2013 Dodge Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi
I currently have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the Cummins and an auto trans, I am considering a new 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.7 Hemi. I just returned from a trip to Mexico, running empty 17.4 m...
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Get a new truck if you want Bluetooth or heated or cooled seats or airbags or some other function but not to save money on fuel. It will never happen.
Do the math. A new truck is going to cost you $35,000 plus sales tax and DMV fees and higher auto insurance premiums. Figure about $40,000 overall if you pay cash. If the new truck uses no gas at all and there is zero fuel costs to drive it instead of 12 MPG for your current truck, your breakeven point would be at 120,000 miles with the new truck. In reality the breakeven point is going to never be reached with the new truck.
My diesel truck cost $9,000 more than the same model with a gas engine. I get 20% more miles per gallon with the diesel engine but pay 15% more for diesel than for regular gas. My breakeven with the diesel engine, if I ignore the higher maintenance and repair costs for the diesel, is at 250,000 miles at current fuel prices.
The diesel engine provides more power for acceleration and going over hills and better engine braking and for that I paid the extra cash. I have no illusions that the higher MPG with the diesel is going to save me a penny in any form or fashion while I own the truck.
Do the math. A new truck is going to cost you $35,000 plus sales tax and DMV fees and higher auto insurance premiums. Figure about $40,000 overall if you pay cash. If the new truck uses no gas at all and there is zero fuel costs to drive it instead of 12 MPG for your current truck, your breakeven point would be at 120,000 miles with the new truck. In reality the breakeven point is going to never be reached with the new truck.
My diesel truck cost $9,000 more than the same model with a gas engine. I get 20% more miles per gallon with the diesel engine but pay 15% more for diesel than for regular gas. My breakeven with the diesel engine, if I ignore the higher maintenance and repair costs for the diesel, is at 250,000 miles at current fuel prices.
The diesel engine provides more power for acceleration and going over hills and better engine braking and for that I paid the extra cash. I have no illusions that the higher MPG with the diesel is going to save me a penny in any form or fashion while I own the truck.
