does it make sense to buy a diesel?

I don't really know in which part of the world you are. But I am thinking about the same thing now. I am still looking for my options but it seems that i am going to get a used Peugeot 206. this little monster can give you up to 67mpg!

- does it make sense to buy a diesel?

Not in my opinion, and I've had both.

1. Diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas, more so in winter than in summer but on average it's about 18% more expensive, so you have to subtract 18% from mpg to make a true comparison.

2. The VW TDI I had blew it's engine at 80,000 miles. Lightweight and 22:1 compression just don't go together.

3. The TDI cost 22 cents per mile for dealer maintenance alone (not including the engine which was covered under warranty), while the Prius has cost 12 cents per mile over the 120,000 miles I've driven it so far for dealer maintenance, tires, and fuel combined according to the logbook I keep.

4. With the diesel, every fill is a smelly mess.

5. It still stinks like diesel. Just think about starting it up in the garage and what your S.O. will say. Best to keep it outside.

On the other hand the Prius has been one of the best two cars I've ever had.

2004 Prius MPG from the logbook. (Complete years only):

2003-2004 -- 50.8 mpg 17,628 miles

2005 -- 52.6 mpg 14,688 miles

2006 -- 56.3 mpg 16174 miles

2007 -- 57.3 mpg 18384 miles

2008 -- 59.9 mpg 21755 miles

2009 -- 61.4 mpg 16177 miles

2010 -- 65.2 mpg 12134 miles

- and which is better in your opinion Insight hybrid or prius

They are different cars, the Insight is a compact car while the Prius is mid-sized. I originally, didn't get the Insight because the Honda technology looked to me like it had all the parts of a conventional car plus all the hybrid parts as well compared to the Toyota system where many parts have been replaced by more reliable electronics or greatly simplified. So in the Prius there is no alternator no starter motor, no clutches or fluid couplings, and the automatic transmission with its hundreds of parts has been replaced by a simple planetary gear system similar to a differential. Both the Toyota and the Honda systems have their advocates but because I've never had a Honda Hybrid, I can't give first hand experience. I can say that my two Prius (my wife has a 2001 Prius) have been very reliable and trouble-free and I wouldn't hesitate a moment to get another one.

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/2...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkEukcWSKbI

I can recommend the VW diesel range. Excellent mileage, reliable and long lasting. The guy who says his Jetta blew up at 80000 must have failed to follow his service intervals or used the wrong oil, certainly not VW fault !

Buy a diesel - 50+ miles to the gallons, super reliable, plus your car sounds cool.

The Prius is a joke - Horribly toxic lithium battery, electric bills + fuel cost, and looking like a fag.

Diesel yes. Volkswagen no.

Wish they sell the Ford Fiesta diesel in the states. 60 mpg.

I do not know about the new VW Jetta diesel.

All the others are noisy clunking and stinkers! The only reason to own a diesel is for towing heavy objects {tree stumps and trailers].