What is 6th gear for?

[Russ59]

I think unleaded has just been put up in price because of the economic downturn, with the drop in interest rates and the money people are finally saving there, the petrol companies figure it's a good time to screw everyone for an extra few dollars to fill the car instead (they've gotta keep their multi billion $ profits in check). I know someone will come back now and say it's all to do with world oil prices etc.. etc... blah ..blah ..blah, but we've heard it all before, no matter what anyone says, they have us all by the short and curlies - You can't win

As far as diesel prices being a few cents P/L cheaper at the moment, let's enjoy it while we can, it can't last


Russ

[Greg Roles]

Asian demand has dropped, thus the famed "singapore index" on diesel has dropped. We are reaping the temporary benefits.

You can win Russ, and it's a large factor in WHY I bought a diesel.

Bio. I'll be doing it out of sheer principle once the car is paid off in a few years time. Am building my side "Bio" shed this year.....

[Buller_Scott]

I shift at 2500 when warming up, and at 3000 when warmed. (and 3000+ when i wanna clean out the exhaust on the ppl sticking up my arse in the left lane)

Hey, me too!!!!

[broady69]

I used to have the Polo TDI in South Africa and you can get away with 140km/h between towns and it was definately more fuel economical to travel in 6th than 5th.

I suppose it's easier for them to put in the same gearbox for all Models regardless of the country they go to.

Otherwise the Vietnam batch would probably only have 2 gears.

[Russ59]

Asian demand has dropped, thus the famed "singapore index" on diesel has dropped. We are reaping the temporary benefits.

You can win Russ, and it's a large factor in WHY I bought a diesel.

Bio. I'll be doing it out of sheer principle once the car is paid off in a few years time. Am building my side "Bio" shed this year.....

I suppose the main problem with the GT TDI and running it on BIO now is the DPF no doubt ? Mine had another cold regen this arvo but instead of the usual pull over and let it idle for a while approach, I decided to give it some stick instead. I'm going to book it in for a check up because it really runs like a dog when it does this and I just don't think it's right. The trouble is the bloody thing never shows any error codes so as far as the dealer's concerned there's nothing wrong. I give it a decent run at least once a week but it still seems to think it needs a regen. I have been running it on Mobil diesel since I got it, would there be any benefit do you think in trying another brand of fuel ? I have nearly 10,000 k up now and it's been averaging around 7L/100k on the last few tanks, which is still very good IMO for a combination of probably 70% city / 30% hwy driving. Sorry for going off topic somewhat but it's still within the realms of the original thread when we are talking economy.

Russ

[CatonaPC©]

I have been running it on Mobil diesel since I got it, would there be any benefit do you think in trying another brand of fuel ? . . .

I'm quite surprised you haven't done so already. Are you filling at the same service station all the time?

I'd certainly suggest trying a different brands particularly from a place were the stocks are replenished frequently. If your DPF still plays up, then you certainly have a basis from which to bring it to the attention of your service dealer.

[Russ59]

I'm quite surprised you haven't done so already. Are you filling at the same service station all the time?

I'd certainly suggest trying a different brands particularly from a place were the stocks are replenished frequently. If your DPF still plays up, then you certainly have a basis from which to bring it to the attention of your service dealer.

I have been filling at the same servo near home since new, it's a very busy one and stocks would be replenished each week I would imagine. I still think there could be an issue with the DPF but the dealer basically won't do a thing about it unless it throws an error code. The only other way that I might get their attention would be to have it put straight onto the back of a truck when it starts it regen process and send it to them. The trouble with that is my nearest dealer is 80 k's away and I'm already not overly keen on the service dept. as it is. I guess if it eventually *****$ itself then they'll know what the problem is and will be able to fix it, hopefully

Russ

[chisler]

I've also noticed if I change High, like around 4000, then crusing at 100kmh in 6th puts my rpm around 2000.
though if I change early (automatic mode ) then 100kmh in 6th gives about 1500rpm

[Orville]

Howdy all,
I have just driven up to Coffs Harbour and back from Sydney. We found that the car was comfortable in 6th from 90 k upwards and cruised happily with the cruise control on at 100k and above. Our fuel figures were 950 ks for 50 litres (fuel light just on). 6th has more than enough torque from 100 to accelerate, if anything 5th was all I needed for overtaking if I was in a hurry. Sure, blast it up to 4500 in 3rd and 4th for a cleanout every now and again, but 6th was the most used gear in our travels. Using 5th would have definitely used more fuel at 100 kph.

ps - best car I have ever owned and this is number 14, not counting the dozen or so work cars as well.

cheers
Orville 05 TDI Comfortline

[OvaltoJetta]

I've just done a return trip from Perth to Bendigo plus a bit. On the way back between Balladonia and Norseman - 658 klm - the car was on cruise in 6th and the tacho was sitting on 2400 90% of the way. The economy was 6.6l / 100.