I am currently in the market for a truck that is going to last us awhile. I was wondering if Diesel would be the way to go. I am looking at engine longevity as well as fuel economy, compared to a regular gas engine as my main reason for looking in the direction of a diesel. I have priced a few Ram 2500 and they seem to be a about a couple thousand more than a Ram 1500. I do not do any heavy towing or anything like that, but for the cost of the 2500 and what my main reason is for wanting one would this be a wise purchase. Thank you for any assistance on this topic and I will be happy to answer any questions for may have for me.

 

Have you driven any of them yet?? I had a 1500 that I thought I loved until my brother and I were goofing off on a saturday and we drove an 02 CTD... if you're not sure you want one, drive one and you'll be in a new to you truck in no time.

I expect my truck to last much longer than my 1500, especially the 6 speed trans, and I'm getting about 6 mpg better on mileage...you just can't beat the sound of the straight pipe...

 

I've been preaching the word to the masses (my friends) that diesel is the way to go these days because you get more for your money. You can haul whatever you want and STILL get better fuel mileage than an unloaded gas engine truck. Plus, diesel fuel is cheaper than gas. I imagine that might change over the years though if gas prices stay high...supply and demand will push the price of diesel above the gas prices.

But yes! Diesel IS the way to go even if you don't haul anything!

 

Thank you for your replys. I have yet to test drive a 2500 yet, though I have test driven a 3500, and it was a nice ride. (dealer did not have any 2500s in stock at that time.) We are looking at purchasing a truck in late July, so right now I am doing a lot of research and your inputs have been really helpful thanks again.

 

another thing I'm really loving about my diesel is that fuel is cheaper than unleaded around here...

 

Welcome. This is a good truck site for all things diesel. You drove a 3500 Diesel? Only difference, empty rides much stiffer than a 1500, tows much, much more. Only slightly stiffer empty than a 2500. Unless it had DRW (Dually) tows the same as the 2500. I don't think the interiors are any different, if you want leather interior go with the Laramie package. The automatic trans shifts much different in a diesel than in a gasoline and that disturbs the limo crowd; first gear in the diesel is geared a little lower so there's more noise before it upshifts. You say towing isn't a factor, then choose the 3.73 rearend ratio instead of the 4.10. I'm assuming hauling is important or you wouldn't be shopping for a pickup? The Cummins engine in the Dodge will last much longer; like 400K miles. If you or him plan on replacing the truck in 4 years or less, not much incentive to go with the diesel because the maintainance costs are higher; offsets the difference in fuel costs in my opinion. I bought a diesel to keep for 6-10 years and tow without strain. Bottom line, if you plan to replace the truck in 4 years or less, buy the gasser. If you plan to keep it 10 years buy the diesel. Many of us on this forum luv to find used Cummins' on the lot with less than 150K miles on their clocks because we know the engine will last another 150K without much $$$$.
Here I can buy a new 1500 for $10K less than a like equipped diesel 2500. Used ones command a like $ difference. Keep us posted, send pics after you buy. Nat

 

Thank you Nat for your reply. As far as towing or hauling, we do carry my parents 16 ft boat from time to time, and we do some home improvements to our house. I guess what I meant to say, is that we are not going to be hauling a trailer or 5th wheel all or at any time. We would like to make this a truck that will last past the la=ife of the loan so that is why we are looking at diesel. Your input was very helpful and will be in consideration at purchase time. I will be sending pics of the truck.

Thanks again for your time and help.

 

serenaW: Welcome to the site! If you are not going to buy for a couple of months, this is the place to do your research. You can use the search function to find things, be sure to check out the Tech Facts section as well. If you can't find any answers to your questions there, ask away! There are some great people here, very knowledgeable. Good luck with your search. Keep us posted on your progress.

By the way, if you are looking for a long term investment, the Dodge/Cummins combination is the best alternative on the market. I'm hoping to get 500,000 miles out of mine, and that's not an unrealistic expectation.

DeWain