Question for diesel owners

We have 04 Chevy Duramax 3500 bought new, has 182,000+ miles. Had to replace injectors at 130,000, transmission seal, front end work, brakes and now is getting a cracked oil filter bracket replaced. Was a brick layer's daily driver til we bought the TC a year ago so it worked, hard. It has never burned oil, transmission is fine and does it's job now fine. Always had strict service schedule and use GM synthetic oil. Had a chance to trade it for newer lower mileage version but DH knows this truck and won't change. Bought a 15 2500 gasser exactly like one or son bought a month before us. Ours does good, hauls brick tools and heavy trailers, 12 to 14 mpg not great but son's got 4mpg hauling 20' cargo trailer and he just traded it in for a 3500 Duramax yesterday. Each truck can be a little different, good or bad, just the luck of the draw and build on each one. Went the Ford route and that cost us dearly before going to new 15 2500. Just our experiences.