I really want to get back into a truck. I don't like the little trucks at all and want a full size truck, but here's my dilema. I travel the state of Texas for work, 300 to 700 mile road trips per week or so. I will probably never pull a trailer of any size. Does it make sense to get a diesel (in my opinion the cummins diesel is the only way to go for this option) or my other acceptable option, a half ton silverado. I don't want to throw money out the door, but I don't mind paying a little more for a diesel, just not a ton more. I change my own oil, etc. so I can keep some costs down there. To sum up my question,doesputting 30,000 miles per year on a truck without towning ever justify getting the diesel because if money was no option, I would already be driving a cummins diesel? Please keep your opinions focused on the question, because I'm in the cummins diesel forum and I'm sure you all love them...as I do, but you know what I'm saying.

Thanks in advance for your help.

jb

 

do your own research and compare estimated mpg on gas vs diesel.


if $$ is the issue and not the pure pleasure you get from owning and operating a cummins powered vehicle

 

I believe the new MDS gasoline engines are getting the same or better highway mileage than the 6.7L Cummins. From a cost point of view, you would be better off in a gasser.

That being said, you wouldn't be asking the question if you didn't already know what you want...

 

Yes, the cummins diesel is definitely a "want". I'm willing to pay more in terms of cost of ownership, but not a ton more. Doing the math is the hard part without data. Anyone care to share some numbers? Thanks again for your input.

jb

 

Well, let see. A 2008 1500 5.7L V8 is EPA estimated to get 13-17 MPG. My 6.7L diesel truck gets 15-17 MPG (unloaded).

Work into your calculations that a diesel truck has 12 quart oil capacity, two batteries, more expensive oil, air, and fuel filters, and E-rated tires. So regular maintenance is much more expensive. On top of that, diesel fuel is also currently about 50 cents more per gallon.

For 2008, the Diesel engine is a $7000 option (w/auto is $1500 more).

If you just want a full size truck to just drive, get a 1500 gasser. I don't know of anyway to rationalize the extra cost if you aren't towing heavy. If you only "want" the diesel, that's fine. I think most of us are in that category. Get the diesel, just don't fool yourself that it is not costing you (a lot) more.

 

Wait a year or 2 more everything is going to have a diesel in it, they have them in testing on about every light truck and cars.

I not sure that's going to help with the diesel prices.

Now my CTD gets the same mileage my DAK got till I started loading it down with a topper and tools, then I went to 15 mpg.

So you got to figure out how your going to use it 90 percent of the time and buy to fit that need.

 

My advice is find a low milage 2007 with the 5.9 Cummins. Not only will it still be just as good as new but you will get the awesome mpg these engines areknown for on the highway. But you can also pick one up for under 30k and probably around the same price as the 08 gasser you would buy.
Like it was said earlier, if you are here asking, you have already made up your mind!! You are just here looking for reassurance , well I assure you you would be making a wise choice going with a Cummins

 

Well I'll tell ya that I average about 17-18mpg in my 06 MDS Hemi. Thats provided that I'm not on the go pedal alot, which is hard to do. But my personal choice would be an 06 or 07 5.9 Cummins.