There is much talk about having more diesel powered vehicles on our shores. Though diesels are much more economical fuel consumption wise, the dollar or ringgit equation is a bit more complex, I think. That s why there are so many 4×4 diesel in the classified ads section that is going rather cheap. Off course, there are those purchased such diesel trucks to find driving and parking such a huge vehicle congested areas, too much of a hassle and decided to go back to smaller cars.
Let’s look at the diesel choices we have.
1. 4×4 double cab trucks that’s a bit smaller than a minibus, but not much bigger and a sedan inside.
2. Then, there are the BMW’s and Mercedes. If you can spare half a million bucks to own one, cost of fuel would be the last thing on your mind.
3. Diesel powered Rextons and recently Sorento, SUV
4. Then you have the old Mercedes W123 running diesel, older Pajero, Landcruiser, Discovery, Citreon Xantia etc.
Unless you have megabucks, or don’t mind a high mileage second hand car, your only option would be a diesel double cab truck.
The downside of owning a truck. Well the cheaper low end tires cost more than RM 350 a piece and goes all the way to RM 800 a piece for high end Pirelli stuff. Road tax for a 2.5L engine, after 50% green engine discount AND after 40% 2006 budget discount will put you about RM 1000 odd per year. Expect to pay more for anything above 2.5L. Let’s look at space and comfort. Most trucks still drive like a truck. Don’t expect car like comfort and interior space. Although exterior space is generous, interior space is only like an average sedan. The backseat of some models are very upright, meaning sore and tired backs after long journeys. So unless you clock a significant amount of kilometers, and you sit up front, it is still not that economical or comfortable, when you consider the package as a whole.
Factor all these things into account, the total cost of owning a diesel powered car in Malaysia is still relatively high unless car manufacturers start bringing in small diesel engined cars. At the moment, you might be better off sticking to a smaller capacity petrol engine.
~ Article written by a love struck (potential) truck owner whose better judgement prevailed and continues his drive in the comfort of a humble sedan…. till perhaps the truck bug bites.
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