Would you get a Hemi if you don't tow?
12-13-2009, 04:56 PM
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Would you get a Hemi if you don't tow?
I found a 2010 2500 with a Hemi for $42K. Most of the Cummins' are $50K and since I haven't used my '05 once for towing, I'm wondering if I should just get the gasser.
I know, asking that question here is like blasphemy, but I test drove both at the same dealer. First tested the Cummins, and it felt kinda sluggish compared to my '05(which is modded), but the Hemi seems very happy in the 2500's. I had a 2003 1500 with Hemi before my '05 so I wasn't sure what to expect from it in a truck that weighs around 7000 lbs, but with the Hemi pumping out around 40hp more than it used to, it does alright.
I know, asking that question here is like blasphemy, but I test drove both at the same dealer. First tested the Cummins, and it felt kinda sluggish compared to my '05(which is modded), but the Hemi seems very happy in the 2500's. I had a 2003 1500 with Hemi before my '05 so I wasn't sure what to expect from it in a truck that weighs around 7000 lbs, but with the Hemi pumping out around 40hp more than it used to, it does alright.
12-13-2009, 05:38 PM
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My wife has one (08 mega), and it is nice, but it does not have the same feeling under the foot. They are nice trucks, if you just need a DD, they would not be bad. Fuel mileage sucks, tho...
12-13-2009, 07:23 PM
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i'm in the same boat. after having a couple 08 6.7's with
tons of problems i am nervous about purchasing a new one.
if the hemi could pull a mega well it might be the ticket but
there is something really nice about a smooth running
diesel.....if there is such a thing.
tons of problems i am nervous about purchasing a new one.
if the hemi could pull a mega well it might be the ticket but
there is something really nice about a smooth running
diesel.....if there is such a thing.
12-13-2009, 07:52 PM
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I hear ya on the smooth Diesel thing, but the Hemi in the 2500 I drove was very smooth and it pulled great and a little quieter too.
I'm thinking the Cummins probably isn't too much more fuel efficient than the Hemi is nowadays, since they've clogged them up with the DPF. Since they want $7600 for the Cummins, it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me since I don't tow. But I sure dig the 5.9 Cummins in my '05.
I'm thinking the Cummins probably isn't too much more fuel efficient than the Hemi is nowadays, since they've clogged them up with the DPF. Since they want $7600 for the Cummins, it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me since I don't tow. But I sure dig the 5.9 Cummins in my '05.
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12-13-2009, 07:53 PM
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12-13-2009, 07:54 PM
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$42K for a Hemi?...Seems steep to me.
One of the greatest benefits, to me anyway, is the way diesels in general hold their resale value...
Especially compared to gas jobs, which seem to be a dime a dozen, around where I live, at least. Seems like you lose your tail the gas jobbers.
If you plan on keeping it for a long time and like to buy lots of gasoline, then go for it...
Like you said though, this is the DIESEL Truck Resource!
One of the greatest benefits, to me anyway, is the way diesels in general hold their resale value...
Especially compared to gas jobs, which seem to be a dime a dozen, around where I live, at least. Seems like you lose your tail the gas jobbers.
If you plan on keeping it for a long time and like to buy lots of gasoline, then go for it...
Like you said though, this is the DIESEL Truck Resource!
12-13-2009, 08:05 PM
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12-13-2009, 08:09 PM
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12-13-2009, 09:50 PM
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i dont think the hemi is to bad. sure the power is not the same as the cummins. but if your not pulling who cares. i know i would own one. would not even have to be a powerwagon. but that would be nice. and just think how fast you could have heat.
12-13-2009, 09:56 PM
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I have an 06 Mega Cab with a Hemi and it does alright. I towed an 8,900lb dump trailer this week and had no problems with it. BUT gas mileage sucks big time, I average 10mpg in town and 13 on the hwy empty and towing anything more than 3,000lbs normally results in less than 9mpg. I traded my 05 cummins for this truck back when diesel was $5/gallon and have regretted the decision ever since. (Although my 5.9 only got about 2-3mpg better than the hemi, it was just much more fun to drive and tow with) Over the past 6 months I have been trying desperately to get back into a cummins but they are getting insane sale prices on used 5.9l right now.
I would think with the new VVTI Hemi that fuel economy would be a little better and the torque curve should be a little more broad. In reality the numbers work out as a wash, the Hemi costs less, is cheaper to operate and fuel is will primarily be cheaper, but it will have less resale value by a significant amount. The diesel is going to be far more expensive to purchase and maintain, fuel will cost more, but resale value is MUCH better and the diesel is just a much better motor for these large trucks. That being said if you want the Hemi I would buy used as you can get a much better deal and not lose 10,000 of depreciation when you drive off the lot. I bought my 06 Mega for 21,900 and it only had 27,000 miles on it. A similarly equipped mega with a cummins would have cost at least 30,000.
I would think with the new VVTI Hemi that fuel economy would be a little better and the torque curve should be a little more broad. In reality the numbers work out as a wash, the Hemi costs less, is cheaper to operate and fuel is will primarily be cheaper, but it will have less resale value by a significant amount. The diesel is going to be far more expensive to purchase and maintain, fuel will cost more, but resale value is MUCH better and the diesel is just a much better motor for these large trucks. That being said if you want the Hemi I would buy used as you can get a much better deal and not lose 10,000 of depreciation when you drive off the lot. I bought my 06 Mega for 21,900 and it only had 27,000 miles on it. A similarly equipped mega with a cummins would have cost at least 30,000.
12-13-2009, 10:43 PM
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My son has the exact truck as mine, just a hemi. Empty and around town it is much more fun than the 5.9. But if you tow, thats different. You can buy a lot of gas for $7k and oil changes are less. The hemi is quieter and smoother than the 5.9. Highway empty I get 20, hemi gets 16. Towing 7k lb TT 5.9 gets 13, hemi 9. For just a DD and tow less than 5k, hemi is OK, but get a good deal because resale time you're gunna eat it.