Bosch commissions study that finds that diesel cars are cheaper to own over 3-5

[12,000 RPM]

years.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/30/new-us-survey-says-diesel-cost-of-ownership-lower-than-gas/#continued

It's cheaper to drive a diesel-powered vehicle than a gas-powered vehicle over the course of three to five years, according to a new study commissioned by Robert Bosch LLC – a company that makes plenty of diesel engine parts – using data compiled by The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. The savings stem not just from improved fuel efficiency but also overall fuel costs and better retention of value, and take into account the added purchase price of a diesel engine over its gasoline counterpart.

According to the study, "most of the savings are in the $2000 to $6000 range." The highest return on investment comes from the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Buyers of a diesel GL will save a shocking $13,514 over the course of three years and $15,619 in five. Another star performer is the Volkswagen Golf TDI, which can save its owner more than $5,000 over three years. The full study can be found in PDF form at this link, and a press release with a summary of some of its findings can be seen below.

I mean, it was commissioned by a diesel parts manufacturer, but still. When you factor resale and the fact that diesel has been marginally more expensive than regular and basically at parity with premium I could kind of see this making sense.

[GoCougs]

There's a hitch in the implied premise - most of the "savings" is not intrinsic to the product - it's simply what someone else will pay for it, and that is mostly Tuetonic fanboys, which means non-Tuetonic diesels (pickups for example) don't enjoy these "savings." Also, the detriment ("cost") of owing a diesel is not noted - decreased NVH, stink, lesser performance, and outrageous repair bills.

[280Z Turbo]

A lot of guys who tow love diesel pickups.

[MX793]

A lot of guys who tow love diesel pickups.

And from what I've seen, diesel pickups also hold their value better than their gasoline-burning counterparts.

[Mustangfan2003]

And from what I've seen, diesel pickups also hold their value better than their gasoline-burning counterparts.

A lot of times you can get a gas powered hd truck cheaper than a half ton. 

[Madman]

Cue the diesel haters in 3,2,1.........

[MrH]

This article should be titled:

"Giant diesel component supplier puts together simple spreadsheet to try and make their product more cost competitive than it actually is."

[Rupert]

Cue the diesel haters in 3,2,1.........

*queue

[Galaxy]

This article should be titled:

"Giant diesel component supplier puts together simple spreadsheet to try and make their product more cost competitive than it actually is."

Bosch probably sell more stuff for gasoline engines though.

[mzziaz]

Yup.

[Soup DeVille]

Heck. Bosch sells everything.

[Mustangfan2003]

Heck. Bosch sells everything.

Yup, even gasoline fuel pumps and injectors. 

[cawimmer430]

We really need a diesel BRZ.