Last gasser - 2002 2500HD Crew cab 4X4 6.0 and 4.10 gears. Did Ok with TT but not with the taller 5'er that replaced the TT. Never weighed the 5'er but guessing a bit over 10K.
Next truck - 2006 2500HD crew cab 4X4 LBZ version of the diesel. Wow! World of difference and towing became a pleasure rather than work. Could pass vehicles when I wanted, run with cruise on if conditions allowed, stopping power was much better. Now have 2012 and its even better!
As far as maintenance - I do my own repairs and maintenance so I have a pretty good handle on the true costs. The diesel uses 10 quarts oil per change. The 6.0 used 6 quarts. Change interval is similar. Oil filter costs were also similar. Fuel filter for diesel is pricey - upwards of $40 - my filter life is at 58% at just over 18,000 miles. Last truck I sold at 128k miles - other than routine services, I had no other engine expenses to that point. 2012 needs DEF - $25 every 5k - 7k miles depending on towing or empty.
Not saying everyone needs a diesel but the maintenance is not much different than a gasser for todays engines. My next truck will likely be another diesel as I don't see us downsizing out rig. 02 truck got 13 mpg empty 6 towing the 5'er. 06 got 18 mpg empty and 10 towing our 5'er. '12 gets 17 (on winter fuel, hoping I'll get 18 on summer) and almost 11 towing.
Good luck, Mike
