<p>I need a new car. I am intrigued by the idea of getting a diesel, probably a VW Golf, due to the great mileage and lower emissions. However, I have some reservations about having one in a cold climate. I live in Wisconsin. The car always be outside. I could plug in an engine heater when the car is parked in my driveway, but I don't have any access to that at work. So if I leave work after the car has been parked out in below zero temps all day, am I going to have trouble starting it?</p>
<p>If it’s a new car with the new diesel then weather is insignificant. The new diesels are great - you can’t tell the difference between diesel and gas at all. To me the biggest difference is that you absolutely can’t run out of gas or you need to rebuild the engine which just means I’m more careful about filling the tank when it gets to 1/4 instead of trying to see how far I can go on “E!”</p>
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That’s one I’ve not heard before and doesn’t make sense. Why would running out of fuel mean the engine would have to be rebuilt?</p>
<p>Shennie, my neighbors have one, and love it. No garage either. Someone staying at my house right now, from farther north, has a diesel jeep, stated it came with a block heater, but has never used it. His sig other has a diesel Jetta, and has not had a problem. </p>
<p>He stated that newer diesel cars have something called a ‘glow plug’ When the key is turned and sensor reads the engine as below a certain temp, there is an electrical impulse that warms the engine for a few seconds prior to starting. 3 to 4 second delay. </p>
<p>I was thinking diesel recently myself after these two folks enthusiasm, so wanted the answer to your question.</p>
<p>I also heard how the new diesel cars are not like those of decades ago. Discuss this with your local dealership- they should know the differences as they want to sell you the car. Do check on the relative availability of diesel fuel at local gas stations.</p>
<p>I rented an Audi A5 diesel a couple of years ago and drove it extensively through Scotland. It was in the summer there, which is colder than winter here, but wasn’t as cold as Wisconsin winters. </p>
<p>I was surprised at the diesel - no loud engine noises, no black fumes from the exhaust pipe, easy to start, and it seemed like it went forever before I needed a fillup again (although I never checked the actual mileage). It had plenty of get up and go - power was never an issue, and I’m somewhat of an aggressive driver. It was a decent car to drive.</p>
<p>The newer diesels are indeed different than the older ones. VW and Audi are basically the same company so I assume the diesels used in both cars will be either the same engine or a common design although one would need to check the particulars on this to see if it applies.</p>
<p>One consideration - it seems that diesel fuel, which used to be less expensive than gas, is now more expensive, so keep that in mind when considering costs.</p>
<p>Thanks all. We have an appointment at the dealership on Saturday and I am sure they will tell them that diesel is wonderful but I wanted something a little more objective 
They do get great mileage which helps to offset the higher cost of the fuel. Apparently they have fewer moving parts and don’t need to be serviced as often and also last quite a bit longer. And I am reading that new diesel formulations actually pollute less than regular fuel. </p>
<p>GLMom - maybe we can go shopping together!</p>
<p>You may want to consider the heated seats option, since diesel engines warm up relatively slowly, so the regular heater will take longer to produce heat.</p>
<p>As with gasoline engines, the engine warms up faster while being driven. Idle warm up is generally not needed.</p>