Hey guys, I'm new to the world of trucks and I'm running into a problem of weather to choose a 1500 or a 2500. I could really use the help, very much appreciated.

here is the deal. Most of my use for this truck will be recreational. for the most part I'll be using it on the weekends for hauling my horse around (2 horse trailer, 5000lbs) and more often it'll just be for one day,.... maybe two. Though it can vary from just a short trip to a long trip.

my issue is this. Reliability, MPG, maintenance, and overall cost.

If I get a 2500, my MPG will increase, maintenance will decrease? (more reliable then 1500?), but overall purchase is way more then a 1500. for just servicing, repairs, and purchase price its a lot more!

If i get a 1500, my MPG will decrease, maintenance will increase? (not as reliable then 2500?), and overall purchase is still way cheaper then a 2500. for just servicing, repairs, and purchase price its much much cheaper.

Any thoughts? I mean i could spend more money to get a 2500, but do I really need one? I'm just worried about paying more for everything from the truck purchase, servicing, and especially repairs. But the flip side is that the repairs might be few because its a diesel and it'll last longer. but then I save a lot more with a 1500, but then I pay more for fuel with a 1500, but the repairs are cheaper and the servicing is cheaper.

blah!!....this is really confusing! could someone help me clear up this purchasing decision. its driving me crazy.

thanks.

btw, purchasing models from 2006 and up.

 

I would have bought another diesel if the initial cost wasn't so high. I didn't want a payment and was able to pay cash for the hemi 1500. I had a 99 2500 4x4 with the 5.9 cummins and you are correct that the maintenance cost was very low. Oil changes and such are more expensive but I had very little issues with the truck. I don't pull much weight anymore so the 1500 was a good compromise for me. I would say which ever you can find the best deal on will be the right one for you. Good luck, I spent months going back and forth and searching feverishly for a deal on a diesel and couldn't find anything I could afford with less than 250,000 miles on it. Ofcourse if I were to look now after the fact they are likely giving them away.

 

I would go with the diesel Hands down !!!!!! I have a 07 hemi and i get BAD gas mileage like 14.7 hwy , plus you pull a trailer , its nice to have the power when you need it , save yourself the heartach go with the diesel

 

Sounds like the diesel would be the way to go for you. The only downside to the diesel as you have found is the initial cost!

 

I went through this when I was looking for my current truck.

In the fuel savings, it would have taken me a very long time to repay the initial cost difference, but I do not put on a lot of miles...so I ended up with a hemi. (Plus a laramie 2500 Cummins is rare as unicorn blood around here)

Diesel's are more expensive to repair if you do have troubles...lift pumps, injection pumps, turbos, injectors are not cheap...and do fail.

Reliability wise, I don't think there's much difference between the two, if you maintain them the same. Chances are you'll be having more trouble with the rest of the drive train and truck then you will be with the motor.

 

You have issues if that's all you are getting. I get 17+



Diesel is more than gas these days, so that's another issue.
If you are not towing any more than 5K, I would go 1500 with a Hemi.

 

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel. Just no comparision if you're gonna use your truck like a truck.

The Hemi is fine and dandy but the Diesel is more applicable for the things you might want to do.

 

I had a diesel and now own a hemi. Yes, the diesel did tow much better and get better fuel mileage, but it wasn't that much more reliable than any other gasser I've owned and it was very expensive to repair. And diesel fuel is much more expensive than gas these days. The only way I'd get another diesel is if I were towing 10k+ on a regular basis, if not the hemi should do fine.

 

I wish I could get 17 mpg's with my hemi, it gets about 12.7 to 13.4, 17 would make me giggle.

 

Diesel gets my vote. If you can afford it, get it.

Welcome to the site BTW