Originally Posted By: NHGUY
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
They all pump out tons and tons of suffocating diesel exhaust. I don't know how you guys can stand them.
They all have the neverending purchase of DEF exhaust fluid now,and particulate filters that need to b cleaned out every now and then.Adding to the high cost of fuel,2 batteries,adding fuel jelling agents,more frequent fuel filter replacements,expensive starters and alternators...higher weight,more wear on front end components....all to save what,2-3 mpg?
In the 12 years and 213,000 miles that I've had my diesel Ram, I've replaced the 2 batteries 1 time, replaced the fuel filter every 12,000 miles, never replaced the starter or alternator, and had the ball joints replaced once. My truck doesn't take DEF, and does not have particulate filters. I use Power Service additives every 3-4 fillups, which is about 2000 miles. I also run the occasional gallon or two of waste oil to extend my fuel, which hasn't caused any problems in 10 years.
The diesel Ram gives me 19-20 mpg unloaded, and 14-16 when towing. It replaced a 454 Suburban, which gave me 9-10 mpg unloaded, and 8 mpg when towing. Diesel has been cost-effective for me.
But the newer trucks, probably not so much. I would avoid trucks that have EGR and DPF. DPF's are especially bad if you're going to drive around town most of the time. Low exhaust temperatures don't get the filter hot enough to self-regenerate, so they get stuck in regen mode, and in-city fuel economy really suffers. I have heard of 11 mpg in city conditions. Get the truck out on the highway towing a heavy trailer at 70 mph, and it'll do fine.