Opinions please

[orezok]

I have a 96 Dodge 1500 with 360. It has 160K miles on the original engine and transmission. Both are still in excellent shape. Engine uses less than 1/2 quart of oil between changes and is strong (Crower cam, ported heads). Transmission is still pulling strong.

This weekend I did a tranny service because I'm headed out to northern Arizona and Utah to go camping with the trailer for a couple of weeks. I will get to almost 10,000' and the route is almost all mountain.

The tranny fluid was nice an pink and sweet as usual (I used to own a tranny shop so I maintain it far beyond usual standards). Bottom of pan was clean with absolute minimum brass and the magnet had an acceptable amount of the usual grey goo with no steel shavings.

This brings up my question. It's 12 years old and while still in good shape, I am thinking that with truck prices bottomed out as they are that it may be a good time to move up to a newer but not new truck.

Here's my problem. I only drive the truck about 5000 miles a year and that is almost all towing or hauling. There are times when I don't drive it for 2 or 3 months at a time.

Given that situation and the fact that a diesel would pull better (but I'm happy with my current power) what do you think would hold up better, a gasser or a diesel? Consider the minimal usage and maintenance costs associated with each.

Thanks.

 

[Diamondpilot]

For you I would drive the truck you have until it dies. Yes the diesel will pull better and yes the prices are bottomed out but they will not go up. Sounds like you take good care of your stuff so the current truck, if you are happy with it, will last you quite a while.

Keep your truck and enjoy. At 5,000 miles per year a diesel will not pay for itself and you know what you got with your truck. Buying something else is buying someone's problems. Keep your money or better yet take half of it and mail it to me and use the other half and get yourself something nice. Maybe a blond with big assets or a half a semi load of beer.

Chris

 

[john_bud]

The 360 should be good for many more miles if you keep the filters clean and the oil fresh. Obviously, you know what to do with the transmission. I'd just keep it. Cheaper insurance and a known vehicle.

Unless you are just tired of the old thing...

jb

 

[crashz]

Its tempting with the current deals on trucks, but with the short miles that you drive, you may just want to save the money instead. Sounds like your truck is still in good contition, hasn't been nickle an diming you to death and has been very well cared for. If it were me, I'd keep it and save the money.

 

[Builder]

One thing about diesel trucks that very few people understand is that they need to be DRIVEN. If they sit around, they will get water (condensation in fuel) and every startup after oil leaks down with cause excessive cylinder wear and turbocharger wear. You're also paying $6,000 more for a diesel engine only to let it sit around. A properly maintained gas truck will run for 25 years if driven 5K/year.

A diesel truck only driven 5-10K per year is a waste of money unless it's for a fire company, etc.

If you must have a diesel, just buy a used one. Used diesel trucks are selling at all time lows, too.

 

[nmu98]

One thing about diesel trucks that very few people understand is that they need to be DRIVEN. If they sit around, they will get water (condensation in fuel) and every startup after oil leaks down with cause excessive cylinder wear and turbocharger wear. You're also paying $6,000 more for a diesel engine only to let it sit around. A properly maintained gas truck will run for 25 years if driven 5K/year.

A diesel truck only driven 5-10K per year is a waste of money unless it's for a fire company, etc.

If you must have a diesel, just buy a used one. Used diesel trucks are selling at all time lows, too.

I agree with Duane. I hear about more problems with diesels that do not get tun all the time than ones that put on high miles. I think soot is another factor that is not talked about. shorter driving can have soot buildups on egr valves and sensors. Over time, if its not burned off, it leads to failures.

I would keep the truck you have or take advantage of a cheap used one. The less electronics the better.

 

[dmccarty]

Sounds like you have a good truck that does what you need it to do and its reliable.

And its paid for!

I would doubt you would get much money for the old truck. keep it until its a "classic" and sell if for big bucks.

I have a 2002 that I hope to drive for many more years. As long as its not costing anything to repair and its not leaving me on the side of the road I'm keeping it.

Later,
Dan.

 

[RollingsFarms]

another option you might consider(if you REALLY want a new truck) is to look for a used GMC/Chevrolet with the 8.1(has the Allison in it too) or an old Dodge with the V10, or even an F-250 with the V10. a good used one of these can be had just as cheap, if not cheaper, then a diesel and will do all the pulling you could ever need and then some.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You guys are right about diesels being a headache if not driven. I will not mention the brand to prevent a argument but its true for all them I am sure. My body shop guy has a diesel truck. His dad liked it so much he bought one to putt around in, its never had anything in the bed or a trailer strapped to it, and it gives him nothing but problems. I belive its a 2005 or 2006 and has something like 6,500 miles on it. My body shop guy always has a trailer on it or running the piss out of it and no issues. His has something like 65,000 miles. He truly believes the best thing his dad could do is strap 15,000# on it and get it out on the high way and hit some hills at 75.

Chris

 

[Builder]

another option you might consider(if you REALLY want a new truck) is to look for a used GMC/Chevrolet with the 8.1(has the Allison in it too) or an old Dodge with the V10, or even an F-250 with the V10. a good used one of these can be had just as cheap, if not cheaper, then a diesel and will do all the pulling you could ever need and then some.

I agree and would add the GM 8.1L is as close to diesel as big block gas can get. It's a huge displacement gas engine with great low end torque and the best transmission & rear in its' class. This would be my truck of choice if I had to buy gas, but wanted the diesel drivetrain. Ford would be second with it's lesser trans & rear.