I've owned diesels (although regretfully, never a CTD 5.9) and gassers.

IMO, in a nutshell, this is my take on whether you should buy a gas or diesel.

Diesel: Cost of fuel is about the same as a large V8 gasser. Yes diesels get better fuel economy, but it's balanced out by the higher cost of diesel fuel. Although diesel MPGs will not significantly drop while hauling/towing like a gasser would. Cost of maintenance can be stupid high with a diesel ESPECIALLY if you don't do the work yourself. Dealers/shops often charge as much as 2x as much for basically the same work because it's a diesel. Big plus is engine life on average is 2-3x longer than a typical gas engine. Diesel engines as a rule want to be run and run hard, it seems it's the lower use/lower mileage ones are the ones with issues.

Gasser: Lower initial cost and much lower maintenance cost.

IMHO, you are a prime candidate for a diesel if you tow/haul medium to high weight on a fairly regular basis or you tend to put high miles on a truck (20,000+ miles a year).

At one time I fished bass tournaments all over the southeast and put crazy mileage on my truck all the while towing. At that time I owned a diesel. Now, I don't tow but maybe 10-12 times a year and only two or three times any weight over 3000 lbs. I now use a car for my daily driver so my truck only averages about 8000 miles a year - so I now own a gasser.

If your uses dictate you should have a diesel, get a diesel. Otherwise you'll probably be better off with a gasser UNLESS you happen to just want a diesel and basically understand that it'll cost you a good bit more to own one...

 

The downside to the diesel is higher initial cost and higher maintenance costs but you will yield much higher MPG especially with a 5.9L Cummins over a stock 6.7. The 2500 has a 3/4 ton frame where the 3500 has a 1 ton frame. This is not important to most people as many won't tow near the limit of the 2500 much less the 3500. In terms of interior if you want leather you would have to go with a Laramie option which will have a chrome grille and rear bumper and a special Laramie front bumper. These will usually come with the DVD/ Nav unit too which will put the cost up. As for the miles you wont find many 03-05 (02 was still the 2nd gen for the 2/3500) 5.9L with less than 100k. They are highly sought after engines and trucks.

 

Thanks all.
I didn´t specify my location, but I live in the northernmost part of Norway. There are not a lot of these trucks to choose from here in norway, so that will be an issue... I was not aware that there were any other diesel engines than the cummins, which is the one I want (unless I find a really nice HEMI).
Over here gas is more expensive than diesel, so that is a diesel selling point, along with the higher mpg´s. Too bad the laramie with leather interior is the one with chrome fenders/grille, as I prefer the painted ones. Colour wise I´d choose dark grey, red or black if possible.
Maintainance I will do mostly myself, as I do with my current cars (vw passat v6 and bmw 535i, both at around 13mpg around town..).
Anyways thanks for ALL reply´s. Please add if you´ve got any pointers or tips or whatever.. It will be appreciated.

 

You should be able to find a Laramie (leather interior) with Sport Package (color match fenders/grill/side spears). I have one.



Let me also clarify on the CTD. ALL diesel Rams have a CTD. When I refer to the fact that I didn't have one, I had a Ford PowerStroke 7.3.

Also, in most opinions, the 2004.5 - 2007 is the MOST desirable CTD. It's the highest HP/Torque 5.9. The 2007.5 and newer CTDs is a newer 6.7L model that incorporates all the new government mandated emissions. Lower power, lower fuel economy, inability to run many bio-diesels and higher sulfer (off-road) diesels plus a PLETHORA of added EPA crap to go wrong...

 

Thanks for the input. Nice truck you've got.

 

V6passat,

I just sold a 04 Dodge Dually with the 5.9 CTD. I miss it. It was easy to add HP. but the cost did get expensive to change parts. (ie the hydroboost cost me around $267 where my civic is only $45 haven't changed it on my Hemi yet)

I suggest you find one of each and test them for yourself. and go with the one you like more

 

If you can, try to find a 2005 of that generation. Personally, the 2500 5.7 has worked very well for me, mine has 176K, and hasn't skipped a beat, never had an engine bolt removed yet-------but I run synthetic in everything. I have replaced the clutch once in the life of the truck.

Gas mileage for mine (non MDS) is around 15 mpg combined driving. You also have an LPG option that is explored better over in your country, PM Abarmby for more on that, he installed it on his truck (England).

I currently have 176+ miles on mine and won't be replacing it any time soon. I anticipate 250K or better before I think about it.

As far as bumper colors and the like, Paint colors and schemes are fairly easy to change if you find what you're looking for.

Good Luck---Hopes this helps you decide