Diesel vs Gas

Docsknotinn · Oct 30, 2003

I cant agree with Richard on the maintenace being a wash. I find it far less costly to run a GM Diesel, he he he. Just kidding honestly I like all three. They each have their benefits and draw backs but I would take a Duramax, Ford or cummings any day of the week over the best gasser. Hands down. The Duramax takes 10 quarts of oil. I run full synthetic by choice. The oil filters are $9. The Fuel filters bought in bulk are $95 for 6. I Plan to change mine every 10k. Even with the needed $400 addition of a 2-10 micron fuel filter on the high pressure systems of the GM and Dodge I still find the maintenace over a gasser significantly less. I dont have to change the oil every 3k, I dont have to pay $150 for a spark plug change, errr I mean tune up ( am I the only one that cant get that 1 darn plug out ?) . Plus all of the other components on a diesel are so much more HD. Then theres just the Pure Power of driveing an American Beast /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I dont care what brand it is, If its from the big 3 and a Diesel youre in the club /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave

jwstewar · Oct 30, 2003

I didn't know Toyota made a diesel. Wow! Learn something new everyday. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon · Oct 30, 2003

Just remember that the Diesel with heavy loads needs more running gear work. Exspecially if it sees rough roads.

I'd vote diesel.

Egon

F350Lawman · Oct 30, 2003

Then theres just the Pure Power of driveing an American Beast

Yeah, I am now running straight pipe and the sound is great as well!

bgott · Oct 30, 2003

"I dont have to pay $150 for a spark plug change, errr I mean tune up ( am I the only one that cant get that 1 darn plug out ?)"

No, you're not. Lots of mechanics can't, either, so you stand a good chance of having the same plug in there when you get your vehicle back. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

gsganzer · Oct 30, 2003

I just returned from South Africa a few weeks ago, and was amazed at the popularity of diesels over there. Just about every model offers a diesel, cars, trucks, SUV's (including Toyota, Nissan and Mazda). We drove around in a Toyota crew cab diesel. It's a shame their not offered here in the US. I imagine the fuel mileage is incredible.

We can probably thank GM's first diesel attempt (remember the converted 350's?) for the lack of interest in diesels in the U.S. It's great to see the full size pickup diesels are doing so well and gaining in popularity. Hopefully they'll start offering some in cars. Other then Mercedes, I believe VW is the only other offering. My wife and I looked at a VW jetta with a diesel. It got 40 something miles to the gallon on the highway!

Sorry to change subjects:
Anyone have a VW Jetta diesel? How do you like it? Are they dependable? I commute 1.5 hours each way to work, the fuel savings would surely help free up money for tractor stuff.

Docsknotinn · Oct 30, 2003

I read a article earlier in the year that said jeep has the liberty in europe as a Diesel version and they might release it here. It stll wont sound like the F350 straight piped /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I think a lot of it is state of mind. I have never had any complaints about my past gassers except fuel economy. Once you make the move to Diesel though theres no lookin back. I dont mind if my wife has a gaasser and she can even drive mine every now and then but I want.....errr I mean Need a real American Truck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave

jinman · Oct 30, 2003

One thing that's more costly on any 3/4 ton or 1 ton is tires. Those load range E tires are expensive (around $200 each for a name brand like Goodyear). Another thing that wears out a lot quicker is brakes. Especially with the OEM brakes, they will wear quicker than on a lightweight 1/2 ton pickup. When you replace the brakes, don't go with some national chains "lifetime" brakes. I prefer to do my own brakes, but I'm sure you can find a good shop that will put good long-life pads on your brakes. I'd also recommend to anyone buying a Dodge with a Cummins that if they plan to do a lot of heavy towing they should forget the automatic transmission. I had to rebuild mine at 160k miles. I've talked to lots of folks with 5-speed transmissions who are still running fine at 500k miles. I currently have 220k miles on my Dodge and if the transmission goes out again, I'll have to make a serious decision about another rebuild. On the bright side, my rebuild was only $1800 and it has not given me a problem since.

I like my diesel as a commuter car because I get 21 to 22 miles to the gallon. A comparable gasoline truck could not come close to those numbers.

Docsknotinn · Oct 30, 2003

I think thats partly true or at least it has been for me. Sure the Premium Michelins or BFG's in the E range are $180 each but Premium light duty tires can hit $150 ish pretty quick as well. There certainly is more choices in the lower load ranges but Richard posted some great Prices on Generals. I saw a set on a Dodge the day after that. They looked like good tires. The brakes For me have been the exact opposite. I traded My '02 Duramax at 58k. Still had the origional brakes and running strong. I cant squeek more than 35k out of a Light duty trucks brakes. I still think your doing pretty darn good with a rebuild at that mileage, especially in light of the hydro problems Dodge has had. I hear they have a new auto this year but IF I went Dodge I would sure go stick. Thats a very reliable long term set up. If they would just ditch that quad cab set up. 160k is still good mileage though. What year is it ? REAL tough to match the fuel economy of the cummings. Dave

Egon · Oct 30, 2003

The preponderance of diesels in South Africa may be due to crude oil embargos of some years back. They did a lot of work in developing biofuels to compensate for the lack of crude.

Don't take this as accurate as I am making a guess.

Egon