For me, I just fell into it. I saw this beautiful 92 extra cab sitting in the parking lot of my work. Tracked down the owner and found out that her husband was thinking of selling it. It only had 88,000 miles on it back in 1999 or so. he had pulled a 5th wheeler for some time but still looked sweet. Not a dent or ding on it. We talked and $10,000 later, sitting in my driveway not knowing all about this Diesel stuff. Due to this site among others, it now has 213,000 miles on it, MUCH more power due to BOMBs, still getting about 18 - 22 mpg if right foot stays off the floor, haven't pulled anything but have loaded the bed to the top with gravel and handled that without a problem (gasser couldn't I think). Very easy to work on. Just love it and see me keeping it forever. Now, just need newer body parts due to Vermont SALT on their roads. Wouldn't own a gas truck again.

 

I think you're going to have to use "I just want one" as the justification for buying a diesel.

If trading at 68k is typical for you, then the longevity of the diesel is moot. You are not even coming close to wearing out a gas engine in that amount of driving.

Towing 5500 lbs is well within the capacity of a 1/2 ton gas truck. You will get worse mileage, and you will have to listen to higher rpms but it will get the job done.

Most people that I know who legitimately need diesels are the ones who tow 8-12k frequently and put 50K or more miles per year on their trucks. Contractors, ranchers, businesses. That is the buyer for whom the Big 3 developed heavy duty diesel pickups. That they've sold far more to people who do not fall into that category has to be a pleasant surprise for them. When Ford stuck the 6.9 into their 3/4 ton pickup line, I am sure they didn't envision a time when diesels would ending up being 70% of the total amount of super duties sold, nor did Dodge with the Cummins.

If you own a business of any sort, another issue comes into play, however. There is a tax break to be had for buying a vehicle over a certain gross weight and 1/2 ton pickups, IIRC, do not qualify. So you can get Uncle Sam to help you pay for a portion of a 3/4 ton if you can qualify. (There also used to be tax credits for buying diesel vehicles which may have put a few more on the road than would otherwise be here.)

 

You know cp, you're right. What I have now is a great truck (altho I suspect a blown plenum gasket), and does the job pretty well. I've always been a truck person, so a diesel is the next logical step.

My dad bought a duramax earlier this year from a dealer my aunt works at. Its a nice ride, but I'd have to put money in it to make it look right. besides, unless I could get one for about 28,000, I could not afford a new one. I think my plan of attack will be a used CTD sometime this year.

Thanks again for all your replies,

Doug

 

The noice........don't forget the awsome noise

 

While I don't own a CTD, I did purchase my Jetta TDI for good fuel economy (40+ mpg) and longevity (look at how many MB 300D's are still with us.). Plus I'm an ex truck driver and I flat out missed the smell of diesel exhaust.

 

I've got 175,000 on my '93 - bought new and wouldn't drive anything elce. average mileage since I bought it has been 18.7 under all conditions. City 17.5 to 18.0, Highway 21.0 to 22.0, towing varies depending on terrain 15.0 to 16.0 normally.

You'll smile when you hit a hill towing and you find that you can accelerate and pass just about anything - except of course another CTD.

Bob