"Baby Diesel" or V8 engine?

Question

So my wife and I are shopping for a new truck. I've never considered a diesel (because ill never tow anything over 5000-6000lbs) until we started checking out the new trucks. We've narrowed it down to either a Chevy Silverado 1500 or a Ram 1500. They both offer a 3.0 (i6 chevy, v6 ram) diesel engine as an upgrade. The tow rating is less than the largest V8 which is fine because frankly I wont utilize it anyway.

We plan on keeping this truck for a very (10+ years) long time. I've been researching diesels and to me it seems like although they have higher maintenance costs, they last significantly longer in terms of mileage plus better mpg for those long trips.

So... Diesel or V8? Main goal is gonna be longevity of ownership since we aren't towing more that 6000lbs at anytime. 5000 is closer to what we will be towing, and even then its only occasionally.

Thanks for the feedback and knowledge!

? · Answer

Maintenance and repair cost naturally are higher for diesel because they last longer.
Personally I like the gas engine. Hate to be constantly smelling that diesel. But yeah, diesel engines in tractor trailers are expected to go a million miles.

Robert M · Answer

LOOK TO FORD FIRST! They are NUMBER ONE in RESALE. The DODGE had issues with PARTS like OIL PANS and TRANS pans over time! Gm gets BAD brake lines and HOSES the QUICKEST! Use CONSUMER REPORTS as a GUIDE! The GM diesle had THIN CASTINGs of cylidner heads and GM did NOT stnad behind them! LOOK IT UP on CAR COMPLAINTS .com! GOOD LUCK and FORD is STILL trhe ONE to BUY!

CactiJoe · Answer

Well, here's the problem with diesel engines. They stink, the parts are very expensive, the fuel gels up in the winter unless you buy blended diesel fuel (#1 mixed with #2 diesel) or add some expensive anti-gel additive, and diesel is selling for over $3 a gallon. One of the problems with some of the Ford diesels is the commercial pump nozzles for the big rigs will fit in the filler neck but the pressure keeps kicking the nozzle off since the fuel foams up in the poorly engineered hose to tank configuration. Never had that problem with Chevy, VW, Mercedes, or mobile homes at my station, just Ford diesels.

Mark Coulter · Answer

Diesels are only an advantage if you are going to put a LOT of miles on pulling heavy loads.  The diesels I have owned have been an expensive PIA...esp in the winter.

not · Answer

Diesel purchase, maintenance and repair is high cost. A diesel is great when you have to move large loads but a foolish waste of money otherwise.

Anonymous · Answer

If you are not towing, get the V8.

? · Answer

i can buy a lot of petrol for the maintenance costs of a modern diesel with a dpf. if your not travelling mega miles the extra performance of the v8 is my thoughts. too much to go wrong with a modern diesel.

"Baby Diesel" or V8 engine?

7 Answers