Diesel is the only way to go! My 96 dodge 1500 could only do 50mph in some areas on I-70 headed to the mountains. Now my 7.3l powerstroke can do 80 mph the whole way there and get better gas mileage doing it. They are easy to work on and most of the expenses come in changing fluids and new tires. I change oil myself at 5,000 miles (compared to 3,000 with the dodge) and there are ways to go 10,000+ miles on an oil change. The diesel will last longer, retain more value and will have no lack of power whatsoever. Do as much maintenance as you can yourself and there will not be much more expenses in a diesel vs a gas motor. Also, you can look into making bio-diesel for around $1/gallon and save yourself a shit load of money.