DaNag
Silver Member
I've seen this discussion so many times, and the concept of cost always comes up. To me, it's just a wasted thought process; the real cost differential is so minor, it just shouldn't play a huge role in deciding between gas or diesel.
You can analyze the initial cost difference any which way you want, but when you do come up with a number, it's a piddly amount when split across the years you'll own the truck, particularly after factoring in resale. The longer you own the truck, the less significant the number becomes.
RE ongoing costs - again, it's a wash for most folks. I'd be very surprised to see a difference of more than $200-300 a year, once everything is taken into account. The difference could go either way depending on the vehicles compared and your geographic location, but still - take a ride in both, and buy the one you like. Some folks can't stand the sound or smell of a diesel, even though they've gotten far quieter. Some folks can't stand the relatively anemic acceleration of a gas engine, paticularly off the line with a load on it. Point is - they are such different trucks, who cares about $25 a month one way or the other on a purchase of this magnitude? Sheesh...I'm guessing many of you folks spend more than that on beer... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Me - I've gone diesel and will never go back. I've got a 97 F-250 PSD 7.3, and a 2003 E-350 Quigley 4x4 PSD (also a 7.3). Cost didn't even enter the decision process - I keep my vehicles for many years, and I want to enjoy it every time I get behind the wheel.
My reasons for going diesel:
- I like knowing that regardless of what I tow, the vehicle is more than up to the task.
- Diesels can be easily and safely modified for significantly more power than stock. Pop in a chip, open up the exhaust and intake, and add some temp/tranny/boost gauges to keep an eye on things. The difference is huge.
- I take road trips, and I like the additional range you get on a tank of fuel, particularly when towing; you can argue all day long what the real mileage difference is between gas/diesel, but when towing, there is absolutely no comparison - mileage is often more than double in a diesel when towing. In my van, I can load it to the gills, and towing an 8K boat/trailer go 700 miles without refueling (46G at 16MPG.)
- I like dropping into 4WD low, and being able to idle up anything. There's no comparison in low-end torque between gas and diesel engines.
- I like knowing that my vehicles have the potential for reducing our dependency on foreign oil. Bio-diesel, while relatively new and currently more expensive, pollutes way less than a gas truck and supports US interests. The price differential is shrinking, and more and more places are carrying it.
My advice would be to remove money from the decision process. There are many more important factors to consider.
You can analyze the initial cost difference any which way you want, but when you do come up with a number, it's a piddly amount when split across the years you'll own the truck, particularly after factoring in resale. The longer you own the truck, the less significant the number becomes.
RE ongoing costs - again, it's a wash for most folks. I'd be very surprised to see a difference of more than $200-300 a year, once everything is taken into account. The difference could go either way depending on the vehicles compared and your geographic location, but still - take a ride in both, and buy the one you like. Some folks can't stand the sound or smell of a diesel, even though they've gotten far quieter. Some folks can't stand the relatively anemic acceleration of a gas engine, paticularly off the line with a load on it. Point is - they are such different trucks, who cares about $25 a month one way or the other on a purchase of this magnitude? Sheesh...I'm guessing many of you folks spend more than that on beer... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Me - I've gone diesel and will never go back. I've got a 97 F-250 PSD 7.3, and a 2003 E-350 Quigley 4x4 PSD (also a 7.3). Cost didn't even enter the decision process - I keep my vehicles for many years, and I want to enjoy it every time I get behind the wheel.
My reasons for going diesel:
- I like knowing that regardless of what I tow, the vehicle is more than up to the task.
- Diesels can be easily and safely modified for significantly more power than stock. Pop in a chip, open up the exhaust and intake, and add some temp/tranny/boost gauges to keep an eye on things. The difference is huge.
- I take road trips, and I like the additional range you get on a tank of fuel, particularly when towing; you can argue all day long what the real mileage difference is between gas/diesel, but when towing, there is absolutely no comparison - mileage is often more than double in a diesel when towing. In my van, I can load it to the gills, and towing an 8K boat/trailer go 700 miles without refueling (46G at 16MPG.)
- I like dropping into 4WD low, and being able to idle up anything. There's no comparison in low-end torque between gas and diesel engines.
- I like knowing that my vehicles have the potential for reducing our dependency on foreign oil. Bio-diesel, while relatively new and currently more expensive, pollutes way less than a gas truck and supports US interests. The price differential is shrinking, and more and more places are carrying it.
My advice would be to remove money from the decision process. There are many more important factors to consider.
