Diesel,,,, the rest of the story??

Forgive me,,,,, the answers are probably in the Diesel vs Gas thread,,,, but I really didn't care to scroll through 394 pages worth to find it.

My take:

Maintenance costs, while a bit more, aren't that big of a deal. You'll spent a little more on oil changes & filters but not an earth-shattering difference.

The thing (IMO) to be aware of in buying a used diesel is the potential for very costly repairs.

Replacing injectors or certain pumps can eclipse the cost of buying an entirely new gas engine.

I'd tell any friend considering a used diesel to honestly assess if your budget can handle a multi-thousand-dollar repair. It may never arise, but if it does, you need to be prepared & have either the money or the credit available if bad things happen.

I decided against a used diesel for that reason in part; the fact that I don't "need" one per se was obviously a factor but I might've bought one anyway (I loved my 7.3L)-- however on my salary and having 1 boy here & another on the way, I wasn't willing to chance big repair bills.

Unfortunately the answers probably are in that Diesel v gas thread. Sorry you don't want to spend time reading it.. and I'm not sure what you mean by 'find it.' You mean find the thread?

Gas vs Diesel July 2013

YEP......diesel is a real hassle.
Costs more per gallon than regular gas
Costs more per oil change......3 gallons vs 5 quarts
Costs more for a fuel filter and you have to change it more frequently

Goodness-gracious hold on to your rear end if you need injectors.

That's why I went with a 5.9L Cummins tractor motor.
And I love the smile on my face every time I set it on cruise and pull that long 7% grade like it was a Sunday stroll.

For towing...diesel hands down.

Diesels were made to tow! If you plan on a lot of towing, like full time, go diesel.

Get a quote from different dealerships. I got well below invoice and free oil changes for life. I'll have regular maintenance there though. Good luck

Everybody has opinions based on their experiences.
Well here is mine.
Owned a 1982 6.2 diesel Suburban
I have owned both a Gas and diesel F350 460 ci. 4.10 rear end. It was a beast that gave me 8 MPG.
When pulling an average load up a 6% grade 35 MPH and 4 MPG. Gas was cheaper than diesel.

Went to a 94 F350 7.3 IDI turbo non power stroke dually. 175K miles on the clock. Out pulled the gasser like night and day but that loaded 6% grade was only marginally better.
Fuel economy was better but not much.
Last year I picked up a 1999 F550 with 4.88 rear end and the 7.3L Powerstroke. Motor is bullet proof. 240K miles.
pulls that 6% grade loaded at the 65 MPH I run. 2500 RPMS.

As I read these posts it appears those voicing doom and gloom have never run into the injector, pump and glow plug issues they warn about. in all the years I have owned Diesels I have replaced 1 set of glow plugs and they cost me $64.00I never have. Stay away from the problem motors Like the 6.0 and 6.4.
7.3's and the cummins 5.9 are great motors.

Do diesels cost more in maintenance well a bit but they will do things a gasser just can't.
Bottom line. Right tool for the right job. If your not towing or hauling serious weight the gasser may be for you. If your towing 20Klbs on a regular basis Diesel is the only way.

What trailer will you be towing that you need a diesel?

Jason,
are you just going to camp here in SC? I had a 2500 Chevy (2004) with the gas 6.0 it towed pretty well till we hit hills or any head wind. It got the job done. We have a 26' Jayco 5k lbs empty prolly at least 6-7 k as we travel.
I've since traded it and picked up a 2004 Ford Excursion with the 6.0. It gets better mpg both empty and towing but the cost of fuel is more, I have mixed feeling if that balances out. As far as the other maintenance there are dual fuel filters and the bottom one is a real PITA!! I do the fuel filters change every 15K cause the fuel is very dirty. Then there is the oil changes, 16 quarts plus the filter $13/per gallon x 4 I think oil filters are $15 range. I change the oil every 5K My ford mech says it is a very prudent maintenance idea.
I do love the sound and feel of the truck and the turbo spooling up.
I don't know if this helps pm me if I can help

Chris