what pm would you prefer? Gas or wait for the diesel version. I'm debating on the two. I can order a pm the way I want it now or I can wait for the diesel. From reading other posts about mpg it seems like the gasser is gonna be cheaper to operate.
From what the dealer told me awhile back the production starts in December.I don't blame you. I'm big on diesels too. I had gas cargo vans and now my diesel sprinter and told myself I would never go back to gas. I plan on keeping the new pm for a long time. How long did they say the diesel version will be?
Agree on the engine. The engine itself is widely used on RAM pickups now with good results, so my concern would be more about how the FWD transmission that was originally designed for lighter vehicles will hold up. I've read Chrysler upgraded it for the PM but only time will confirm how well it will do long-term. A lot probably has to do with how one drives and how hard we push the drivetrain on a regular basis.Just read the posts about the gas engine and it sounds like you can not go wrong
with it.
....cut.....
Me too -- but with both engines. The ZF 9-speed for FWD comes in two sizes. There is one rated at 280 N-m and one at 480 N-m. When used with diesel engines it's rated at 450 N-m......cut........
I'd really like to see that nine-speed automatic from the new Cherokee offered with the V6 gas ProMaster. Hopefully they just have to beef it up a bit.
The "shifting" is supposedly what's holding the diesel up for a bit so the engineers can program that auto/manual more for North American tastes.I'd definitely want to test drive the diesel before deciding. What concerns me more than the engine is the transmission. From what I've read, it's a SINGLE-CLUTCH (not a double-clutch like the DSG in a VW TDI) automated manual. I've driven several heavy-duty semi-trucks with automated manuals, and you can definitely feel the pause in acceleration during each gear change. This experience is somewhat unsettling if you are used to a conventional automotive automatic, such as in the gas ProMaster.
And of course, there is the questionable argument of how long it will take to recover your initial $4000 up-charge, when considering the higher cost-per-gallon of diesel versus gas, and the additional maintenance costs for the diesel engine.
I'd really like to see that nine-speed automatic from the new Cherokee offered with the V6 gas ProMaster. Hopefully they just have to beef it up a bit.
VW TDI is nothing to brag about. Sold mine. VW gave us extended tranny warranty because it has problems.From what I've read, it's a SINGLE-CLUTCH (not a double-clutch like the DSG in a VW TDI) automated manual.
A passenger van will be offered eventually. An executive at RAM said there is one in the works but no time frame was stated. My thinking is that the cargo market is the largest market. They are going after that first then as production ramps up and the supply line is adequately full they will offer other versions.Speaking of that, has anyone heard anything about when (or whether) a passsenger version will be offered?
Or even just more choice with the window van? I think it's kinda lame that you can only get a window van in one size (tall & long).
I thought the diesel was a 4 grand extra? I agree bout employees not caring about work vehicles. Can always add a turbo timer to let egts cool. Maybe remote start for start up lol.Gas for me couple reasons
1) I like the pentastar in my ram
2)$6000 cdn for diesel is out of line
3)employees don't care about letting them warm up and cool down properly, very important for turbocharged vehicles.
Diesel generators are not only bigger making it harder to fit under the floor of the low PM, but they are also heavier and cost a lot more too. However, if you really want a diesel Class B and don't want to go with a diesel generator there are options.I will concede the diesel is likely better in a number of reasons. However, for a type "B" motorhome, the diesel has one issue -- diesel generators won't fit underneath (and propane generators drink fuel like college students guzzle PBR), while a gasoline generator will work and provide many usable running hours per tank.
So, for my needs the gasser is better, but for almost anything else, I'd say the diesel would be a nose ahead in MPG, although I do fear the cost of a clogged DPF. On Sprinters, that is a $3200 out of the wallet.
I'm in Canada. We pay more for everything.I thought the diesel was a 4 grand extra? I agree bout employees not caring about work vehicles. Can always add a turbo timer to let egts cool. Maybe remote start for start up lol.
I was able to drive a diesel PM back in the summer, my friend is an engineer working on launching the diesel. The auto-man is different and you hit the nail on the head with the pause between shifts. I mainly noticed it between 1st & 2nd shifts but it is nothing that you can't get used to and to my amazement it hauled ass. I drive the all glass version so that was heavier than the panel truck. As for payback cost I had made a spreadsheet and based on the usual 15-20% above gasoline cost for diesel my figure was over 150K miles. I was dead set on a diesel but not no more. I usually scoot about 30K/year so 5 years is just not worth it and if you figure DEF, oil changes, limited places around my home for diesel and waiting until July (3 month delay now) it isn't quite worth it to me. I am going to test drive a gasser next week and most likely order one. Good luck with your decision.I'd definitely want to test drive the diesel before deciding. What concerns me more than the engine is the transmission. From what I've read, it's a SINGLE-CLUTCH (not a double-clutch like the DSG in a VW TDI) automated manual. I've driven several heavy-duty semi-trucks with automated manuals, and you can definitely feel the pause in acceleration during each gear change. This experience is somewhat unsettling if you are used to a conventional automotive automatic, such as in the gas ProMaster.
And of course, there is the questionable argument of how long it will take to recover your initial $4000 up-charge, when considering the higher cost-per-gallon of diesel versus gas, and the additional maintenance costs for the diesel engine.
I'd really like to see that nine-speed automatic from the new Cherokee offered with the V6 gas ProMaster. Hopefully they just have to beef it up a bit.