EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

The Vincentric 2013 Diesel Analysis showed that of the 26 diesels measured, 12 had total cost of ownership that was lower than their all-gasoline powered counterparts.
 
The average price premium for a diesel was $5,392, with average fuel cost savings of $2,117. When all costs to own and operate a diesel were taken into account, the average cost of ownership for diesels was $1,017 more than their all-gasoline powered counterparts. The range between the best and worst savings was significant, with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Diesel saving buyers $8,315 while the 2013 Chevrolet Express Diesel G3500 cost buyers $10,720 more to own. The full study is published below.

 

2013 DIESEL ANALYSIS

 

There are many different approaches for comparing diesels to their all gas counterparts. At Vincentric, we have prepared different reports to help users to understand the financial dynamics of diesel vehicles. By doing so, we enable users to better understand the expected costs (or savings) of driving a diesel, resulting in the ability to make a more informed decision when considering the purchase of a diesel vehicle.
 
Fuel prices used in these reports are based on a weighted average over the previous five months, so you may notice that they don't necessarily reflect current prices during times of rapid fuel price changes. This is done to help ensure that the analysis reflects current market trends and not market extremes.
 
The reports assume 15,000 miles are driven annually, and the vehicle is owned five years. It is also worthwhile to understand that the numbers shown are U.S. averages, although the same analysis can be done for any state or the District of Columbia.
 
Please note: The reports below use data from our August, 2013 database update. Vincentric compares diesel vehicles to their all-gas counterpart based on a similar trim level. Cost differentials may differ if other trims are analyzed. Since this analysis was originally released, some vehicle configurations selected for the gas powered models have been changed to facilitate more relevant comparisons.

COST OF OWNERSHIP and FUEL COST COMPARISON

 

U.S. consumers have been slow to embrace diesel passenger vehicles. There has been a lack of understanding of the benefits of clean diesel technology. This report demonstrates that in addition to improved environmental benefits of diesels, a strong financial case can be made for the adoption of some of these vehicles. However, consumers seeking shelter from high gas prices won’t always find the relief they expect by turning to diesels. In this analysis, there were 12 diesels that can be financially justified purely based on the total cost of ownership numbers.
  

• 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Diesel (-$8,315)
• 2013 Mercedes-Benz S350 Diesel (-$6,532)
• 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Diesel (-$4,071)
• 2013 Audi A3 Diesel (-$3,688)
• 2013 BMW X5 Diesel (-$3,155)
• 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Diesel (-$1,620)
• 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel (-$1,443 )
• 2013 Volkswagen Touareg Diesel (-$940 )
• 2013 Volkswagen Passat Diesel (-$794)
• 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 Diesel (-$637)
• 2013 Ford F-350 Diesel (-$530 )
• 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 Diesel (-$68)

 
In addition to carbon emission improvements, diesels are known for their improved fuel economy. The models that provide the greatest benefit over their gas only counterparts are:

 

• 2013 Mercedes-Benz S350 Diesel (-$4,640)
• 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Diesel (-$4,580)
• 2013 Audi A3 Diesel (-$3,973)
• 2013 Audi Q7 Diesel (-$3,327)
• 2013 Volkswagen Touareg Diesel (-$3,027)

 
Of course for those who are looking to minimize fuel purchases, it is important to know the diesel vehicles with the lowest overall fuel costs. They are:
  

• 
• 2013 Audi A3 Diesel ($9,199)
• 2013 Volkswagen Golf Diesel ($9,199)
• 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel ($9,199)
• 2013 Volkswagen Passat Diesel ($9,369)
• 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Diesel ($9,971)

 
The chart below shows further detail regarding the items related to cost of ownership and fuel consumption for each diesel. In addition, by clicking on the vehicles names in the chart, you will see a detailed comparison of the two vehicles.

The results of this analysis show that 12 of the 26 diesel vehicles measured have a lower overall cost of ownership than their gasoline alternatives. The chart below shows three key items related to cost of ownership for each diesel, which include:

• The Price Premium - This shows how much more you pay for the diesel.
• Cost of Ownership Differential - This shows how much more (or less, if a negative number) it will cost to own and operate the diesel compared to a similar all-gasoline powered vehicle.
• Fuel Cost Differential - This shows the fuel savings obtained by the diesel. Buyers often only look at fuel savings due to its reduction in the use of petroleum, although from a strictly financial perspective the Cost of Ownership differential is the relevant number.