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

transamz9 wrote:

Taco wrote:
I just bought a new gas truck. Here is why.

I cannot afford to always own a vehicle that is in warranty. can't buy a new 40k vehicle every 4-5 years. I read the horror stories here and other places about the repair bills on the diesels. some up in the 10k plus range. when they do break they plain cost lots more to fix outside of warranty.

The other reason is that it costs 8k or so more to start. then factor in the finance costs on the 8k so add maybe another 1000. Then add about 500 worth of DEF over 125k miles. then factor slightly increased maint costs, and the 40 cents of so premium of diesel fuel. also for me I pay personal property tax on the vehicle so I pay property tax on that 8k premium

I keep them for 10-12 years and will put maybe 125-150k on it. neither gas nor diesel will be likely to wear out in that period. the diesel would get about 3 mpg better over that period and will have decreased fuel cost but would be offset by the all the additional expenses outlined earlier.

In towing power differences read the pickuptrucks.com shootouts to see a full throttle measured comparison. the gas engines towing in the 10-12k trailer range are plenty powerful enough to maintain reasonable speed on any interstate grade. You just have to be willing to press the pedal. yes the engine will make some noise while you do this but it isn't hurting anything.


Does a diesel make sense towing over 12k absolutely. under 12k i don't think it makes sense. But this is America, if you want a diesel get it if you can afford it, it will tow any weight better but I don't see a need for it under 12k given it's financial disadvantages.

You also have to remember that that diesel truck is also going to be worth 8-10,000 more when you go to sell it in 10-12 years.;)