Are diesels worth it, for costs per mile?
Was at a car dealer out of town, and the dealer (name with-held to protect the guilty) was trying to warn me away from a diesel on the 3500 models he was selling, unless I had at least $15,000 a year ...
Forum Discussion
After looking at various forums and reading about problems people have (from fuel in the oil, to fuel filters failing and blowing the engine, to ECM issues, to injectors (at $500 each on average), to cracked DPFs, having to replace the high pressure fuel pump every 5000 miles (about a grand) to being stranded since the vehicle's computer won't allow the vehicle to start due to no DEF (even if the tank is full.)
I have a feeling a lot of it is just bad luck and statistically, there are a lot of diesels out there, so seeing issues is not surprising.
In people's opinions, are the maintenance horror stories for a diesel just way blown out of proportion?
Keep in mind a product website is a great place to come and seek help if you have a issue with the product. Diesel powered trucks are no different.
Some diesel engines brands/year models are and have been much more problematic for many of those owners. Others have had few if any issues.
However not all diesel engines are created equal.
One thing you notice when we look in on a diesel powered truck web is the lack of major issues in certain brands/year models.
If there is some credence, should I go for an extended warranty if I buy a diesel vehicle, just so I don't end up stranded and $2500 lighter because a high pressure fuel pump decided to call it quits. I do know that the recent EPA regulations have caused reliability problems, but I'm wondering if truck makers finally have the kinks worked out.
EPA doesn't cause reliability problems as evident some brands/engine year models have few if any issues with EPA rules.
I didn't see if your inquiring about a new or used truck. Makes a difference. If your getting a new truck don't worry about a extended warranty. If your buying used and buying a 6.0 Ford or a high mileage truck then it would be a good option. Some extended warranties have more parts exclusions than parts covered. Do your home work there. Just like diesel trucks they are all different.
My '03 Cummins HPCR 305/555 HO diesel I bought new in 1/'03 in my sig has over 245k miles and is my 3rd diesel truck. Its been the cheapest operating (maintenance and fuel) truck of all the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton or one ton trucks I've owned.
Of the dozen or so one ton DRW trucks mostly gas trucks trucks I've owned many were in commercial service. So I know about maintaining and maintenance issues for the long haul.
