The cost of a Diesel Truck
I often see discussions on here about gas versus diesel. Most will agree that diesels pull better and generally last longer. Then the discussion of cost comes in and everything gets messy. I just w...
Forum Discussion
valhalla360 wrote:
Resale does play a factor but the folks saying you get 100% or more of the diesel upcharge back are being unrealistic. Particularly as you get into the 15-20yr old range, the body, suspension and little odds and ends are likely pushing most people to retire the truck...not the power plant.
Sure the market fluctuations play a huge part in resale (and purchase) but take this example then since you think someone is cherry picking numbers.
2001, new gasser 4x4 truck. Purchased during the dot come recession, got a good enough price it pushed me to actually buy a brand new vehicle (because I know NEW cars are a bad investment I typically don't buy new). Sold in 2005 with 125k miles on it, pristine condition, "normal" economy. Got $7500, best I could do trying to sell it for months.
Bought used 2002 diesel 4x4 with 25k miles for $25k, sold in 2009 at the height of tht recession for $17,500 with 150k miles.
25% ROI on the gasser vs 70% on the diesel, say the numbers are skewed however you want, resale is there. Period.
And if you're trying to make the argument that a 15-20 year old high mile truck that's beat up won't fetch the full diesel premium purchase cost back, that's about the funniest thing I've heard in a while. That's like saying 2 ply toilet paper isn't a good value because it's hard to wipe your ___ with the cardboard roll...once it's used up, it's used up...
