter point: If you knew that diesels have a lot more power, are relatively quite, in general need fewer repairs, and have a longer life span, I bet that extra cost would not bother you as much. Comment at end of this story and let me know your view here.

CNN and Edmunds quote that there are the environmental issues. The emissions of diesel cars and trucks are, historically, notably worse than those of gas powered vehicles. While diesels are improving in the emissions department, with the new clean diesel technology touting a twenty five percent reduction in emissions, most people still consider them dirtier than gasoline cars and much dirtier than hybrids. I have a strong view here…but first I want to know…What do you think?

CNN continues “that odor is another factor that figures significantly into the diesel stigma. Consumers complain that they don’t want to see and smell what is coming out of the tailpipe, and who can blame them. There isn’t anyone who has been trapped behind an eighteen wheeler on the highway who isn’t overly familiar with that diesel aroma. Diesels do, in fact, typically spit out more particulates – tiny particles of soot – and more oxides of nitrogen than gasoline engines which contributes to local smog.”
Well yes…this used to be true. (Remember some news channels thrive on negative news!). What most people don’t know is that while this was a big factor in the 80′s and 90′s most of these issues have been resolved with continual improvement in diesel fuel technology towards emissions and odors etc. Guess what caused the spike in diesel fuel? Do you think it had something to do with government and EPA emissions guidelines being mandated?

CNN and Edmunds made a big deal about diesel fuel availability. This was really an unfair scare tactic to anyone considering a first time purchase of a diesel. They said: “When you drive a gasoline vehicle there is a pump on nearly every corner. The same can not be said if your car requires diesel. If you aren’t in the vicinity of a truck stop it can be difficult to find a diesel pump. This can lead to drivers having to cruise around at dangerously low fuel levels in search of a station that sells diesel. No one likes to be on the verge of running out of gas with no idea where they will be able to fill up”. Wait a minute here, let’s don’t get carried away. This is a myth. If you have ever driven a diesel….YOU KNOW…where the diesel stations are located. This is a non-issue.

Edmunds claimed there is the issue of selection that selection is quite limited. There are only a handful of of cars on the market that run on diesel. Well this is true for most domestic passenger cars. European diesel car production has increased and add to this the diesel pickup is popular as it has ever been. The diesel pickup delivers brut power a gasoline cannot deliver, at least at this writing.

Such a list of complaints(warranted and/or not) is a daunting obstacle to overcome, but that doesn’t stop the people who love their diesels from spreading the gospel about them. They actually have some very valid points. Diesels are improving with each new year in all of these areas and they do offer the already mentioned improved fuel efficiency as well as a significant amount more torque than comparable gasoline motors. Ford, in fact, manufactures two diesel pickup truck models, the Ford E-series and the Ford F-series, both of which have received rave reviews.

While consumers seem down on diesel cars, the truth is they have come a long way since their budding popularity waned in the 1980′s. If you are interested in a diesel car or truck, talk to me. I’m located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma were the diesel truck has been an oil field and ranch-hands favorite friend for the really tough jobs. Call or comment I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Related posts: