My parents owns a restaurant and they want to buy a fuel economy car for the delivery services since gas costs an arm and a leg nowadays. I was told the Toyota Prius is a decent car and then someone told me about Turbo Diesel Injections that are converted into BioFuel something or another that basically runs off of old grease (which we have plenty of from the restaurant). Can anyone here help me out with this and explain to me what the pros and cons of these cars?? pleaaseee??

6/28/2006 11:34:50 AM

any diesel can be converted to grease and some companies offer kits (http://www.greasecar.com)

the engine must be warmed up using regular diesel fuel, then switched over to grease. you should also run diesel at the end of the drive so that the grease doesnt congeal inside the injectors/fuel lines.

the grease has to be heated (so it flows) and filtered before you put it in the tank. a common setup uses a pump to run the dirty heated (so it flows) grease through a home water filter.

i would say a rabbit or golf diesel would probably be the best bet for this kind of thing because they already have great fuel efficiency (40+ mpg). you could, of course get something newer. ive also seen volvo and mercedes greasecars, as well as suburbans and full size trucks.

[Edited on June 28, 2006 at 11:52 AM. Reason : kit is a tank, heater, lines, switch/valve, etc...]

6/28/2006 11:51:44 AM

I don't think the high pressure common rail diesels take well to grease.

But I'm not positive on that one.

6/28/2006 12:07:11 PM

if its a delivery vehicle for a restaurant, i take that to mean lots of short trips.

hardly simple to to the grease operation on.

go with a hybrid.

or a fuel efficiend gas car.

6/28/2006 12:33:41 PM

For short trips around town you can't beat a hybrid. Your parents should get a Honda Insight.

6/28/2006 1:06:14 PM

The old Honda CRX HF's got about 60mpg on regular gas.

6/28/2006 1:07:39 PM

honda civic would be good. or you could just get a diesel and forget about the grease conversion

6/28/2006 1:08:25 PM

get a old, easy to find civic just for the time being, get 35+ mpg.

then eventually find an old volvo, MB or VW diesel on the cheap, convert it and run it off the grease from your own restaurant.

sell the civic for most (if not all) of what you bought it for.

profit.

6/28/2006 1:23:27 PM

if its just city driving, either the insight or prius will be fine, they're both rated at like 60 mpg. If you're gonna do highway driving at all, get the insight.

to get the best mileage out of the insight though you'll want to get the manual, its cheaper too. If you want an automatic, get the prius.

keep in mind the prius can store more, its an actual 4 door sedan. the insight is just a little two seater.

6/28/2006 1:34:49 PM

BMW Isetta

http://www.bmwworld.com/models/vintage/isetta.htm

6/28/2006 1:38:30 PM

cost of fuel isn't the only cost of ownership. I would stay away from something so new and expensive. a crx, civic snatchback, 3cyl geo, or a tercel would get great gas mileage as well as being dirt cheap to own. the rest of these suggestions have a decently high initial cost and potentially a high cost of ownership. also, diesel isn't at every station, just a heads up

6/28/2006 2:11:58 PM

http://www.discoveralternatives.org/

6/28/2006 2:17:20 PM

gonna be $texas when you gotta replace 'dem hybrid batteries... it'll happen eventually...

[Edited on June 28, 2006 at 2:39 PM. Reason : diesel availability isnt so much of an issue when you get 600-800 miles/tank]

6/28/2006 2:38:46 PM

smart car, 72mpg

6/28/2006 3:01:12 PM

I have a 1995 Civic VX hatchback, and I get 52 mpg on the highway, 49 in the city

no shit! They don't make that model anymore though if they're looking for a newer car

6/28/2006 4:41:42 PM

^stop bragging.

6/28/2006 6:34:21 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I am definitely rethinking the whole grease conversion thing. I didn't know too much about it and now I think it might be more trouble for them since they keep busy at all times. The car will be used to in-town driving and they are looking for at least a 4 door with some cargo room possibly...

Anyone know the frequency of the hybrid battery changes?? I heard they're a pain in the ass and are mad expensive.... kinda sucks.

Another thing....I've thought about getting regular diesel and just pumping diesel instead of grease.... what tpye of car would get the best mileage and require the least maintanence since my parents know nothing about cars in the first place. Initial investment isn't THAT big of an issue if the car is in good working condition and is worth the buck. Looking for a used car with less than 30k miles on it if possible- open to both hybrid and diesel ideas.

I really appreciate the help!

6/29/2006 2:18:22 AM

get a bike you tree hugging faggot

6/29/2006 2:31:20 AM

jetta tdi

6/29/2006 2:58:42 AM

a golf will carry more crap.. if that matters

[Edited on June 29, 2006 at 10:43 AM. Reason : ...]

6/29/2006 10:43:07 AM

3cyl Geo Metro if you just want something simple and cheap. i think they get about 50 mpg.

6/29/2006 10:54:54 AM

http://www.bajajusa.com/3%20Wheelers.htm

6/29/2006 11:02:23 AM

older honda civic hx, cx, lx

i wouldnt bother with rigging up a grease system on a diesel.. it just sounds like trouble

6/29/2006 11:21:34 AM

old trucks handle grease better and you should make more then enough to pull it off.
95' dodge is a pretty easy conversion

and new car diesels get as good of gas mileage in the real world as hybrids do.

6/29/2006 12:49:24 PM