I drive 103.9 miles round trip to work everyday. 95% highway, 5% in town. I spend about 20 miles at 75 mph and 30 miles at 65 mph. I will not be towing anything.
What kind of mileage am I apt to get on a '05 2500 CTD SWB 4x4 with my driving? New and broke in.
Yes, I have an idea from reading other posts, just trying to decide whether to scrap the idea of driving something I would enjoy 2 hours a day and get a Passat TDI for the 40mpg, or whether my fuel credit card could stand the Dodge. I get 20 mpg now in my SUV, and I can manage it, but I really couldn't afford a bigger fuel bill than I already have.
Thanks in advance.

 

If you have a money problem the solution is easy. Keep what you've got and get 20mpg. You will not do better with the truck and 40mpg would not make financial sense either.
If you're going to get a new one anyway, then its your pick. The vw is much more comfortable than the truck. The truck is a bit more expensive. The vw sounds like it would be more econimical.

I drive the cummins and pull a boat, my wife drives the jetta and gets well over 40.

 

There are a ton of other factors to consider, including but not limit to:

1. Buying from an American company
2. Hauling stuff from Home Depot / Lowe's
3. Winter driving
4. Coolness factor
5. Warranty
6. Insurance cost
7. Monthly payment & interest rate
8. Rebate amount

Anyway to answer your question I THINK your mileage after break-in will be just about the same as you're getting now, about 20. Before break-in you'll probably see around 17 +/-.

Good luck. That's quite a decision. An import car vs. a Cummins powered 4x4 pickup.

 

I'm with him^^^ insurance cost is high on these crushing vehicles, havent had a point on my license for fifteen years never a dui or an at fault accident but they still slam me with over 2500 bux a year for this rig.

 

These trucks are made to tow! If all you want is a commute car than get the Passat TDI. JMO

 

2500 BUCKS A YEAR? HOlly molly.... I have 2 of em and barely pay half that. YOu need to shop around some man. I too have a clean record am 26 years old and drive my 04 and have a 99 durango. Full coverage for both and for both the wife and me is about 1440 a year. Give or take a little.

I have been considering getting a used Jetta TDI for the commute to work and back but then asked myself would i save as much in fuel costs as I am paying for the jetta... The answer for me was no i wouldnt so i am sticking with the truck and suv for now. Both average around 16.5-17.5 mpg in town which is fairly good and cheaper than another car note.

 

I would readily say the TDI makes much more sense for commuting--and you will find it more enjoyable to drive. At 2.37/gal diesel in Illinois, I have to wonder also about simply owning a Civic 5-spd and achieving about 35 mpg. Any car is not a good investment--it is guaranteed to depreciate. Insurance? Consider a car at least three years old, the insurance will be considerably less.

If you don't tow or haul, stash up some money for the "rainy day" when diesel is afforable and pick up a Cummins at that time. Just my $.02 Good luck!