Which truck Dilemma?

[Bailey Guns]

The new generation of smaller diesels in smaller trucks are getting GREAT mileage.

[fly boy]

Diesels are not what they used to be. The emissions has killed them. OH sure, they still work and make monster power (although crappy mileage), but then something big goes wrong (because the emissions stuff is incredibly complex) and BANG you're out thousands.

Also new diesels require DEF fluid

If you don't tow or haul all the time, you really don't want a new (post 2010) diesel.

As someone else said, you don't want a 3/4T, 1T, you want a 1/2T.

That's why I initially bought my beast. No emissions on the 5.9, so I can get 22mpg city, but drops significantly on highway due to 4.10 gears. I would take off emissions stuff if I bought a new diesel. I have read that the EGR kills the long term reliability due to soot build up.

The new generation of smaller diesels in smaller trucks are getting GREAT mileage.

Looks like the titan or ecodiesel from ram are managing 18-25 without modification.

[colorider]

A lot of the newer trucks have adjustable pedals. Move them closer to her instead of her having to move the seat so close.

[JohnTRourke]

The Titan's are getting 15 empty (read the reviews), that's worse than gas. And the Titan HD's have some serious issues. Lot of buybacks for both engine and suspension/steering issues.

Dunno about the ecodiesel but the chevy colorado diesel gets like 2-3mpg better than the gas. Big Fuggin Deal.

Seriously gas mileage is a nothing, even if you drive 500 miles a week (which is a ton). Do the math.

Think in 5 years, who is going to work on your oddball little diesel. (yes, the 3/4 diesels have a lot of places to be worked on) but there is probably 1 or 2 mechanics at the dealership who got ecodiesel training and can actually work on it. Parts are dealer only, etc. And the emissions shit is incredibly complex. Remember when Jeep had a little diesel for the Grand Cherokee. Yeah, probably not. Lasted 2 years. it's pretty cool, but parts are tough and nobody works on it.

Really with all the stupid new diesel emissions (post 2010) it's barely worth having a diesel at all. Your older Dodge is probably worth more than newer diesel with miles. (and certainly than a Ford 6.0 but that's unfair. :-) )

[JohnTRourke]

I see you are in Wyoming and for now you can still do a delete of the emissions BS.
But won't be able to sell it in an emission state and your warranty will be voided.

[Martinjmpr]

Isn't the "diesels are more reliable" thing an urban myth anyway? Back in the old days diesels were very simple, very noisy, and very dirty. Now they're quieter and cleaner, but the cost is more complexity (DEF and such), greater cost initially and as I understand it, greater maintenance cost. On top of all that, you're paying $0.25 - .50 more per gallon for fuel.

For that matter, "reliability" and "longevity" of ALL vehicles is much greater now than it was 25 or 30 years ago. I know there was a time when diesel engines lasted longer than gas engines but I think the modern gas engines have closed that gap so if "reliability" is the only reason you're looking at a diesel I'd check out gas engined trucks - they're likely as "reliable" as you need a truck to be.

If you need the stump-pulling torque that a diesel offers I could understand, but it sounds like you don't. Do you even need a 3/4 ton? If MPG is important I'd consider a half ton. BTW the F-150 Ecoboost 3.5 V6 has something like 435 lb/ft of torque.

[Shooter45]

The truck you have with the 5.9 is one of the best diesels made and offers a premium in the private sales section. With that, as others have said, emissions has destroyed new Diesel engines. While they're getting amazing power, they've shaved a lot of weight off the truck by replacing steel with aluminum. I drive an older Ford and love it but some of their newer engines worry me with reliability issues and what it takes to improve them isn't worth it to me. Cummins is still one of the best diesels out there to me compared to the competition but the prices of new diesels is the cost of a house in most states. I'd look at a used Dodge that is slightly smaller than the truck you have now. Or, take a look at the new 1/2 ton pickups that are out now. As long as your trailer isn't too heavy these 1/2 tons will tow them fine depending on your needs. Plus you'll get way better mileage than a 3/4 ton.

[BushMasterBoy]

Local professional diesel shop said Duramax was least type engine requiring service there. I guess it endures. Your mileage may vary.

[SouthPaw]

Any more, any “newer” vehicle generally will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. With all the emissions crap, they derate these trucks along with adding costly maintenance. The problem is, you cannot drive these diesels like the older ones. You have to get these newer ones good and hot and give them a workout every now and then.

Plenty of hot shot drivers have close to half a million miles on these Diesel engines with all the factory emissions equipment still installed. I personally know a guy that has 280k on his ‘13 Cummins and he really hasn’t had to do much other than general maintenance. My ‘13 runs like a cheetah on cocaine since it is missing a few emission parts and good tuning. It also bumped the MPG from 14-16 to 20-22 consistently. My advice, keep the 5.9 mega, save yourself a possible car payment and look at getting the wife something small she does like. I love my mega cab.

[brutal]

Fixed it for you

I think they do it just to piss us off...