OK, so I'm still looking for a new(not brand new) truck to replace my totaled F250. I'm probably going to have to just get one of equal value to the one that got totaled($22000) for now because the lawyer told us that we'd probably get the property settled in the crash this week and then we'll deal with the other settlement stuff later. I can understand this because they've been paying for the rental car for 1 1/2 weeks already.
Anyhow, I have been thinking about getting a diesel instead of a gasser. Obviously it won't be new but hopefully a 2005-2008. Gotta be 3/4 ton, auto, 4x4 and crew cab. It'll be my daily driver. I'll put about 20K per year on it with 1/2 city 1/2 highway miles and a little towing(couple times a year @7500lb max 28 ft TT). I've read good and bad things about all 3(Powerstroke, Cummins and Duramax). So here are my questions: 1) what odometer numbers are considered low, med and high, 2) what model years of each of the Big 3 have the most desireable diesels(be specific), 3) what auto trans hold up the best with the diesels, 4) if properly maintained(which it will be) how many miles can I reasonable expect out of a modern diesel pickup truck, 5) how much more expensive are oil changes(at i.e. Valvoline or Jiffy Lube, etc), 6) what kind of fuel economy can I expect, 7) which motor's are the noisiest and quietest, and 8) how much is the norm today (in Ohio) for me to expect to be reasonably able to "talk a dealer down"? i.e. dealer window price is $26K and I get it for $22K.
I fully expect for diesel truck owners of each of the Big 3 makes to rave about "their" favorite. That's OK, but I'd rather just have the real world facts and make a decision for myself.
Later model diesels are very fuel efficient. As far as maintainence goes, they are not any more expensive than a gas motor except for the additional volume of oil required. since you are shooting for one of the later models, and dodge has already been suggested, be sure not to get sucked into the misconception that a Dodge Quad cab is a crew cab. IT IS NOT! But if you are interested in a short box crew cab, then the dodge Mega cab would fit your needs. I would suggest that no matter what you go out and drive all of them you can find and make your own decision.
My '05' 6.0 PSD, that I purchased new, gets 15 mpg average not towing and 10.5 mpg towing the fiver listed in my signature. At the momment, I have a little over 45,000 miles on the odometer. Other than fuel the only cost to me so far are oil changes, which I get done mostly every 5,000 miles at the Ford garage, average about $90. I self install the two fuel filters that cost me $49 every 15k mile. These are the only out of pocket expenses I have had. The original tires and brakes on this truck are in excellent condition.
But, warranty repairs, at no cost to me whatsoever, have include a new rear engine seal, when I had about 600 miles on the truck, and a new turbo charger at 26,123 miles.
I plan on driving this truck 200,000 miles, just as I did the new 96 f250 7.3 psd that I purchased new.
'05' F-250 Power Stroke
'00' 30' Cameo Fifth Wheel
I've got a 50+ year old Unimog that gets me better mileage than my Ford or Chevy's ever did. They're just a tad bit ugly, but pull like a moose. I've yanked a couple of H1's outta the ditches, without breaking a sweat. For ranch, farm and logging work - there's nothing that climbs hills better, works in the toughest conditions. I've used it to pull both trailers (combined) in sig in complete safety.
Matt J - 1956 416 Unimog w/32ft Jamco and two mules & 1988 PB379 in MT; Unimog 1750L camper in Guatemala
Bert - '08 Dakota 4.7, 19ft Airstream
My best friend Wolf died in Panama - 16 Nov
Ford Chassis, the most interior room and comfort
Cummins Engine, 5.9L is the most dependable and economical diesel engine
GM/Allison Transmission, the smoothest shifting most dependable for handling torque
That said, it's up to you as to which one you compromise on.
My 2008 Dodge gets me about 20 mpg highway, no towing and driving 55-60 mpg. Towing gets me 11-13+ depending on hills & wind at the same speeds. My oil changes including filter run around $48 at the dealer. I have 20,000 miles on the truck. The new 6 speed transmission has tow/haul and a button for selecting the exact gear if you want to do that. The new Dodges include a factory exhaust brake as part of the diesel package. IMO this transmission is equally as good as the Allison. Best advice has already been given: try all and get the one that best fits YOUR needs.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
I would look at the 2004-2006 LBZ duramax/allisons. I think this is the b est package offered that are in your price range. You get the best engine/trans package and not the DPF technolgy that uses more fuel.
CHV_FRK wrote: I would look at the 2004-2006 LBZ duramax/allisons. I think this is the b est package offered that are in your price range. You get the best engine/trans package and not the DPF technolgy that uses more fuel.
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