A Diesel Is Not Worth It!

[hummincummins2]

cummins = the best engine ever made in the history of the world!!!! for more info try to get your hands on issue 55 pages 52-55, it explains a little about how a diesel engine works and why you should be interested in them rather gas. did you know that you will save 1,000 dollars a year wit a diesel engine; just from buying fuel???? diesels are the best man, get with the program.

 

[RTillery]

Bought a 99 Silverado 1500 gasser, new, loaded, Paid $29K

Bought a 04 Laramie 2500 w/Cummins, new, loaded,Paid $32K

Both 4x4s



I babied the Chevy for over 4 years. It was as nice a used truck as you could hope to find. It had 78,000 miles on it and I shopped hard and got $12,500 for it used.



My Dodge has 145,000 miles on it and I bet I can get over $20k for it easily. (Twice the miles and almost twice the resale value). It has held up well. It averages around 20 mpg. My Chevy got 15 mpg if I drove it easy and did not push a head wind. It was an auto and would shift a few hundred times going across I80 in Wyoming. I was starting to hear a growl under a heavy load coming from the transmission or transfer case. My Cummins is a stick and I only find it necessary to downshift when I slow for a rest stop. At 78K I felt the Chevy was getting to the point of going downhill as far as maintenance and possible problems. I never did like the brakes on it. Scared me a couple of times. The steering was wishy washy too.



At 145K I feel the diesel is just hitting its stride. Should go 400k easily.



Oh yeah, I got rear-ended by a Peterbilt on I80 last week. Hit me hard enough to break my seat and both batteries cracked under the hood. I am glad I was in a large heavy vehicle. I think the 1/2 ton would have suffered more damage.



If a gasser fits your situation, get one. For me, I drive alot, love the power, write off the miles and the cost difference on fuel is far outweighed by the advantages of a diesel. Much longer life, better fuel economy, will haul rediculous loads. Accelerates like a sports car.



The attitude I had toward the Chevy was. Save it, avoid driving it anytime to keep the miles down. Keep it garaged so the value would stay up. In aviation it would have been classified as a "Hanger Queen".



My attitude toward my diesel is: Run the dog poop outta it. It is fun and comfortable to drive. I love it. My goal is to try, I say again, try to wear it out. At 44 cents a mile I am starting to earn it back and at 400K I will have recovered the cost of the vehicle several times over. Hard to do in a gasser.

 

[AKaiser]

Real trucks don't have spark plugs.

I will never own anything but a diesel ever again, why, just cuz.

Just Say "NO" to Spark Ignition!!!:-laf

 

[J&LRam]

everyone has their story for drivin' a diesel. Heres mine.

I have a 600 mile a week commute plus pulling a 11200 lb 5er. The truck is a '03 2500 305/555HO engine with the NV5600 3. 73 gears and is completly stock. I average 22. 5 mpg on this 600 mile a week for over 60000+ miles so far. This is a average and not just a best tank. Towing the 11200 lb 5er will average 12. 5 at the speed limit up to 65 mph max. All pencil figueres. When I bought the truck diesel was 20 cents cheaper than gas. Diesel since the first part of '06 has been only 10 to 15 cents higher at times in my area. The Cummins was a 3400 dollar invoice option and my break even on fuel savings vs Cummins option was at 45000 miles. I use the 15000 mile oil change schedule as I tow the 5er very little anymore. I use the 15000 mile schedule for fuel filter change and use all Fleetguard filters. There is no car or other truck that can touch the Cummins 15000 for oil change schedule. A gasser truck at comparable size will not touch my Cummins on dollars spent on fuel. The big plus is resale. Do a search on KBB shows this '03 truck is 25,960 suggested retail. Thats dang good resale from the 26250 new sale price when I purchased this truck in 3/15/'03. Thats my story and others may be simular or different.

JIM

 

[JThacker]

There are as many different reasons people buy diesels as there are people on this forum. I can speak only to mine. To me, my truck is my only hobby, as I have a well paying job but one that requires me to work 70-90 hrs. week. As of next month I will have spent about 13,000 dollars in modifications, but this has afforded me the ability to :

1. Drive conservatively and get 17-18 mpg

2. Feel confident in the fact that I and my family are in a well maintained vehicle capable of withstanding an impact as well as any passenger vehicle and certainly better than most.

3. Hammer the monster, lay down 600 hp and 1200 ft/lbs torque and merge any d*&^ way I want.

4. Absolutely soot over any obnoxious turd that pushes my buttons.

5. Always have something to tweak with and spend my money on.

You must always keep in mind these things are money pits and sometimes you get burned with modifications. My theory is I only live once, I enjoy my hobby, I have enriched my life by meeting some of the nicest people that enjoy the same hobby as I do and I wouldn't change a thing. There's a famous quote by James Dean that goes like this

"Dream as if you will live forever and live as if you will die today. "

 

[AlK]

I purchased my first diesel truck a 92 CTD in May of 1992 for $21,000 Can. Then over a few years I added the following to my truck a Leer canopy, running boards, bedliner, trailer hitch, PW injectors, boost & pyro, PDRHX35, 16scm hot end housing I had spent another $4,500 bringing the total capital cost to $25,500 Can.



The truck was in execellent condition and had 133,442 km on the odometer when I sold it in September 2006 for $17,000 Can.

During the time I owned the truck I averaged 18. 3 mpg with 90% of the driving being done in the city. On the highway I could easily get 22mpg.



Other than a few light bulbs, oil, lube, air & fuel filters the following items have needed attention over the 14 years that I owned the truck and cost me approximately $180 per year.



1 set of tires $860 Can

1 battery $164 Can

1 battery $95 Can

2 rear axle seals $30 Can

1 steering box $325 Can

1 borgerson steering shaft $325 Can

1 rwal valve $300 Can

1 valve adjustment $153 Can

1 replace rear seal on transfer case $14 Can

1 replace rear brake shoes and turning drums @ 107,000km front pads still have 60% lining remaining $118 Can

1 serpentine belt $32 Can

1 drag link $139 Can

Total $2,555 Can



Did I need a diesel truck for driving to work, pulling a boat, going hunting, etc. the answer is NO, but I purchased it based on information from my brother who drove large diesel trucks. This truck got far better mileage and would out tow my previous 77 Ford Supercab XLT with the 460 motor. I take good care of my vehicles be they gas or diesel, but the main reason that I got $17,000 for this truck is that it was a Cummins Diesel. Had this truck been an auto and a club cab I would still be driving it. For me the diesel experience has been very positive.

 

[TBurow]

i bought my truck used with a v10, it was cheap and pulled good, or at least what i thought was good at the time. the engine lasted 150000 miles and when it started to go out i was using a friends 93 cummins dodge which had way more power than the v10 and much better fuel economy, after that the v10 went in the trash and a 1st gen went in, even with all the mods and fabrication to make it work, now that its done it was worth every cent, and all the blood sweat and tears. and i would do it all over again and have fun doing it. the v10 would never be able to do what i did with it yesterday and live to tell about it. i drug a semi dump truck out of a mud hole loaded with 20k lbs of rock like it was a yugo. love that cummins and 4x4 low range.

 

[Grizzly]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec? Ok, so I've had an 03 and an 04. 5. My 03 would get over 20mpg. I loved it. Unfortunately some dick ruined it by not properly installing aftermarket injectors. Read my posts to see who. I remember the day when I could drive over 600 miles on one tank of gas. Now my 04. 5 gets 16 or17. Dodge even took the power lumbar support out of my 04. 5 to save a buck, what cheap *** bureaucrats! Why are we buying diesels? Sure, you can plug in 200 hp in a couple of minutes. Is changing 3 gallons of oil worth it. Or changing my fuel filter every 5000 miles so my high pressure injectors don't fail worth it? How about diesel being the most expensive fuel for the last 3 or 4 years? Not to mention the $5000 upgrade cost when you purchase the diesel over the Hemi. This is definately the most expensive truck I've ever been suckered into. Their accountants have the cost of a vehicle per year on all kinds of graphing software, and I'm sure the diesel is not a winner. What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood. Plus I have to add 10 o. z. of fuel additive every time I fill up so my injectors don't fail. A pain in the *** as far as I'm concerned, and gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided. Anyone else?

I love my Cummins and I think it is well worth having. Especially if you are going to tow heavy and it is a Cummins and not a Powerpoke or a Dumbamax. If you feel that bad about a diesel by all means go back to a gasser. It sounds like you may be happier on the other side of the fence anyway.

 

[Grizzly]

cummins = the best engine ever made in the history of the world!!!! for more info try to get your hands on issue 55 pages 52-55, it explains a little about how a diesel engine works and why you should be interested in them rather gas. did you know that you will save 1,000 dollars a year wit a diesel engine; just from buying fuel???? diesels are the best man, get with the program.

I agree with you. Cummins inline six is the best engine ever made, gas or diesel.

 

[M Evan]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec? Ok, so I've had an 03 and an 04. 5. My 03 would get over 20mpg. I loved it. Unfortunately some dick ruined it by not properly installing aftermarket injectors. Read my posts to see who. I remember the day when I could drive over 600 miles on one tank of gas. Now my 04. 5 gets 16 or17. Dodge even took the power lumbar support out of my 04. 5 to save a buck, what cheap *** bureaucrats! Why are we buying diesels? Sure, you can plug in 200 hp in a couple of minutes. Is changing 3 gallons of oil worth it. Or changing my fuel filter every 5000 miles so my high pressure injectors don't fail worth it? How about diesel being the most expensive fuel for the last 3 or 4 years? Not to mention the $5000 upgrade cost when you purchase the diesel over the Hemi. This is definately the most expensive truck I've ever been suckered into. Their accountants have the cost of a vehicle per year on all kinds of graphing software, and I'm sure the diesel is not a winner. What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood. Plus I have to add 10 o. z. of fuel additive every time I fill up so my injectors don't fail. A pain in the *** as far as I'm concerned, and gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided. Anyone else?

You probably have point, but if you want to tow something over 10000 # , you don't find to many option out side diesel. Only maybe some V10, but that is a nonsense engine to start with . IMHO

M

 

[AKaiser]

I agree with you. Cummins inline six is the best engine ever made, gas or diesel.

Certainly the best medium duty truck engine. Anyone want proof? PACCAR's proprietary PX series engines are modified versions of 6. 7L and 8. 3L Cummins engines.

 

[MikesCTD]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec? Ok, so I've had an 03 and an 04. 5. My 03 would get over 20mpg. I loved it. Unfortunately some dick ruined it by not properly installing aftermarket injectors. Read my posts to see who. I remember the day when I could drive over 600 miles on one tank of gas. Now my 04. 5 gets 16 or17. Dodge even took the power lumbar support out of my 04. 5 to save a buck, what cheap *** bureaucrats! Why are we buying diesels? Sure, you can plug in 200 hp in a couple of minutes. Is changing 3 gallons of oil worth it. Or changing my fuel filter every 5000 miles so my high pressure injectors don't fail worth it? How about diesel being the most expensive fuel for the last 3 or 4 years? Not to mention the $5000 upgrade cost when you purchase the diesel over the Hemi. This is definately the most expensive truck I've ever been suckered into. Their accountants have the cost of a vehicle per year on all kinds of graphing software, and I'm sure the diesel is not a winner. What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood. Plus I have to add 10 o. z. of fuel additive every time I fill up so my injectors don't fail. A pain in the *** as far as I'm concerned, and gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided. Anyone else?

In my 52 years I've owned many trucks (Ford & Chevy), all gassers. This is the 1st diesel I've owned. I can tell you this, not one of those gassers ever came close to getting the fuel MPG as this CTD does (avg 18 -20 city/hwy). As for not being responsive, that's a joke. This truck can get up and go plenty quick. As for not beating a hemi, wouldn't know and don't care, although it hasn't been beat yet. Diesel actually costs 20 cents less per gal at the local Flying-J than reg gas, so I'm not complaining. I have no complaints about this truck, does exactly what I want it to ( tows great and hauls plently). A diesel isn't right for everyone, but it is for my needs. Just my . 02

 

[DPeltonen]

2004. 5 SPORT*UNLAWFUL TINT*SIRIUS*XM*DVD*LOUD STEREO*HID*6" LIFT*TOYO MEATS+20" BLINGS*AEM INTAKE*AMSOILED+AIR*AEROTURBINE*BEDRUG*GOEREND BRO transmission*SRT10HOOD*6061 DRIVELINE*PAGER SECURITY*PLEATHER*BDDL*DR. P 85hp PRESSURE BOX*SOLD THE OVERRATED SMARTY!*TST*X-MONITOR*FASS FUEL PUMP*MISSING ONSTAR!*



Sounds to me like you are trying to build a sport truck out of a working man's truck. I can tell you for sure, that I don't have an ounce of "Bling" on mine. I recommend you go buy one of these..... at least it will get you through the intersection on those yellow lights.



Like my pappy used to say, "don't go buyin' a draft horse, if'n ya want ta go racin'. "

 

[mlandis2]

I'm with Klenger. I still get 20 to 21 on the highway (63/65 MPH) with current fuel and average around 16 including towing 8k or so.



I have also used Amalgamated since new so maybe that helps but I have no before and after comparison. 31k on the clock

 

[Bekim]

As for the mileage... Eveyone I know gets about 1. 0 - 2. 0 less mpg on the ULSD, especially those that tow heavy loads. So that could be one factor in your "poor" mileage of 16 or 17.

But as far as your intended use goes, you should have bought a gasser. Maybe a Nissan or Toyota would fit your needs... . whatever they are...

I must be the lucky one. On ULSD I get just about the same mileage!
Mike
###

 

[Black Ram Alpha]

Some good points were made . I pulled the Rockies 12,000 lb 5th wheel with my old 98 Chev vortex 454 and barely made it . (25 mph) Brakes went out at the bottom of the summit. (stopped with trailer brakes). Burnt up a set of plug wires and got 6-8 mpg towing. (had about 50,000 miles on it) Needless to say when I got on the other side of the Rockies I traded in that piece of $%$# for a diesel. Never regretted it one day.

Changing fuel filters every 5000? miles. I do mine every 15,000 miles and never had a problem. I have a edge box (EZ) and on level 3 I've raced 2 Hemi pu's and beat them both. (really) Box cost me $465. 00 First gear is not good, but 2nd gear is very good.

 

[DWeiler]

There are as many different reasons people buy diesels as there are people on this forum. I can speak only to mine. To me, my truck is my only hobby, as I have a well paying job but one that requires me to work 70-90 hrs. week. As of next month I will have spent about 13,000 dollars in modifications, but this has afforded me the ability to :

1. Drive conservatively and get 17-18 mpg

2. Feel confident in the fact that I and my family are in a well maintained vehicle capable of withstanding an impact as well as any passenger vehicle and certainly better than most.

3. Hammer the monster, lay down 600 hp and 1200 ft/lbs torque and merge any d*&^ way I want.

4. Absolutely soot over any obnoxious turd that pushes my buttons.

5. Always have something to tweak with and spend my money on.

You must always keep in mind these things are money pits and sometimes you get burned with modifications. My theory is I only live once, I enjoy my hobby, I have enriched my life by meeting some of the nicest people that enjoy the same hobby as I do and I wouldn't change a thing. There's a famous quote by James Dean that goes like this

"Dream as if you will live forever and live as if you will die today. "

well said,my thoughts exactly:-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[mwhals]

I must be the lucky one. On ULSD I get just about the same mileage!

Mike

###

I also get about the same mileage with the ULSD fuel as I did the prior fuel regulations.

 

[AKaiser]

Sounds to me like you are trying to build a sport truck out of a working man's truck. I can tell you for sure, that I don't have an ounce of "Bling" on mine. I recommend you go buy one of these..... at least it will get you through the intersection on those yellow lights.



Like my pappy used to say, "don't go buyin' a draft horse, if'n ya want ta go racin'. "

Ah, set up right, that Draft Horse will make quick work of the "race truck. "



Bone Stock, mine has every bit of the oomph it needs to safely merge into 70 MPH traffic.

 

[JasonCzerak]

Ah, set up right, that Draft Horse will make quick work of the "race truck. "



Bone Stock, mine has every bit of the oomph it needs to safely merge into 70 MPH traffic.

You haven't driven in Michigan lately have you? Merging in traffic often means merging at 90mph