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.
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