Help a Newbie, question about gas vs. diesel

Hi,

I did not separate out engine maintenance--but it was all mechanical issues. For example a power steering repair, and a transmission repair.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Hammerboy,

My diesel class c cost, on average, $0.25 cents per mile over a 9 year period. My V-10 costs about $0.05 cents per mile over a 10 year period.

This was for all maintenance expenses.

There were no "major" repairs to either. (crossing my fingers)

That's a big range between the two if we are talking just engine maintenance. When I say slightly I am referring to for example $100 for an oil change with a tire rotation (GM dealer) as I always do both at the same time, that's not high in my book. So over the long haul that is a small expense over years I've had my truck. Maybe in the Motorhome world gas vs diesel has a much bigger range but with pickups I thinks it's much narrower.

Dan

Cost $2000 for six years.....hmmmm...
Let's assume you paid cash, interest you could have earned on $8K at 3% or about $240 per year, time 6 years = $1450 in lost earnings, or potentially interest paid. I'd say said $8000 option cost you $3500 or so. More if interest income is better, less if lower.
Another way to look at costs...
Plus and minus between the two, their is a sticky post at top, read the twelve some odd years of comments, you will see what is good or bad about the two, time frame also can change which is better vs worst as far as fuel costs mpg savings.
You an auto worth $8000 more, comp and collision insurance will be higher, not major $$, but higher.....
Lots of ways to look at costs. It Will take many miles to pay for that $8000 difference.
Turbo part of diesel at 5000+ feet elevation is really nice. An eco boost or equal Will net the same grin factor at elevation!
Choose your poison. Don't look back!
Marty

gmckenzie wrote:

4x4ord wrote:

blt2ski wrote:
Farmerkev,
A normal person never pays off per say the cost if ones vehicle! So buy what you want, use what you want, call it a day. If you want a diesel, get one! Both fuels, both sets of motors have plus and minuses. Beyond that, it's not worth arguing over.
Marty

Sorry Marty but I think I must be completely missing the point of your post? My assumption is that almost everyone either pays cash for their vehicle or pays off their loan over a 3 or 4 year period. You say there is pluses and minuses to both gas and diesel but don't mention what any of those pluses or minuses are. I think the whole point of this thread is that the op is wanting to know what those pluses and minuses are. For instance the big plus of the diesel is the high torque output which makes towing a more pleasant experience. For only a 10 k trailer that plus mifht not not be enough to offset the big minus of diesel .... higher intial cost.

I think the argument is that the cost savings of a diesel over it's life are probably not going to cover the added upfront cost of the diesel. I know for me it wouldn't, but if someone tows a lot it could.

I don't want a diesel because I don't tow nearly enough and my normal commute is ~3km, so as a daily driver it would suck (had an 01 Duramax). I'd never pay off the added buying costs.

Get what you want. I'm looking at the new 6.6L and 7.3L gas motors and the numbers they put up are enough for my needs.

Ok .... and I would agree with that. A diesel, will, in most cases end up costing more to own than a gasoline powered truck. And even though a diesel isn't necessary to pull a 10k trailer those who can easily afford the little extra cost of owning one might choose to buy it for the one big hill they pull twice a year. Then there are those who buy a diesel pickup just to haul their ego around with. :)

Hi Hammerboy,

My diesel class c cost, on average, $0.25 cents per mile over a 9 year period. My V-10 costs about $0.05 cents per mile over a 10 year period.

This was for all maintenance expenses.

There were no "major" repairs to either. (crossing my fingers)

Its always funny listening to the arguments of gas vs diesel costs. I paid 6 1/2 years ago an extra $8000 and change for my diesel. Today that truck Bluebooks for $6000 TRADE IN value more than the gas equivalent. So I look at it this way, for 6 1/2 years it cost me $2000 to own that diesel if I were to trade it in today. Fuel costs are a wash as diesel cost more but gets 25-30% better mileage, maintenance is slightly more, nothing to complain about. Barring nothing catastrophic happens its not the huge cost difference some people make it out to be.

Dan

4x4ord wrote:

blt2ski wrote:
Farmerkev,
A normal person never pays off per say the cost if ones vehicle! So buy what you want, use what you want, call it a day. If you want a diesel, get one! Both fuels, both sets of motors have plus and minuses. Beyond that, it's not worth arguing over.
Marty

Sorry Marty but I think I must be completely missing the point of your post? My assumption is that almost everyone either pays cash for their vehicle or pays off their loan over a 3 or 4 year period. You say there is pluses and minuses to both gas and diesel but don't mention what any of those pluses or minuses are. I think the whole point of this thread is that the op is wanting to know what those pluses and minuses are. For instance the big plus of the diesel is the high torque output which makes towing a more pleasant experience. For only a 10 k trailer that plus mifht not not be enough to offset the big minus of diesel .... higher intial cost.

I think the argument is that the cost savings of a diesel over it's life are probably not going to cover the added upfront cost of the diesel. I know for me it wouldn't, but if someone tows a lot it could.

I don't want a diesel because I don't tow nearly enough and my normal commute is ~3km, so as a daily driver it would suck (had an 01 Duramax). I'd never pay off the added buying costs.

Get what you want. I'm looking at the new 6.6L and 7.3L gas motors and the numbers they put up are enough for my needs.

blt2ski wrote:
Farmerkev,
A normal person never pays off per say the cost if ones vehicle! So buy what you want, use what you want, call it a day. If you want a diesel, get one! Both fuels, both sets of motors have plus and minuses. Beyond that, it's not worth arguing over.
Marty

Sorry Marty but I think I must be completely missing the point of your post? My assumption is that almost everyone either pays cash for their vehicle or pays off their loan over a 3 or 4 year period. You say there is pluses and minuses to both gas and diesel but don't mention what any of those pluses or minuses are. I think the whole point of this thread is that the op is wanting to know what those pluses and minuses are. For instance the big plus of the diesel is the high torque output which makes towing a more pleasant experience. For only a 10 k trailer that plus mifht not not be enough to offset the big minus of diesel .... higher intial cost.

blt2ski wrote:
Farmerkev,
A normal person never pays off per say the cost if ones vehicle! So buy what you want, use what you want, call it a day. If you want a diesel, get one! Both fuels, both sets of motors have plus and minuses. Beyond that, it's not worth arguing over.
Marty

Totally agree. Not just cus you are a Mod though. :B

Get what turns your crank, not what turns someone else's crank. I tow a 10K fifth wheel with a 2012 F250 2WD cus that is what meets my needs. It is a 2012 and I don't give a flip about trade or value. I use my vehicles not trade them. And i do trek from central IL to see the daughter and grandies sometimes twice a year to just south of Myrtle Beach. BTW, the only draw back I see in my tow vehicle are the loud decals and emblems. ;)

Farmerkev,
A normal person never pays off per say the cost if ones vehicle! So buy what you want, use what you want, call it a day. If you want a diesel, get one! Both fuels, both sets of motors have plus and minuses. Beyond that, it's not worth arguing over.
Marty