[Accused]

This is a question for you. I'm curious why you want the Ecodiesel and why you want it now.

Is it because you like owning and operating a pickup truck but fuel costs were beginning to strangle you?

Is it because you prefer diesel but dont want the fuel munching and wallet annihilating HD's?

Is it for work? Diesel drops off less in efficiency than petrol when doing work.

Is it brand based?

Anything missed? I'm just wondering what circumstances brought us all together...

 

[DieselTech69]

For me, I have been wanting a diesel primarily due to being tired of getting 10-12 mpg loaded when towing, and 15 mpg empty. Of course, having the extra torque would be sweet too. Also, I would like a manual transmission if I could get one. But, I have some concerns too....

As far as reliability and durability, for a LD truck I really don't think a diesel is more durable or more reliable than gas. I'm also not convinced that it is economically advantageous to go diesel in the long run, once everything is factored in (fuel savings, maintenance costs, repair costs, insurance costs, etc.). I've done a ton of "what-if" calculations, and it's really hard to justify getting a diesel based solely on economic factors.

To get a new truck with a manual pretty much means you have to get a 2500/3500 Ram 6.7L, and I don't think a HD pickup will get mileage significantly better than what I get now, and diesel costs more, so it becomes a wash at best. So, really, what good reason do I have to take on a $40,000 new truck payment? I'm not towing more than my current truck can tow. If I want a manual, I have no choices (not that a Ram would be a bad "choice"). And none of the 1/2 ton trucks are available with a manual anyway,.

I suppose deep down, it's just the "new truck" itch. After all, I've had my current truck 9 years now. So, if I'm going to get a new truck, it might as well be a diesel, right? So now, for me, my decision is on whether or not I want a new truck badly enough to take on having payments again.

 

[Dagotto]

For me it came down to one thing. MPG.

Had a silverado that I loved. Drove it 35,000 miles per year all over the great Northwest (which means a lot of gravel, mountain roads, dirt, etc.) But mainly only tow a fishing raft (light) so towing capacity is not important to me.

But the gas usage and guilt I was feeling by driving that many miles a year with just me and my dog averaging 13 MPG was too much. Sold the truck and bought a AWD Volvo that I have pretty much hated since day one. But got my MPG up to 25.

Now I can have my cake (truck) and eat it too. (MPG)

I never thought I would ever purchase a Ram truck. I looked at Silverado and Toyota and quickly realized that although Toyota's have a very strong loyality and resale in the NW, they haven't been redesigned significantly for 12 years. If they had issued a US version of their Hilux Diesel I would have bought that for sure. And while the new Silverado is close in MPG, I got more and more excited about the RAM truck as a whole as I did my research.

I am fully expecting to be a converted RAM guy for life.

Fingers Crossed

 

[jhardie]

Doing all the "what-if's" can drive one crazy. When we test drove the 1500 hemi-testing ride, etc., wife said, "Why not this one? Why do you want the diesel?" So those "what-if's" come back and after looking at the Hemi's 17mph--heck, I might as well jump to a 2500 Cummins. They get about the same or better fuel economy. Only problem---I don't need that much truck anymore. But then again...(dang it...doing it again!)

 

[tugboat]

nuf said