I've got a pair of Dodge 2500's, (originally bought one for me, one for wife) equipped ALMOST identically. Quad cab, long bed, 4wd, automatic tranny, gooseneck hitches, ect.....Both '04's. One is a diesel, other a gasser.
Intitial purchase price higher with diesel.
Routine maintenance cost MUCH higher with diesel.
Both trucks now have over 225,000 miles on 'em. Major repair cost is MUCH MUCH higher on the diesel.
Fuel cost PER MILE slightly higher with diesel due to higher diesel fuel cost.
Towing ability only a little better with the diesel.
I keep very detailed cost of operation log book on all my vehicles (and equipment) This factors in ALL repair cost, maint cost, fuel, ect. Over 200,000 miles, the gasser was almost $11,000 less expensive to operate. Add to that, the difference in initial purchase price, and you have $15,000+ in you pocket if you chose a gasser. Based on how my results were accumulated, I'd suspect the difference would be even MORE lopsided if the truck(s) weren't being used for heavy towing as much. That is the ONLY area where diesels come close to a gasser in operating cost.
I tow 25' 14,000gvwr goosenecks with both. Normal gross weights of trailers are in the 8,500lb range. The diesel has some performance advantage, but not so much as to be worth the extra cost. If there's only a need to have one truck/trailer on the road, it's almost always the gasser.
For average "around town" stop and go driving, nod to the gasser again. Much quieter, smoother, and user friendly.
I'm not in a position where I need to rationalize the decision to buy EITHER truck. Nor am I one to argue a point based on having an opinion that "I can do no wrong". Again, I bought BOTH. They'll be replaced in another year or so. When the time comes, I'm buying gassers (only). I'm just not into throwing money away for an image or because I fall for marketing ploys.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - History of the Nuffield Tractor - by Anthony West. The Nuffield tractor story started in early 1945. The British government still reeling from the effects of the war on the economy, approached the Nuffield organization to see if they would design and build an "ALL NEW" British built wheeled tractor, suitable for both British and world farming.
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Oliver 550 Diesel runs like a watch three point hitch pto engine gone threw about two hundred hours ago nice clean tractor
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
