Deisel pick-up or gas

Skynut

This truck is an extra vehicle B.T.W. I have a pontiac to commute in and this is our weekend getaway or haul stuff truck.
The wife has a 4 door car she takes the kids everywhere in as long as the pooch is not going with her. Kinda hard to fit 4 people and our Rott. in a 4 door car.
SUV's are not my thing right now as I do haul stuff that just won't fit in an SUV. (ever try to fit a chest of drawers or a patio table and chairs in an SUV?)

Thanks for all the input, both good and bad.
It is looking like Diesel is winning out in preference and Ford in make.
Plus I really like to drive a truck, they feel so solid and safe. If I am involved in an accident chances are it will be with some little foreign car and they will loose.

rskarvan

I have a 2003 2500HD Duramax Diesel 4x4 extended cab with a 6-speed stick shift. The duramax diesel is manufactured by Isuzu. This engine is rated one of the ten best engines in the world by Wards Autoworld (leading auto-industry publication) in 2003. I regularly get 23 mpg. This diesel is very quiet (as diesel's go). I've driven a Cummins diesel and I was not at all impressed. As far as I'm concerned, when you go diesel, don't give up the V-8. I'm not all too familiar with the Ford - except that the diesel engine in a Ford is made by Navistar. Given the choice between Navistar vs. Isuzu engineering, I'd take Isuzu in the Diesel arena every time. Isuzu is well-known for their fuel effeciency and longevity. Duramax Diesel is a VERY WELL ENGINEERED WORLD-CLASS MOTOR. My only complaint is that it was an expensive option. You get what you pay for. Definitely, go diesel in a big pickup. The engine's will provide more power, more fuel economy, and they will go more miles. WIN, WIN, WIN.

jcaut

I happen to work with a guy with a 2003 GMC 2500 with a Duramax and the automatic, a guy with a Dodge 4x4 with the Cummins and a M/T (I think his is the year before the six-speed was available) with 4.10's, and another guy with a Ford SD with the Powerstroke and a six speed. They're all very proud of their trucks and talk about them alot.

The guy with the Dodge complains about his fuel mileage (and wishes he had the six-speed and DIDN'T have the 4.10's) but man, oh man will that thing PULL!

The Duramax is almost gas-motor quiet, and the GMC is super-nice, as far as equipment goes. He talks about how good his mileage is... He hauls stuff in the back a lot, but doesn't pull a trailer much. Uses it pretty lightly..

The one with the Ford always has a trailer behind his. He went to the Ford because he kept tearing the rear end out of his Chevrolet. He says his gets the same mileage loaded or unloaded, but that it's not a huge improvement (in fuel mileage) over his old (late 80's) Chevrolet diesel. ?

So... That's what little I know about them, from listening to other guys talk. For the use you describe, I think I'd vote GMC with the diesel, if your really need/want a truck that big.

Jason

exalted512

PhantomOG wrote:

also, why is that these same guys who drive the huge trucks for no practical purpose are also the ones who feel that they *HAVE* to back their truck in every time they park? its takes them like twice as long (much more if they can't drive).

have you ever driven a full size truck? Its MUCH easier to back into a tight parking spot than it is to go straight in.

as far as gmc vs. ford, IMO their is no comparison. GMCs maintain value better than fords, dont believe me-look it up. When my dad was managing the local rural electrical companies he bought a whole new fleet of gmc's, fords, and dodges. all 3/4 tons, all gasoline, all 4x4. the gmc had a higher intial cost but over the course of 2.5 years, they were cheaper. they only use GMCs now.

the duramax is an incredible engine. extremely efficient, extremely quiet, extremely clean. it is EASILY on par with the power stroke. the cummins, IMO, is a better engine, but when paired with the rest of dodge's drive train, it is a weak truck overall, when put to use that is anyway. 90% of the farmers around here have duramax's.

i had a GMC 3/4 ton work truck. I bought it when it had 150k miles on it. The only thing thats been replaced is the alternator(which is my fault), the ac compressor, and the master cylinder. Pretty good for a truck that has 196k miles now. It still runs great. I'm getting a 2004 gmc 1/2 ton this thursday actually.

I personally thoroughly enjoy driving a truck and i think theyre muchhh more comfortable than cars.

In your case, my vote is for the gmc duramax
-Cody

dorokusai

The Poll is messed up, it's set up wrong. You can't vote correctly.

I vote for a new Poll before this becomes useless.

As a side note, Sprint Nextel thought a move into the Dodge Dakota was forward thinking over the Chevy Silverado....my next vehicle is a Chevy....the Dodge is being phased out due to feedback from the field. No offense to Dodge, but you don't cut it out here.

wodom1

My company exclusively uses Ford's. We own around $2-3 million worth of Ford trucks. About half of our Foreman's trucks (F-250's) are gas and the other half diesels. All of our big trucks are obviously diesel. As far as I know, we have no problems with any of them. We usually purchase new trucks ever 3-4 years and have a very good fleet dept. for maintenance. I say go with the F-250 or F-350. In addition to performance over the GM, I just think they look better.

Jstas

You know, Ford has a controlling interest in Cummins. So all you Dodge guys out there with Dodge trucks with Cummins diesels, your Dodge is powered by a Ford...so to speak! Not like it matters, the Cummins in the Dodge is a junk engine compared to what they put out in the larger commercial chassis.

As far as this crap about diesels needing higher maintenance down the road, 10-20 years ago that would be true. Nowadays, your diesel will require similar maintenance to a gasoline engine. Sometimes less because a diesel ignites on compression, not spark. That means that there are no ignition parts to replace and keep up with. The injectors are probably electrical on the consumer level trucks to save on weight and size and that is the only drawback I can see. All of the consumer grade diesel engines will run for a lifetime if properly cared for. When they do require maintenance, it is usually a tad on the expensive side compared to similar gas products. However, aside from the regular oil, filter and cooling system maintenances, a diesel engine requires service about half as much as a gasoline engine in most cases. This usually tuns into a wash or the diesel comes out slightly ahead of the gasoline engine in the long run. To really realize the benefits of the lower cost though, you'd have to drive it everyday and use it for a business. For a regular consumer looking for a personal vehicle, the difference between gas and diesel is negligible. The best difference though, that's the fact that at 250,000 miles, the diesel will not need a rebuild/remanufacturing where the gas engine most likely will.

As far as which is better for use, it depends. If you are doing heavy work like hauling large loads/heavy loads or towing something big like a camper or a car trailer then a diesel is the way to go. Far more low end grunt than any gas engine of a similar size. If you are just getting it for occasional heavy duty work and just looking for a weekend warrior vehicle capable of handling everything you can throw at it and then some, a gas engine might be a better choice. Overall though, you have to balance your wants and needs. The diesel is much more expensive at the initial cost but as I said before, that cost gets off-set during it's service life. Especially if you are using it to do things that you would need to pay someone to do if you owned a lesser vehicle. You'd have to really be doing that kind of work on a regular basis to see a cost benefit.

A diesel gives you power in gobs and and will tow pretty much anything a regular guy can hook up to it. They are heavy though and not necessarily suited for hardcore off-roading. Hauling the family to the campground with all your crap in the back is a different story though. In cold weather, you might have trouble starting it if it is REALLY cold. A gasoline engine gives you quieter operation with a lower initial cost and lower single maintenance cost. It does require more maintenance intervals than a diesel though. They are usually lighter too. However, contrary to popular belief, a diesel in a light truck will not give you stellar gas mileage. You can expect at most a 15-20% benefit over the gas engine but reality is usually 10% or less. The reason is, you can get a 5.5L gas engine putting out 300 horses and 325 pound feet of torque to handle all your needs easily or you can get a 6.0-7.5 liter diesel to handle all your needs and then some. That .5-2.0L difference makes upfor any gas mileage benefits you would see with a diesel.

Now which company would I buy from, Ford or Chevy? All biases and blind brand loyalty aside, the Ford is the way to go. The Powerstroke is tested, tried and true. It is a rock solid engine and they run forever. They have power in droves and until the most recent Cummins that Dodge threw in the Ram, the Powerstroke was king of the heap. The Ford F-series trucks are also a very well made vehicle. They have been the best selling vehilce in America for many years and there is a reason for that. Then again, Chevy and Dodge both make good vehicles too so when trying tochose among the 3, you are nit-picking details that would not factor in to other comparisons between the 3. You can pick any one of them and know you are getting a vehicle that will last and take everything you can throw at it and be sitting in the driveway the next morning begging you for more. It comes down to asthetics, features that you like/want and cost. In my experience, the Fords have been the best value.

As far as the difference between SUV's and pickups, well, I'll put it this way. When you buy an SUV, you are getting a 120+ inch wheelbase 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup chassis with a station wagon strapped to the top. This gets you a compliant ride to haul people and stuff. Because of this, your payload and towing capacity drops. Not much but it does. It is also heavier. usually 1000-1500 pounds heavier than a pickup on the same chassis. You will pay 30-40K for this behemoth of the American road. What are you getting for 30-40K? A half ton pickup that can't really haul a half ton of stuff and has pretty seats and carpeting all over it. Wanna see what you are getting underneath and what you could be paying? Check out a loaded Ford Expedition. 42K last I checked. A loaded F-150 half ton, standard cab, long bed, 4x4 with the 5.4L V8 which is built on a similar length chassis to the Expedition? It tops out at about 32K last I checked. May be different now. That is a large price disparity to pay. Especially when that pickup truck is a more capable vehicle than that SUV. Bottom line, when you pay 30-40K for a pickup, you are getting a vehicle that will get you your money's worth and has capability head and shoulders above it's SUV counter part. Personally, I would feel alot less trepidation about shelling out for the pickup than the SUV.

The only SUV I would take over a pickup would be the Ford Excursion. It's a 4 door short bed F250 SD with the exact same suspension underneath. It'll swallow alot and tow even more but it is expensive and large, very large.

Skynut

Lots of good info here jstas, thanks for the input.

I moved this topic to a new poll to get a better feel for what you people think.

It is rather interesting all the different responses I have been gettin.

Thanks again

Sami

Jstas wrote:

Especially when that pickup truck is a more capable vehicle than that SUV. Bottom line, when you pay 30-40K for a pickup, you are getting a vehicle that will get you your money's worth and has capability head and shoulders above it's SUV counter part.

Apples and oranges. The SUV will haul 9 people when the pickup is a 2+2 at best so it's all about what you use it for. SUV or a STW is a family vehicle and a truck is a utility vehicle, as a second vehicle or for those without a family.

It would be nice to have a truck to haul stuff but then again, if it's not a constant need you can go and rent one. Much cheaper that way than buying an extra vehicle.

PolknPepsi

I voted for Deisel because of the brute strength at low rpm's. My neighbors Chevy deisel is very quiet and his driveway is about 200 feet from our house, can hardly hear it running.

Go for the Excursion, it has lots of room inside.

Jstas

Sami wrote:

Apples and oranges. The SUV will haul 9 people when the pickup is a 2+2 at best so it's all about what you use it for. SUV or a STW is a family vehicle and a truck is a utility vehicle, as a second vehicle or for those without a family.

It would be nice to have a truck to haul stuff but then again, if it's not a constant need you can go and rent one. Much cheaper that way than buying an extra vehicle.

Obviously you have never seen the Dodge Ram Quad Cab or the Ford F-series Crew Cab. Both are full sized pickup trucks with 4 doors and a 5, 6 or even 8 foort bed if you so desire. All are capable of handling up to 6 people comfortably. They will out-perform similarly sized SUV's where the only extra seating you get is a 3rd row that will accomadate 2 very cramped adults or 3 children.

You want to move people, buy a van. You can get a Chevy, Ford or Dodge van that will hold 12-15 people.

As far as renting a truck goes, you can't really rent the kind of vehicle one would need to take a family trip with a camper strapped to the back. There is too much liability there for the rental company and they would have to have heavy duty service vehicles on the lots for renting. You're typical half-ton truck does not have the capacity to yank a full-size trailer that sleeps 4-6 people. If renting was an option for Skynut, he wouldn't have this poll or the other one.

Sami

Jstas wrote:

All are capable of handling up to 6 people comfortably.

Hell no.

Jstas wrote:

You want to move people, buy a van. You can get a Chevy, Ford or Dodge van that will hold 12-15 people.

Of course but you were comparing SUV's, not vans.

Jstas wrote:

If renting was an option for Skynut, he wouldn't have this poll or the other one.

I was only commenting on my own situation. A truck would be nice but not wise.

Jstas

Sami wrote:

Hell no.

Of course but you were comparing SUV's, not vans.

I was only commenting on my own situation. A truck would be nice but not wise.

First off, how can 6 people not fit in a 4 door truck? We are talking 4 full sized doors with two, full sized benches in the truck. Not extended cabs. You say "Hell no" like you know what you are talking about and offer nothing to back up your position.

Yes, I was comparing SUVs to trucks in payload and towing capacity. You were the one who mentioned the number of people they will hold. Infact, the quoted portion of my post never even mentions the number of people that can be sat in a pickup truck. All I did was respond to your post and the subject matter contained with in it. Why did the people aspect even come up if it wasn't a concern to begin with?

You came in to the thread, stirred up a bunch of crap about things that had nothing to do with the poster's situation, acted like you were an expert and then admitted that you lacked knowledge on the subject matter. Where has the value been added here? What was the purpose of posting contradictory information that has yet to be supported? Did you even read the thread or did you post a knee-jerk reaction to my post?

Sami

You said comfortably. You say they fit 4 people in the back comfortably? Anything higher than 2 in the front and it's not comfortable anymore. SUV's don't fit 9 comfortably either but many more than a truck. They are different tools for different purposes, you pick the one that suits you better. If you were referring strictly to towing capability, not overall, then I understand. Some of the comments in this thread are directed to the original question but some are general talk.

Sami

Jstas wrote:

Obviously you have never seen the Dodge Ram Quad Cab or the Ford F-series Crew Cab. Both are full sized pickup trucks with 4 doors and a 5, 6 or even 8 foort bed if you so desire. All are capable of handling up to 6 people comfortably. They will out-perform similarly sized SUV's where the only extra seating you get is a 3rd row that will accomadate 2 very cramped adults or 3 children.

Don't they also cost the same as the SUV? At least the Ford's seem to be on par with their SUV's. How's the towing cap.?

p.s. just curious

Skynut

I need a truck, renting is not an option, suv = not an option.
No need to get all worked up, I am reading good and bad things here and I do not mind any comments.
I was just curious as to what the people here thought one way or the other.
This is a huge investment for me as I have never bought brand new before and may not again.
I am only trying to make an informed decision before I spend that kind of money.

audiobliss

Sweet!!!

EDIT - Wow...there's a second page! lol That was posted concerning Sami's post about the racing Cummins making 1500hp!




Someone at the top of the thread posted saying that he has co-workers who own a big diesel truck from the big three. Somewhere in there he say that the guy with the Ford Powerstroke doesn't get any better gas mileage than his old mide '80s Chevy diesel truck. If that's the case, that sucks!! The old chevy diesel was horrible, and it got even worse gas mileage!