IdaD wrote:
APT wrote:
The prior two posts neglect the higher used value of vehicle with more equipment, especially the diesels. For the first 10 years or so, diesel powered HD trucks retain at least 50% of that new up front cost. We don't know what the used values will be for the GM twins baby duramax, but I expect similar 50%-ish over the next 10 years.
Anyone getting 22mpg with the 3.6L would likely get over 30mpg in a diesel. I've never gotten more than 16mpg in the crossovers and 19mpg in cars equipped with that engine. The 3.6L driving experience has never impressed me either.
Yep. The cost is a wash, at least on the big diesels (excluding the bad-year Fords). Your up front cost is higher and maintenance costs may be somewhat higher, but your fuel cost if lower and your resale is better. Overall when you think about all the money you're going to spend on that truck in terms of up front cost, fuel, tires, maintenance, brakes, shocks, etc., etc., etc., the marginal difference in cost between big gas and big diesel is immaterial. I'm not quite sure why people get so hung up on it.
Performance and driving enjoyment are far larger factors to me, and they're the reason I drive an oil burner.
It is a good point... but I've never bought a new truck. The gasers are cheap used relative to a diesel, often more than the $8K point of entry due to demand. Also, when you buy a used truck your maintenance cost is higher so the gaser is even a better purchase after the depreciation hit with impending wrench time approaching. You also have the benefit of knowing what year products were troublesome which isn't a gas/diesel point but is a benefit generally.
Either one of them will do what I need it to do. Ultimately what tickles your tickler and what you can afford is what you should buy.
