ShawnQ

Ok guys,

I got my wife through her master's degree...and she has agreed it is time for me to get a new truck. Current budget allows a loaded out 1500 4x4 sport crew cab, or a ST model 2500 4x4 crew. I could save a little longer and go for a loaded diesel, but I need to take my trade offer now or I'll start losing money.

The 1500 has a lot more of the creature comforts...although the 2500 ST comes with the necessities.
The 1500 is a full $5k less, both brand new.

My use/needs are as follows:

-Daily driving to/from work. I'm military, so I'll usually live within a few miles of base.
-Occasional hunting trip requiring minor off-road use, no 'mudding' or anything.
-Occasional beach/surf fishing trip, requiring long periods of slow 4x4 through soft sand.
-No towing
-No long trips
-No plowing

As you can see, I don't 'NEED' the diesel...but I've missed the mileage, torque, and sound of the diesel ever since I sold my '04.5 (to fund my wife's school). My quick instinct tells me to buy the new diesel...but I'm hesitant due to the stories I hear about the new 6.7 mileage being as bad as the Hemi, and DPF issues with short trips, etc. Add in the fact that I don't NEED the diesel for anything, and then it is more expensive to fuel AND to buy initially, I'm leaning towards the loaded Hemi.

Other than resale and longevity, what am I missing?

This is a cummins forum, so I expect Pro-Diesel on this post...but if you're also a hemi owner, and think I oughtta go with the Hemi...speak up!

I'm torn.

Thanks,
Shawn

6 2 Carl

Get the hemi. The glory days of diesel are long gone. They have become far to complex, and expensive to run. Unless you are towing heavy, there is no advantage to getting the diesel anymore.

RAMRODD

Unless you do deletes on the 6.7 I would go with the Hemi. Don't get me wrong I love my 2010 diesel with deletes. Its just with your driving short trips, no planned heavy towing. I think the hemi would be better. Plus getting a loaded up truck and saving some coin cant hurt.

vp dually

Hemi.The fuel cost vs mpg will equal out.Diesel will soon be 4.$$ That hemi can hit 20 mpg

madhat

I'll agree with the above, but I'll say this:

My wife has an 08 2500 2wd mega hemi. Love the room, but the thing is a GAS PIG. My truck gets better milage than hers... but when you factor in the operating costs, you just about break even.

It's a tough choice, man. If you get the cummins, you'll dump a lot of money into it to make it bad. If you get the hemi, you'll put your foot on the floor all the time anyhow.

I have helped ZERO!... ha ha

ShawnQ

For what it's worth - my main selling point to my wife is a new truck due to a warranty. My current 01 1500 is on its last leg, and I keep replacing stuff here and there. She freaks out when something breaks, and pretty much told me to get something new so it is 'warrantied'.

If I get that 6.7 and do deletes, I lose that comfort...which is a shame. If I had the 6.7, I'd likely want the deletes and the H&S or the Smarty.

Thanks for the input thus far!

Spooler

Get the 1500 gasser or just keep driving what you have so you can save up for what you really want. Don't get into the gotta have it now mode, it can cost you big money.

Jaxom

I'd vote for the Hemi as well. Both are complex engines, but the diesels are turning into money pits with all the new rules & regs.

Thank you so much for your service and sacrifices.

Tobin

If your going after a 1/2 ton, go Ford hands down.

Tobin

tankeryanker

I'm going to get flamed here, but I heard that the new Ford f150 4x4 has the best mileage for a half ton.

madhat

Yeah, when does the EcoBoost come out?

ShawnQ

I like ford, I've got a few fox mustangs...but I'm not a fan of the appearance of their new trucks at all. I loved them up til 03...and that ecoboost looks promising, but I'm not a fab of how they look (except the raptor).

Thanks for the input.

madhat

Just keep your options open, dude. Good luck, let us know what you do.

torquefan

The new Hemi trucks are actually really good on fuel, as long as you aren't towing.

Having said that, if I was to buy a brand new truck, it would probably be an F-150. The Ecoboost interests me, but I'd like to keep an eye on it for a year or two, in case there are any growing pains. The F-150 is also available with a fairly high GVWR too.

Chrysler has lost a bit of appeal to me, the way the corporation has been like a lost soul, bouncing around from owner to owner. The new "Ram" trucks don't even say Dodge on them anywhere.

Hvytrkmech

Get the gasser. I really like the looks of the dual exhaust on the new style 1500.