Forum Discussion

ib516's avatar
ib516
Explorer II
Dec 09, 2014

Buying my Hemi WAS a good idea

When I first became a diesel owner (2003 or 2004), diesel was almost always 10-15% cheaper than regular unleaded where I live. Then came ULSD, and the economy moved on. Diesel became the same price as gas around here. Then a few months last winter, diesel was 10% more than reg unleaded - sometimes more.

Well, time marches on, and the tables have turned.

Yesterday:
Diesel was $1.299/L ($4.91/gal)
Unleaded was $0.899/L ($3.40/gal)
  • I drive very few miles anymore and if I just had to buy a new truck I would probably look closely at the big gas engines. At this point I prefer GM's 6.2 with 8 speed auto because it has more power and torque and no first gear RPM limits like the RAMs do.
  • What I am trying to say is that the lower mpg I am getting (about 25% less than my last 5.9L Cummins), is cost neutral for me & where I live, due to the fuel cost delta. I am happy about that.

    I'm not trying to convince anyone that their choice of tow vehicle is "wrong", just that I am very happy with the choice I made, and if given the chance to go back and make the choice again, I would choose the 6.4L Hemi. It suits my needs perfectly.

    It does a great job with my RV, has been 100% reliable (yes, it is still new), and provides something my Cummins rarely could....HEAT! :)
  • Never buy a diesel to save money. If you like how the diesel drives and you can afford it, no regrets.
  • You don't necesarily buy a diesel for fuel efficiency. You buy it because it does the job (towing) better. It's a luxury like leather seats or climate control.
    You don't have to have it but it's nicer if you do.

    I'm glad I bought my Cummins. I not only have gobs of torque but I get about 50% better mileage than a Hemi.