Are diesels worth it, for costs per mile?

Tom_M wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
As far as the previous comment about diesel engines being much simpler than their gas counterparts may have been the case 10+ years ago, but no longer thanks to all the emissions and computer controls associated with them. Emissions controls are where most of the problems exist with todays diesels and they can be quite frustrating for some owners. Hence why so many rip them off and run a delete tune.

A diesel engine has never been simpler than a gasoline engine. You are basically taking away a simple electrical ignition system and replacing it with a very high pressure fuel pump/fuel distribution system. Because of the high compression ratio you now need a huge starter and probably two batteries.

The main reason for diesel is the greater torque it provides thus exceptional towing capability.

I beg to differ. Back in the 90's, you still had crank driven mechanical pumps versus electronic fuel injection systems. The mechanical pumps were always timed with the engine (just like a timing set on old timing chain blocks). And the pump system simply had a plunger for each injector. So high pressure was supplied to the injectors like clock work. Once the pump was set, you never had to fool with it. Engines back then had all sorts of sensors for the fuel injection system. Had to figure out mass airflow and time the spark ignition depending upon throttle demand and all sorts of other items. This was a time when diesels were much simpler motors.

Now with today's motors. I'm torn on figuring out which one is simpler. Diesels now a days have nearly the same sensor suite as gasoline motors. However, gas motors do need to rely more on the sensors to maintain proper combustion where as diesels don't care about ratio so much unless it effects emissions (then the EGR or regen steps in at that point). Gasoline engines still have an ignition system (that everyone claims is simple, it is an additional system that is non-existent on a diesel). However, both have a fuel system that at times includes high pressure fuel pumps (gasoline motors are going direct ignition as well). Yes you need a bigger starter, but it isn't any more complex. And not all diesels require 2 batteries (depends on starting method, glow plugs or grid heater, etc...). The other argument of turbochargers and intercooler are also moot. One need only mentions "Ecoboost" and it's a level playing field. As in theories of operation, I would think a gasser motor is more complex in that it has a narrower operating range compared to a diesel (Diesels just need fuel added at the right time to function, gas motors need to maintain a narrow operating ratio in order to ensure proper combustion along with spark). So it becomes a pain to diagnose why you have a rough running condition. The only thing that gassers have far simpler is the emissions system. No DPF there, no NOx SCR system there either. So I figure that balances out the lack of ignition system on the diesels. In the end, it really is a wash in my book. But the saying that there is potential for very expensive repair is certainly true on a diesel. Parts costs are higher on a diesel, like for fuel injectors or the HP fuel pump (which costs 2x or more than a HP fuel pump on a GDI motor). But those parts typically are designed to last a minimum of 250k miles or more.

As for me, I prefer a diesel. I get close to 20k miles a year, diesel is 10 or more cents per gallon cheaper in my parts versus regular unleaded. I do my own maintenance and I spend roughly $150 more a year on maintenance. But that is made up within 6 weeks of driving for me. Then I'm further ahead as I move on. I also happen to have a deal where my current diesel RAM was $5,000 cheaper than my 2010 Ford F-150. My RAM actually has a few more features than my F-150 had. So if you can find a deal where you come out ahead on a diesel. Weigh the fuel costs and fuel economy benefit, then it may work for you. Depending on where you live, you can save, or you may pay more to own a diesel. In my case, I saved all around.