I test drove a 2500 SLT QC CTD-HO 6 spd 4x4 the other day. I like the melodies the engine makes as compared to the rattles my 6.5GMtd makes.<br><br>I understand there is a lot of new technology built into the 03 cummins engine offering and was wondering how the cost of ownership adds up. I know the ford PS injectors are big money to service around 100000 miles; Having owned a chevy I am definitely not going to make that mistake again (some, and I could say most, GM garages dont have a certified diesel technicians at all. So it is like searching for the needle in a haystack to find a competitent tech). <br><br>I couldnt quite get a straight answer from the Salesperson and I am wondering what the cost of owning the truck is over 150,000 miles? (I am thinking this is the point where servicable items will have been replaced) <br><br>I thought it was a reasonable question being that I am purchasing this truck for commercial 'gooseneck' hauling (3 horse slant with dressing/living room) and am looking for the least expensive truck to own over several years (original cost plus normal operating and maintenance cost).<br><br>(BTW: has anyone gotten iron/steel filing in their fuel on the east coast?)

 

Welcome to DTR, Dminer. If you're not on the east coast are you in fly-over country?
We kinda like to get a general location idea cause that effects how we answer some questions.

Just wonderin. ???

 

dminer<br><br>Welcome aboard fellow NWesterner ;D<br><br>Hunter

 

Hey DMiner, Are they still selling unleaded in Kennewick cheaper than Portland and Seattle? What's the current price of Diesel #2? <br><br>Wife has a cousin lives there. When we are in the area we always stop for a couple of days. Her son had pit passes for the races on the Columbia. Was hotter than blazes that day. Got some good pictures.

 

Sierra and Utah<br><br>Check your &quot;private&quot; messages<br><br>Hunter

 

Dminer,<br>My son lives in Kennewick. He just got out of the USAF in Spokane and moved down there where his girlfriend lives. Welcome to the site. There's a great bunch of diesel lovin' folks here! Enjoy!

 

I can't speak about owning a diesel for a long time, but I have driven a Dodge van till it was 19 years old and my current 'oldie' is a 1985 Nissan. My daily driver is a Toyota MR2 with 143,000 miles on it. <br><br>Cost of ownership depends on how well and who maintains the vehicle as well as driving style and use pattern. If you don't change the radiator fluid, eventually, you'll change the radiator. Care when slipping the clutch and driving mostly highway miles means no clutch replacements, or very few. And so on. If you're really counting pennies, buying cheaper oil and filters and constantly sharking for fuel prices is going to affect total cost of ownership. DIY is cheaper than paying the garage for repairs and maintenance.<br><br>What fails at 15 years and above are odd things. The van windshield wiper motor gave out and needed replacement. The hoses must be replaced because they will dry rot. You need to get new floor mats because you'll wear holes in them. You aren't going to need a new diesel engine at 150,000 miles unless you've done something horribly wrong. Clutch, possibly, belts, probably. If you're following the regular service schedule, it's going to be time for an oil change, too. <br><br>We won't go into BOMBing. That's a whole different set of factors I can't speak to. At least not yet...<br><br>Jean