Diesel Passenger Cars in the U.S.

[CTyler]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Why does anyone need 250 - 300 HP in a 1/2 ton truck? )</font>

I don't know, to pull a trailer with a tractor or car on it maybe? Pulling a boat, horses, cattle etc..

Do that with a 200hp 6cyl and you'll be stomping in it harder or foot to the floor wearing it out sooner and get worse mileage. Been there done that. Also know several other people that have done the same thing.

 

[DaveNay]

Let me guess....the Mobile at Rt 53 & Butterfield road?

That's the one we fill up at when we use a rental truck at work.

Dave

 

[DaveNay]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...just as you don't see as many PU trucks in New York or Chicago...)</font>

Just for the record....there are TONS of pickup truck all over Chicago. Like someone else said....it's a lifestyle choice, not a utility requirement.

(Just don't drive your pickup truck on Lake Shore Drive...it's illegal /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

Dave

 

[gsganzer]

<font color="blue"> "I don't know, to pull a trailer with a tractor or car on it maybe? Pulling a boat, horses, cattle etc..

Do that with a 200hp 6cyl and you'll be stomping in it harder or foot to the floor wearing it out sooner and get worse mileage. Been there done that. Also know several other people that have done the same thing. "</font>

It certainly depends on your towing needs. If I was towing frequently, I probably wouldn't be using a 1/2 ton. I have a 1989 3/4 ton with a 350 ci and HD manual trans. It's rated at 210 HP and seems to work just fine for my needs. I don't think the new 1/2 tons even have the same rated towing capacity as my '89.

I know what you're saying though. For me, a truck should be a truck and bought and used for it's intended purpose. I guess I watch all these people driving 1/2 ton 4x4's around the Dallas metroplex with unscratched tow balls and shiny bed liners. You either need to take the hickey when it comes to reduced mileage during occasional towing, or reduced mileage all the time with unused HP.

 

[CTyler]

If I had to tow all the time I'd probably go 3/4 as well. My 1/2 has a 8800lb towing capacity which is enough. The torque is needed more than the HP. I really do need a full size 4wd truck but don't need to drive it 25miles to work everyday.

I agree there are way to many peeps buying full size 4wd trucks just to haul two bags of fertilizer in the rain.

 

[TresCrows]

"... Sorry if it came across that way ! I keep hearing how big cars/ trucks /Suvs , are dangerous because of their size "

Oh, OK, no problem there. Sorry, I misread that sentence. People say stuff all the time but they don't mean it or it just comes out wrong---I do it all the time /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. Be good. J

 

[NIXON]

Tres Crows . Thanks for the post . I still feel bad and stupid for making a comment like that . I asked myself what was I thinking of at the time . The answer comes back NOTHING !
John

 

[Cliff_Johns]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Let me guess....the Mobile at Rt 53 & Butterfield road?
That's the one we fill up at when we use a rental truck at work.
Dave )</font>

Yes, that would be a very good guess.
Cliff

 

[hayden]

You're not alone. I've heard lots of similar horror stories.

My fingers are crossed.......

 

[BigDave]

Andy,

Make life easier on yourself. Go to edmunds.com. Find a car that you are interested in and look at the True Cost to Own. You can compare it to a couple of other vehicles. It takes into acount the initial cost, 5yr trade-in value, maintenance, insurance, & fuel. Good Luck.