Diesel vs gas......................

larry_kruzan wrote:
I am driving a 1 year old 2009 E350 w/V10 4.10 gears, has 20k miles on it and pulling a 8800lb Jayco 320RLDS. I will be replacing the van next year after it hits 40k or 50k miles. Mostly I trade because I'm in a power wheelchair (350lbs wheelchair) and can't walk away from a broken van.

I did brake down once with a old van and since tow trucks would not tow the van with me in the van – State Police had to carry me to a squad car, then drive me to the service center. no fun. If I have to buy a new one every year to feel comfortable with it, I will.

I have no idea what Ford will offer in its lineup for vans next year but I was told that a diesel may not even be an option. The v10 does a good job with towing but some of the benefits of a diesel are attractive.

Now no flames please.:(

All that said, I really would like to stop losing so much money on trades by keeping the van longer. So would buying a van with a diesel give me the confidence due to its durability. And will I gain enough longevity to offset it’s $7000 cost uptick. Current fuel costs are pretty much equal so that’s no issue.

My vans with the wheelchair conversion are running $67,000 so adding another $7000 to the price is a bite since retirement is fast approaching. I want to spend more money on RVing less on vans.

What do you think?

I have to tell you that if I was in the market for a diesel van I would seriousely look at the Sprinter. Best overall mileage of the 3.
Cheapest to maintain, and the best rated van on the market. I think it is a Mercedes powered diesel. I think the pricing starts at under 40K. I have a few of our suppliers that own them and they have noting but good to say about them.

http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/sprinter/low_cost/fuel_economy/


no affiliation, just an opinion