Me and the Mrs took a nice drive up to Claremont for a getaway today in a VW Passat diesel that we got for free from Capistrano VW on a really nice promotion that JeremyW clued me in to (thanks, Jeremy!).
The contest runs through May 15. You can borrow a 2012 Passat SEL TDI for 24 hours with no charge and they'll pay for the gas (well, the diesel). There are no catches and you can win up to $1,000 if you get the best MPG. The prizes for second and third best MPG are $500, and $250. But even if you don't win money, you get to drive a really nice car for 24 hours and see what it's like to drive a diesel.
Here's their web site for the promotion: http://www.capistranovw.com/TDIChallenge" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; You just need to call them up and they'll connect you to the Genl Mgr who is running the contest. The people at the dealership are really nice, maybe because they are a non-commission shop.
I got about 45 MPG on a 120 mile drive and I was pretty impressed with the car. The car they give you is a beautiful black over tan sedan that reminds me of a nice Audi.
I had never driven a diesel before and I have to admit that it got pretty good mileage, at least on the freeway, and the car is really roomy and comfortable.
Anyway, I can't pass up a chance to drive a new car for free for a day. Just thought some of you might feel the same way.