Question for Diesel Owners:

[JB in so cal]

Any regrets? Is the difference in fuel cost(higher) unexpected? Average MPG about what you expected?
Thinking about a new ride and really considering another V10!
Should I check myself and get an oil burner? I will be driving it about 12k miles a year and as you all know, it's about $6k to bump up.
Fire away!

[JetBoatRich]

After towing with the diesel, never go back :cool:

[djunkie]

Get the diesel. You'll never regret it. More power, better mileage.
Oh and get the chevy. :D

[LHC30Victory]

LOVE THE DIESEL!!!!
My old 96 1ton 496 got about 13mpg empty to and from the river and aobut 7-8 towing. The 05 DMax gets up to 22mpg empty and never less than 17 to the river. Towing it is at about 13mpg uphill with stops (going to Mojave) towing the 8K boat.
Since $per gallon is about 10 to 15% higher and I get (conservatively) 50% better mileage its a no brainer. Oh, and did I mention the POWER!!!

[caroftheweek]

Ilove mine (4th one since 2002) I don't know if I could go back to a gasser. The chips that they make for these diesels are what make them fun to drive. They are a must if you purchase a diesel. All 4 of mine have been Duramax's. Sounds like you would be considering a Ford or Dodge. Both good products and will make good power with respectful chips. I get roughly 15mpg with a lead foot around town and 18mpg on river trips. The only compaint I have is that the truck doesn't even reach operating temp on my 1.5 mile work commute. This sucks because it takes longer for the heater to warm up and they are gutless when cold (chip limits power until warm). Besides that they are wonderful on the highway. Good luck with your purchase.
Ryan

[Lightning]

I concur, made the switch to diesel and have no regrets. Mileage is about 17.5 back and forth to work. I have a Chevy.

[phebus]

I have a Chevy Duramax Diesel. Towing is awesome with it. I love it. I am bummed at the high price of diesel, and don't get the mileage I thought I would. For the amount of towing I do, I don't know if I'd get the diesel again. Also, it's nice that when you are running a gasser, any gas station you pull into has gas, but not all sell diesel fuel.

[soupersonic]

Had a gasser ,and went diesel for the need not the want.Now ill never go back, diesel fuel is cheaper than gas where i am plus the mileage is better towing and not towing, if you trade in every few years get whatever you like, if your looking for longevity do yourself a favor and look hard at the dodge, you cant out pull a cummins.Theres even a diesel drag video on this site a week or so ago it was and F350 smoking a mustang or something but what they didnt tell us what that it had a cummins engine someone transplanted, so you can definatly make them run

[Ziggy]

No regrets...even after 5 years of ownership......

[JB in so cal]

My current truck is a V10 w/ 4.30 rear. Tows anything I've ever needed it to; I just find myself needing a 4X4. Non towing doing 75 to the river, I get almost 16. I only tow about 1000 miles a year and get about 9-10 with either the boat or my travel trailer behind me.
I say this because I don't think I'd be getting a huge improvement in mpg (16 to 20 or so) and I think it would take a while to make up the $$$$ spent + $150 oil changes + more expensive fuel costs...
All of that said, they sure sound cool.
J----------------still tryin' to figure this one out--------------B in so cal :confused:

[MagicMtnDan]

My current truck is a V10 w/ 4.30 rear. Tows anything I've ever needed it to; I just find myself needing a 4X4. Non towing doing 75 to the river, I get almost 16. I only tow about 1000 miles a year and get about 9-10 with either the boat or my travel trailer behind me.
I say this because I don't think I'd be getting a huge improvement in mpg (16 to 20 or so) and I think it would take a while to make up the $$$$ spent + $150 oil changes + more expensive fuel costs...
All of that said, they sure sound cool.
J----------------still tryin' to figure this one out--------------B in so cal :confused:
Based on what you're saying there's no way to financially justify the diesel and based on what you said, you don't need it for towing.
Unless you want to get a new truck, spend more money upfront, and spend more on fuel this just doesn't make any sense.
Enjoy your new truck! :D

[mike37]

In my opinion any truck 1/2 ton or smaller gas is good
now over 1/2 ton you gotta have a diesel

[phebus]

Also, even though going with diesel is more expensive on the front end, you will have much better resale value mile vs. mile then a gasser, so the extra cost isn't as much as it seems.

[BarryMac]

Plus if it is something that you are going to consider holding onto for a while, the Diesel motor will last a lot longer. I just stepped up to a Duramax, I will never go back to a Gas Truck...

[River918]

Love mine. I just got the new 2006 Duramax LBZ and the thing got almost 18mpg on the first take of fuel.

[Captain Dan]

I tow a 12-13k fifth wheel trailer with mine - no stock gas motor (or Chevy) out there is going to do that. :)

[cc322]

I was in the same situation as you get the v10 or go diesel. Well I have a Co truck so mine sits home all week, I only use it on the weekends, the boat is stored out in Havi so I dont tow it that far. My v10 does everything I ask it to do and then some, I put maybe 10,000.00 a year on it. For me I could not justify the 6000.00 increase over the v10, the new Ford v10 is a great motor nothing else like it in a gas powered truck, If your gonna stay gas then IMO the V10 is the clear choice. You can read alot of good info at http://www.ford-trucks.com/ Good Luck

[SummitKarl]

My current truck is a V10 w/ 4.30 rear. Tows anything I've ever needed it to; I just find myself needing a 4X4. Non towing doing 75 to the river, I get almost 16. I only tow about 1000 miles a year and get about 9-10 with either the boat or my travel trailer behind me.
I say this because I don't think I'd be getting a huge improvement in mpg (16 to 20 or so) and I think it would take a while to make up the $$$$ spent + $150 oil changes + more expensive fuel costs...
All of that said, they sure sound cool.
J----------------still tryin' to figure this one out--------------B in so cal :confused:
Ziggy and I would make this comparison with every drive to and from the river. he loved to rub in that extra 1 mpg he got :rollside:
both trucks DEAD STOCK!!! and empty
gas 351 vs. stinky 7.?L, I would get 16 mpg he would get 17 mpg sometimes 18mpg, of course this comparison went to shiat if towing was involved.

[dicudmore]

I have 2 duramax diesels and don't think I'd ever go back to a gas truck

[Holland]

I have 2 duramax diesels and don't think I'd ever go back to a gas truck
I agree... 100%!!!
There is a reason for the 6K upcharge.... I will do it everytime!!

[Mardonzi]

We've owned nothing but Ford Powerstrokes for the past 7 years... and would never go back to a gasser.
Another thing that hasn't been mentioned,, the warranty on the diesels over gassers...

[riverroyal]

then i can ride in the back at the riverhttp://www.ultimatesubaru.net/brats/bratcolors/tn_83-17-maroon.jpg

[Riverkid]

I haven't seen one of those in a lot of years... Classic!

[Big Kahunaa]

I have a 95 f-350 with a 460 7.5 get's 11 mpg loaded unloded 10mph or 80mph has 321,000 miles with no rebuild stupid waterpump only lasted to 300,000 miles the new diesel's are fast but they cost you how much is diesel fuel right now

[Eliminator 4 Life]

I have had them all from a 2004 F250 powerstroke to a 2004 GMC duramax and now to a 2005 F150 gasser If you really want something to pull the house down go for the diesel but with all the fuel changing for diesel in the next few years im kinda leary about getting one again. I miss the torque out of my diesel but I dont miss the problems I had. :cool:

[HammerDown]

We've owned nothing but Ford Powerstrokes for the past 7 years... and would never go back to a gasser.
Another thing that hasn't been mentioned,, the warranty on the diesels over gassers...
Seem's with all the computer/sensor crap on todays Diesel Engine's...the warranty's needed!
I'll keep my ol mint condition F250 7.3
Just keeps on truckin with out any BS (check engine lights) to worry about. ;)

[H20 Toie]

I have a 05 F350 long bed with the diesel and 37" tires and just driving around it gets 12mpg pulling the Cig it gets 8. but it seems everyone else gets better mileage.

[RiverPirate]

Zero regrets.........haven't changed a thing and it has pulled everything I have put behind as fast as I dare pull it. :D

[ROZ]

Any regrets? Is the difference in fuel cost(higher) unexpected? Average MPG about what you expected?
Thinking about a new ride and really considering another V10!
Should I check myself and get an oil burner? I will be driving it about 12k miles a year and as you all know, it's about $6k to bump up.
Fire away!
Why not keep the truck you have to tow and haul with and buy a new sportscar, or something to blast around town? I'm sure Ziggy can hook ya up with a new 6 series :D

[KLEPTOW]

If your not putting in 50-100k miles a year, A diesel is a waste. But if you are looking for more out of your v10, you can spend that 6k on two items that can be installed by the dealer and not void your warrantee. I Bet this will surely get the debate going on power and gas mileage.
But just to get the ball rolling I believe Whipple is claiming over 700HP and 700ft of torque out of there SC kits for the V10 2Valve model and they have not released numbers on the new 3 valve kit yet, but I'll bet it will smoke any diesel out there.
As far as the Gear Vendor drive goes they don’t post mileage numbers because of the lead foot factor, but you can do the math on that one if your RPM's drop in half at the same MPH.
I have read claims of 20+ mpg out of V10 towing with the Gear Vendors drive unit.
Just my 01, I not a baller so I don't even have two cents.
http://www.gearvendors.com/
http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com

[stvneil]

i have both, v-10 and 6.0 diesel. if you are not towing frequently, i would go with the v-10. my v-10 gets 12.5 mpg and the 6.0 gets 15. mileage doesn't justify $6000.00 :D

[JB in so cal]

All very good points. Thanks for everyone's input.
If I didn't need 4X4, I'd stay with my '01. Limited Slip is great, but......

[Sherpa]

to anyone paying 150 bucks for a diesel pickup oil change: Can I change
your oil for you-? I'll do it for 140............lol.......
--Sherpa

[BadKachina]

I thought about getting a new truck, so I went and looked at the Suburban, Denali, Escalade and Yukon. After driving all of those, I really liked the Escalade, and I was a signature away from trading in my Excursion with a Powerstroke in for it. I'm so glad I told the guy I wanted to think on it for a day or two. I'd rather drive my Excursion another four years than drive a gas truck.

[nodigg]

I have 34,000 miles on my Duramax. It still tops out at about 16mpg empty. Not bad for a 7,000 pound truck. (The computer says 18-20mpg) Towing back from New Jersey with two cars on a trailer I got 9-10 mpg. Every time I filled up I was wishing I had bought the gas truck. ($1.98/gal one place for gas) Every time I was pulling a grade I was glad I had the diesel. You cannot make up the difference in cost for a diesel (IMO). It is more of a seat of the pants gratification, not finanacial. Who among us will keep their truck 300,000 miles? BTW, my last truck (gas) I sold with 200k on it running great.

[nodigg]

I have a 05 F350 long bed with the diesel and 37" tires and just driving around it gets 12mpg pulling the Cig it gets 8. but it seems everyone else gets better mileage.
You must do correct math........................ :coffeycup :D

[soupersonic]

Everyones mileage will vary depending on the truck setup and how its driven. I can get 20 mpg empty if i keep it at 65 mph, but mostly on the freeway at 75 mph i get 16-17, towing 14,000# i get 12.5 If you start adding a lift and bigger tires the mileages goes downhill fast. I have the worst possible combination for mileage duel rear wheel 4x4 auto with 4.10 but im still happy with the mileage and the towing power is awesome

[nodigg]

Everyones mileage will vary depending on the truck setup and how its driven. I can get 20 mpg empty if i keep it at 65 mph, but mostly on the freeway at 75 mph i get 16-17, towing 14,000# i get 12.5 If you start adding a lift and bigger tires the mileages goes downhill fast. I have the worst possible combination for mileage duel rear wheel 4x4 auto with 4.10 but im still happy with the mileage and the towing power is awesome
That's pretty good! I get 8-9 mpg towing my toybox at 14k. With a 6" lift and 35 " tires of course.

[randy77zt]

stay away from ford 6.0 diesel.i work as a ford dealer tech.this engines have been a big headache.rumor has it a new engine is coming out in 2007.i think the chevy is a much more refined product.some of the dealerships cant get these things fixed and we have trucks waiting to be fixed .ford diesel are almost impossable to work on due to engine being 1/2 under the dash board.

[Brewzed]

I have an 06 duramax and it gets down. I will never go back to a gas engine.
The new Allison tranny is sweet too. 6 speed with manual shifting up/down button on the handle. I did the RBP exhaust and it gets down, even with 38's. Just waiting for the new chips to come out.

[1stepcloser]

I went from a gas to diesel and have no regrets at all. The added power makes it more than worth the change.
The cost of fuel argument is a non issue to me, around here it's about 20 cents a gallon more, maybe $6.00 a tank on a fillup. My mileage has more than doubled for towing, and more than tripled driving empty.
Off of boating season I tow a 27' travle trailer with a bike and a quad and all the gear for a weekend in the bed, and still get 12 MPG. :)
For the difference in fuel costs I just give up a Starbucks trip and that about covers the cost's....;)

[SHAKEN Not Stirred]

I have (8) Ford Diesels......F-550's and Excursions....and a few gas trucks as well.....
I would NEVER go back to gas......
CJG
:cool:

[Dave C]

I got the 05 duramax. I suggest driving a diesel first. I'm not a big fan of diesels but that thing tows like a mother-f*cker and when its empty it's a lot of fun, especially going up long steep grades.
Gas/diesel mileage is relative. the diesel gets 16-17 mpg but my wife gets 20 mpg. (I can't seem to figure that one out either ;)) :devil:
Even with the cost of Diesel going down to 10% higher than 87 octane, and I get approximately 14%-20% better Diesel mileage than my old gas truck. The actual cost savings won't cover the extra cost of the vehicle but thats not why I bought it.
As for the extra $$, the tranny is better (alison) and the diesel has allegedly more life in the motor than a gas so the cost could possible be made up there.
DIESEL: towing, hills, burning up rear tires
GAS: cheaper, lighter vehicle. easier to drive.
may gas truck towed fine but on the hills I would get left behind. Plus the mileage went down to 9 mpg.

[02HoWaRd26]

My MAXX gets 15+- with 37's and with the boat it gets 12-13mpg go diesel its only a couple extra dollars a month.

[91nordic29]

We've owned nothing but Ford Powerstrokes for the past 7 years... and would never go back to a gasser. But I would go with the Duramax now.
Another thing that hasn't been mentioned,, the warranty on the diesels over gassers...
:mix:

[Garrddogg]

:D I would go with the diesel,but iffin youre thinkin gasser I've got a REAL NICE 03 Z71 suburban with a polished magnacharger and a 6 inch lift