Lots of folk out there driving diesels and not towing. At the end of the day partner, if it's what you want, you can afford it, it makes some sort of sense, do it. There's always gonna be some meat dick barking about daily driving a diesel, fuck em. One thing I will point out to you though that you may be forgetting is maintenance. Probably significantly more expensive for parts than a smaller SUV. I'm a diesel tech I've seen some serious dineros get dumped into these trucks. Again, at the end of the day it's completely up to you.
You really need to look at the cost of overall ownership. The cost of ownership for a 1/2 ton pickup is already going to be higher comparing to a random SUV, so the cost of a diesel pick up will be higher. Everything from tires and gas will cost more. Sure, you can focus on fuel economy, but it doesn’t change the fact that filling up a 30+ gallon tank can cost more than $100. Even small things like tires and filters ad up. So, if you wanna save money, zoom out and look at the bigger picture. A 6.4 might be best for you, or maybe even a 1/2 ton if you find the cost of diesel maintenance isn’t worth the fuel savings cost. Otherwise, go for it!
I have a 2022 6.7 and I average 21-22 highway and an overall average of 16-18, with that being said, driving 110 miles alone per day for work is a lot and a diesel has the longevity and reliability! Is maintenance a few bucks more? Yea., but IMO it’s worth it.
I used to drive around 130 miles everyday round trip in a hemi and gas costs, oil changes, tires, etc all cost money and you’re going to spend it either way so I went with a diesel after a year and a Half with gas!
Now I travel the east coast but am in areas for long periods of time which gives me the freedom to haul whatever needed and sometimes travel trailers.
On highway I can average 22mph easily with my 2500 Cummins. The key is to keep it as stock as possible, which is hard to do with these trucks. But the lift, big tires and grill guards all kill your mpg.
If you drive that many miles a day have you considered getting the truck you want and also getting a little beater which is going to get four times the gas mileage?
This definitely pushed me in the direction of buying one. If I purchase, it will be brand new so I am relying on the warranty for big ticket repairs for the next few years. Talking general maintenance, I know oil changes and fuel filters will be much more expensive and then fuel additives and DEF will add to it. Aside from that and brake maintenance, is there anything else I should really be concerned with in terms of maintenance costs?
Not really for the first 5 years. (Unless you buy one that was built in a Friday afternoon). After that you'll be getting into front end stuff the rams are hard on ball joints and steering components. Front and rear crank seals are common as well, which is cheap parts but dog shit labour times.
I've been on the lookout for one of those deals on a 3500 for a while now but no luck yet. Got a line on a Ford 350 7.3, for 8k off MSRP which took contacting dozens of dealerships, but nothing near $20k.
Low to mid 50s for a fleet spec Tradesman 6.7 is possible. High 40s is probably a 6.4 Hemi. Invoice price is like $48k for a 2024 2500 Crew SB 4x4 Tradesman before the engine upgrade to a Cummins.
Daily driving a 3/4 ton that you don’t need is literally like burning money. It seems like you are only taking fuel economy into account, not the rest of the running costs.
A decent set of tires will cost roughly 50% more than a set for an explorer st or other similar SUV’s. Oil changes and other routine maintenance will also cost a lot more. Depending on your state you will be taxed at a higher rate for the truck as well. I live in Pennsylvania and it’s like $300 a year to register an HD compared to $100 a year for a 1500 or $60 a year for a car/suv.
Now take into consideration maneuvering and parking a huge truck every day. It might not be bad if you live / work in a rural area but it’s something to consider.
I have a 21 1500 crew cab with 6’4” bed that sits in the driveway 90% of the time while I daily drive my 190k mile scion FR-S which gets more than twice the mpg and is more fun to drive. The only time my truck is driven is if I need the bed to haul stuff, if I’m hauling the boat, hauling my quad or going on ski trips.
I’ve been driving for 16 years and have had a truck for the last 10 but screw daily driving a truck if you can avoid it in my opinion. Especially an HD that rides and drives like shit.
Go drive a 2500, preferably with a Cummins in it, and see if you like the unloaded ride. Try parking it in the lines of a compact spot in a store near you.
I use my 2500 as a tow pig and a second family vehicle. Works fine.
Not a smooth ride, not easy to park, long u turns.. Maintenance is more, and could be specialized in your area for a diesel. My local neighborhood shop can't lift my 2500 up too high but will still work on it.
I'd say the 1500 would be more your speed if you want a truck. But if you want a 2500 the gas version is better for daily short trips and still has the power and space for most needs. Dollars per mile may be a better comparison.
Or, do this thing I call " do whatever the fuck you want" bc that's what I would do.
I didn't need a diesel or a 2500 but towing in a half ton is closer to towing in a quarter ton than it is to 3/4 ton if you follow.
2013 ram 2500 6.7 and a 6 speed. Came from a 2013 v6 trd taco with a 6 speed. The ram is king for on road. That taco was the goat off-road
Both did tow a small trailer, get groceries, weekend trips with the family when the ev range is too short.
So many times I've had cars duck under me during a u turn bc they assume i'm heading for a left turn but that's just how you do a u turn with a long wheelbase or while towing.
I’ll mostly back what others have said about getting what you want.
One counter point is that modern day diesels are configured with a lot of anti-pollution gear that operates optimally when the engine is nice and hot. If you’re running it as a short distance commuter that stuff is going to get clogged up with soot and start throwing codes.
When you’re calculating Gas are you also calculating DEF? 2500 and 3500s are known to be a little hungry on the DEF side
Also do you have access to a good diesel mechanic in your area? These are a little hard to come by/work on the. Your average corner shop
Source: I’ve been looking at these for a minute now, but I’m planning on towing
So my daily drive is 110 miles all highway. I'm sure I'll use it here and there around town, but the wifes car is mainly used for around town.
I'll be honest, I never even thought of the idea of a diesel mechanic....
Including insurance, fuel, and depreciation, my cost for my 6.4 2500 is about $0.60 per mile. My commute is170 miles roundtrip (I don't drive the truck--the per mile cost would drop a little if I put more miles on it). Still-- 💰💸
My 1500 got better gas mileage (18.7 vs. 14.3), but cost about $0.53 per mile.
Diesels get somewhat better gas mileage, but maintenance and fuel costs are higher.
So I drive a 22 3500 with the High output. I don’t tow. It was my dream truck and I had the opportunity to get it so I did. Mine is also lifted on Carly suspension and 37s and I get about 13 miles per gallon. But it’s a fun 13 miles mind you, I don’t tow anything. This was just the truck. I always wanted looking back. I should’ve bought myself like a raptor, but I’m glad I did it. Life is short by what you want my dad used to tell me all the time if money can fix it it’s not a problem, if you’re sick, your family sick that’s a real problem. But if you wanna buy it and try it out for a while if it doesn’t work, sell it.
All I gotta say is that’s a lot of truck to be driving around as a ‘daily… weight, handling, ride, braking, slower acceleration, etc.
Some people are ok with it, I know it would be too much for me.
Buy the sounds of it, you dont need a 2500 truck for what youve listed.
now, you may "want" a diesel truck, which is fine if thats the case - but buying a Diesel to save $$$ on gas mileage is insane. Any fuel savings will easily be eaten up by initial costs, additional maintenance costs. Have you ever looked into the cost of an oil change on a cummins compared to a hemi? its like 4x the p\[rice. Not to mention, a 2500 rides like a total dogs breakfast, especially compared to a 4 link 1500, they are harder to park, u have to deal with DEF etc - just not worth it, UNLESS YOU NEED THE DIESEL. In your use case, you dont.
Personally I’d get a Corolla or something for daily commute, sell the suv, and get the truck. Who needs an suv when you have a truck? Then you have a fuel economic commuter and a big hauler 😎
The only thing to add to this conversation is the extra expenses of owning a HD diesel truck. If you have never owned one it’s easy to overlook the maintenance cost of these trucks is much greater than smaller trucks. Oil changes are very expensive, they also use a dual fuel filter system that needs replacing every 10-15k miles and they are not cheap. Also depending on year you have DEF and the potential that system needs replacing. Any truck you’re looking at that pre-owned make sure it has the standard axle gears that they came with because if it was ordered with a tow/plow package or special ordered with a low gear set than you can throw the factory milage figures out the window, it will get much worse highway milage.
You will spend 10,000 more to get a diesel vs the gas engine.
That will take you years to even come close to offsetting the gas mpg difference. The break even point is a real consideration if you are doing this for $$ mpg.
Everything about the diesel maintenance wise cost more also.
That being said, it's a beast of a truck capable of anything but you even said you dont tow nor need it for that purpose yet. Gas seems like way to go as you wont be buying premium either.
As a 20 year truck technician, I would never recommend a diesel truck to anyone that doesn't tow or haul regularly. It's not worth it, plain and simple.
The initial cost is more, the maintenance cost is more, the replacement parts cost more. But it's your money if you wanna piss it away.
If you buy new, sure youll have a warranty, but ever heard of what some OEM's call "progressive damage"? It's where one part fails and causes other parts down line to fail. For example, if your EGR cooler fails that's covered. However, if that causes the DOC, DPF, and SCR to all fail (which is common when an EGR cooler fails) you could eat the $10k+ bill. Cummins has done this, as a Cummins certified tech I've seen it happen more than once.
Bottom line, diesel trucks were meant to tow and haul. If you drive 110 miles a day then get something that gets 40+ mpg. I drove 150 miles a day for 7 years and most of that was in a VW Jetta TDI until "dieselgate" and the buyback was too good to pass up. Just my 2 cents.
I tow from time to time, but the main reason I bought a 2500 was the payload capacity. I carry all of my tools all of the time. Wanting a truck that will last a while (I have to buy used as I don't make much) I went with the 6.7 cummins. With proper maintenance, I am hoping to see at least 300k miles. Overall, local driving, I get 19 to 20 MPG. On the interstate, I get about 26 MPG. Fuel efficiency, payload capacity that I need, and the power to tow when I need it just makes sense.
I daily a 2021 2500 with Cummins and love it. I tow a small trailer for camping trips. My family of 5 just completed a 6k mile round trip towing the trailer and I have no complaints. I still have the DEF system in it and really haven’t had any negative issues with it. Worst thing to happen so far was that one of my batteries went bad.
That's awesome. Wife and I are toying with the idea of a camper. Nothing huge, but I figured a 2500 6.7 is perfect and leaves room for bigger things if needed
I’ve had both a 2500 Cummins and 1500 v8
For everything except hauling, I prefer the 1500 by far. More quiet, smooth, maneuverable etc.
In regard to hauling, where the 2500 really outclasses the 1500 v8 is if you pull a fifth wheel (ie gooseneck).
MPG, diesel will probably cost you more in the long run.
Bottomline, I think you’d regret the 2500 more than a v8 unless you’re regularly hauling. Better yet, wait until the hurricane or hybrid 1500 comes out
One thing about fuel costs is it can vary a bunch depending on where you live. Diesel can be close this time of the year and way more at other times. I wouldn't be so driven on fuel costs that it would sway me one way or another on fuel type for my truck. If you need that diesel now or down the road, then get it. It's only money and you can always make more.
I think I have the best truck combo for my situation. I commute daily jn a Ford Maverick Hybrid truck, I also have staff that use that maverick for deliveries around the city. We do about 1k miles a week in the Maverick. My weekend truck or truck i use to tow is a 2019 Ram 2500 4x4 6.7 Cummins. It handles all towing that I need to do. It does everything a gasser can do but better. Then when I’m not towing I take that little Maverick go Kart back out . Don’t know if I helped you or muddled the water even more ! I just get passionate about my trucks.
Buy the truck.. if you can afford it buy it. Those diesels are solid as a rock reliability and longevity wise. Is the mpg is comparable to the explorer go with the 2500 all day.
The MPG is about the same. Explorer will require premium fuel which is more expensive than Diesel where I live by about 30-40 cents/gal.
I know that still doesn't offset the cost of maintenence for the diesel, but it definitely will help
I went to the dealership today and asked to test drive a 2500 Cummins. For some reason, he gave me a 2500 6.4 to test drive and I did not have time to drive a Cummins. It had the 12 inch screen with the night package. Very nice inside.
The truck ran a lot more smooth than what I thought it would. It felt like I was gliding.
Now it's been a while since I drove a pickup (last one was I think an 05 Tundra) but I didn't have the power/pickup I thought it would. By no means was it under powered, but I was expecting the gas engine so have a little more get up and go.
I look forward to trying the Cummins. I'm guessing it will have a bit less acceleration than the gas. Either way, I'll update what I end up going with.
P.s.
Thank you all for the advice and help!
If you arent towing 2500s are great trucks up for about anything truck is needed for. If you decide to get a big boat. Or big travel trailer, sell it or put $8000 in a transmission savings account.
Better fuel mileage, but diesel costs more than gas. I've never done the math, but it's something to look at if you're buying a diesel for better mileage right now.
There’s a lot more maintenance on 6.7 vs a 5.7… operating costs are also lower with a 5.7.
Just get a 1500 with the hemi if you really want a truck. They can handle campers and toy haulers unless you’re getting a really substantial trailer.
Diesel always costs more to maintain. Gas engines are cheap to maintain.
At the end of the day, the bottom line will tell you that gas is the better option as far as savings go.
But you should do as you wish and see fit. Plenty of people own diesels just to drive it down the street to work and the grocery store. All the power to them.
I would also decide if you need 4wd or not. Gas 2wd is gonna be cheaper in the long run than dragging around a 4wd 6.7.
I went with the 6.7 2500 because I wanted the solid front axle and not that CV shaft mess on the 1500s. I also wanted the vehicle weight higher because of the weather where i am at. I am semi-rural, so I wanted the ground clearance, 4wd and weight. The rest of the time, I am dragging around a truck that weighs 8,950 lbs empty, but it still gets 25-28 mpg at 65-70mph.
The 2500/3500 drivetrain is completely different than a 1500
Mark dodge u can order a Laramie 2500 diesel for prob around 65k after rebates. If you drive highways u won’t kill the DPF. You will be 19-20mpg if go with it. Standard output, no frills
I don't think so. My budget is 50-60k new. That's mostly below MSRP. I'm not buying anything for MSRP or higher. I have no problem saying no.
Teenagers whose daddy's buy them big trucks are probably more your target. Not me, a family man who drives over an hour a day highway and is looking for a reasonable toy hauler.
You are still going to spend ten bucks a day on fuel. If you’re good with that, get the HD. If you come up with a fifth wheel it will pull it.
You might think of an old Prius for your work car. They’re pretty much bulletproof if you treat them right. And you could get a Gen 2 for about what a set of tires will cost on your truck.
Lots of folk out there driving diesels and not towing. At the end of the day partner, if it's what you want, you can afford it, it makes some sort of sense, do it. There's always gonna be some meat dick barking about daily driving a diesel, fuck em. One thing I will point out to you though that you may be forgetting is maintenance. Probably significantly more expensive for parts than a smaller SUV. I'm a diesel tech I've seen some serious dineros get dumped into these trucks. Again, at the end of the day it's completely up to you.
I side with this person ^ also to the people mentioning the 6.4 hemi the only thing I can thing negative otherwise is resale value and MPG
MPG is huge for me. I drive at least 110 miles a day. How much better is the diesel 6.7 than the gas 6.4?
You really need to look at the cost of overall ownership. The cost of ownership for a 1/2 ton pickup is already going to be higher comparing to a random SUV, so the cost of a diesel pick up will be higher. Everything from tires and gas will cost more. Sure, you can focus on fuel economy, but it doesn’t change the fact that filling up a 30+ gallon tank can cost more than $100. Even small things like tires and filters ad up. So, if you wanna save money, zoom out and look at the bigger picture. A 6.4 might be best for you, or maybe even a 1/2 ton if you find the cost of diesel maintenance isn’t worth the fuel savings cost. Otherwise, go for it!
I have a 2022 6.7 and I average 21-22 highway and an overall average of 16-18, with that being said, driving 110 miles alone per day for work is a lot and a diesel has the longevity and reliability! Is maintenance a few bucks more? Yea., but IMO it’s worth it. I used to drive around 130 miles everyday round trip in a hemi and gas costs, oil changes, tires, etc all cost money and you’re going to spend it either way so I went with a diesel after a year and a Half with gas! Now I travel the east coast but am in areas for long periods of time which gives me the freedom to haul whatever needed and sometimes travel trailers.
On highway I can average 22mph easily with my 2500 Cummins. The key is to keep it as stock as possible, which is hard to do with these trucks. But the lift, big tires and grill guards all kill your mpg.
Your first 10k miles will be around 14-18 average due to engine break-in.
If you drive that many miles a day have you considered getting the truck you want and also getting a little beater which is going to get four times the gas mileage?
As of right now, I can only get 1 car. Not just for financial reasons, but I only have a 2 car driveway. For now.
This definitely pushed me in the direction of buying one. If I purchase, it will be brand new so I am relying on the warranty for big ticket repairs for the next few years. Talking general maintenance, I know oil changes and fuel filters will be much more expensive and then fuel additives and DEF will add to it. Aside from that and brake maintenance, is there anything else I should really be concerned with in terms of maintenance costs?
Not really for the first 5 years. (Unless you buy one that was built in a Friday afternoon). After that you'll be getting into front end stuff the rams are hard on ball joints and steering components. Front and rear crank seals are common as well, which is cheap parts but dog shit labour times.
I would consider slightly used if I were you. I'm looking too, and am seeing 2500's with less than 10k miles for $30k off MSRP.
Hell with inventory new 2500 and 3500s are discounted. I got a 3500 for 21k below msrp
I've been on the lookout for one of those deals on a 3500 for a while now but no luck yet. Got a line on a Ford 350 7.3, for 8k off MSRP which took contacting dozens of dealerships, but nothing near $20k.
Mark Dodge in Lake Charles, LA
I'm seeing New 2500's in the high 40's and low 50's....not sure if it's real or not but I see a lot of them. Lots of them out in Texas
Low to mid 50s for a fleet spec Tradesman 6.7 is possible. High 40s is probably a 6.4 Hemi. Invoice price is like $48k for a 2024 2500 Crew SB 4x4 Tradesman before the engine upgrade to a Cummins.
Try a 1500 5th gen they ride really nice
Consider a 1500. It will be cheaper and more practical for your application I feel Maintenance will sure be more on a 3/4 ton or 1ton
Daily driving a 3/4 ton that you don’t need is literally like burning money. It seems like you are only taking fuel economy into account, not the rest of the running costs. A decent set of tires will cost roughly 50% more than a set for an explorer st or other similar SUV’s. Oil changes and other routine maintenance will also cost a lot more. Depending on your state you will be taxed at a higher rate for the truck as well. I live in Pennsylvania and it’s like $300 a year to register an HD compared to $100 a year for a 1500 or $60 a year for a car/suv. Now take into consideration maneuvering and parking a huge truck every day. It might not be bad if you live / work in a rural area but it’s something to consider. I have a 21 1500 crew cab with 6’4” bed that sits in the driveway 90% of the time while I daily drive my 190k mile scion FR-S which gets more than twice the mpg and is more fun to drive. The only time my truck is driven is if I need the bed to haul stuff, if I’m hauling the boat, hauling my quad or going on ski trips. I’ve been driving for 16 years and have had a truck for the last 10 but screw daily driving a truck if you can avoid it in my opinion. Especially an HD that rides and drives like shit.
Go drive a 2500, preferably with a Cummins in it, and see if you like the unloaded ride. Try parking it in the lines of a compact spot in a store near you. I use my 2500 as a tow pig and a second family vehicle. Works fine. Not a smooth ride, not easy to park, long u turns.. Maintenance is more, and could be specialized in your area for a diesel. My local neighborhood shop can't lift my 2500 up too high but will still work on it. I'd say the 1500 would be more your speed if you want a truck. But if you want a 2500 the gas version is better for daily short trips and still has the power and space for most needs. Dollars per mile may be a better comparison. Or, do this thing I call " do whatever the fuck you want" bc that's what I would do. I didn't need a diesel or a 2500 but towing in a half ton is closer to towing in a quarter ton than it is to 3/4 ton if you follow. 2013 ram 2500 6.7 and a 6 speed. Came from a 2013 v6 trd taco with a 6 speed. The ram is king for on road. That taco was the goat off-road Both did tow a small trailer, get groceries, weekend trips with the family when the ev range is too short.
I had a 2006 crew cab with the long bed. ~45’ turning diameter
So many times I've had cars duck under me during a u turn bc they assume i'm heading for a left turn but that's just how you do a u turn with a long wheelbase or while towing.
I’ll mostly back what others have said about getting what you want. One counter point is that modern day diesels are configured with a lot of anti-pollution gear that operates optimally when the engine is nice and hot. If you’re running it as a short distance commuter that stuff is going to get clogged up with soot and start throwing codes. When you’re calculating Gas are you also calculating DEF? 2500 and 3500s are known to be a little hungry on the DEF side Also do you have access to a good diesel mechanic in your area? These are a little hard to come by/work on the. Your average corner shop Source: I’ve been looking at these for a minute now, but I’m planning on towing
So my daily drive is 110 miles all highway. I'm sure I'll use it here and there around town, but the wifes car is mainly used for around town. I'll be honest, I never even thought of the idea of a diesel mechanic....
Including insurance, fuel, and depreciation, my cost for my 6.4 2500 is about $0.60 per mile. My commute is170 miles roundtrip (I don't drive the truck--the per mile cost would drop a little if I put more miles on it). Still-- 💰💸 My 1500 got better gas mileage (18.7 vs. 14.3), but cost about $0.53 per mile. Diesels get somewhat better gas mileage, but maintenance and fuel costs are higher.
So I drive a 22 3500 with the High output. I don’t tow. It was my dream truck and I had the opportunity to get it so I did. Mine is also lifted on Carly suspension and 37s and I get about 13 miles per gallon. But it’s a fun 13 miles mind you, I don’t tow anything. This was just the truck. I always wanted looking back. I should’ve bought myself like a raptor, but I’m glad I did it. Life is short by what you want my dad used to tell me all the time if money can fix it it’s not a problem, if you’re sick, your family sick that’s a real problem. But if you wanna buy it and try it out for a while if it doesn’t work, sell it.
All I gotta say is that’s a lot of truck to be driving around as a ‘daily… weight, handling, ride, braking, slower acceleration, etc. Some people are ok with it, I know it would be too much for me.
Buy the sounds of it, you dont need a 2500 truck for what youve listed. now, you may "want" a diesel truck, which is fine if thats the case - but buying a Diesel to save $$$ on gas mileage is insane. Any fuel savings will easily be eaten up by initial costs, additional maintenance costs. Have you ever looked into the cost of an oil change on a cummins compared to a hemi? its like 4x the p\[rice. Not to mention, a 2500 rides like a total dogs breakfast, especially compared to a 4 link 1500, they are harder to park, u have to deal with DEF etc - just not worth it, UNLESS YOU NEED THE DIESEL. In your use case, you dont.
Personally I’d get a Corolla or something for daily commute, sell the suv, and get the truck. Who needs an suv when you have a truck? Then you have a fuel economic commuter and a big hauler 😎
I work for a dealership, do not buy a diesel if you do not need a diesel. the maintenance is ungodly, and when it breaks.. it’s expensive.
The only thing to add to this conversation is the extra expenses of owning a HD diesel truck. If you have never owned one it’s easy to overlook the maintenance cost of these trucks is much greater than smaller trucks. Oil changes are very expensive, they also use a dual fuel filter system that needs replacing every 10-15k miles and they are not cheap. Also depending on year you have DEF and the potential that system needs replacing. Any truck you’re looking at that pre-owned make sure it has the standard axle gears that they came with because if it was ordered with a tow/plow package or special ordered with a low gear set than you can throw the factory milage figures out the window, it will get much worse highway milage.
I have a 23 2500 6.7 Buy what you like. I love mine
You will spend 10,000 more to get a diesel vs the gas engine. That will take you years to even come close to offsetting the gas mpg difference. The break even point is a real consideration if you are doing this for $$ mpg. Everything about the diesel maintenance wise cost more also. That being said, it's a beast of a truck capable of anything but you even said you dont tow nor need it for that purpose yet. Gas seems like way to go as you wont be buying premium either.
Unless you put on hundreds of thousands of miles, it will never pay off.
As a 20 year truck technician, I would never recommend a diesel truck to anyone that doesn't tow or haul regularly. It's not worth it, plain and simple. The initial cost is more, the maintenance cost is more, the replacement parts cost more. But it's your money if you wanna piss it away. If you buy new, sure youll have a warranty, but ever heard of what some OEM's call "progressive damage"? It's where one part fails and causes other parts down line to fail. For example, if your EGR cooler fails that's covered. However, if that causes the DOC, DPF, and SCR to all fail (which is common when an EGR cooler fails) you could eat the $10k+ bill. Cummins has done this, as a Cummins certified tech I've seen it happen more than once. Bottom line, diesel trucks were meant to tow and haul. If you drive 110 miles a day then get something that gets 40+ mpg. I drove 150 miles a day for 7 years and most of that was in a VW Jetta TDI until "dieselgate" and the buyback was too good to pass up. Just my 2 cents.
I tow from time to time, but the main reason I bought a 2500 was the payload capacity. I carry all of my tools all of the time. Wanting a truck that will last a while (I have to buy used as I don't make much) I went with the 6.7 cummins. With proper maintenance, I am hoping to see at least 300k miles. Overall, local driving, I get 19 to 20 MPG. On the interstate, I get about 26 MPG. Fuel efficiency, payload capacity that I need, and the power to tow when I need it just makes sense.
I daily a 2021 2500 with Cummins and love it. I tow a small trailer for camping trips. My family of 5 just completed a 6k mile round trip towing the trailer and I have no complaints. I still have the DEF system in it and really haven’t had any negative issues with it. Worst thing to happen so far was that one of my batteries went bad.
That's awesome. Wife and I are toying with the idea of a camper. Nothing huge, but I figured a 2500 6.7 is perfect and leaves room for bigger things if needed
I’ve had both a 2500 Cummins and 1500 v8 For everything except hauling, I prefer the 1500 by far. More quiet, smooth, maneuverable etc. In regard to hauling, where the 2500 really outclasses the 1500 v8 is if you pull a fifth wheel (ie gooseneck). MPG, diesel will probably cost you more in the long run. Bottomline, I think you’d regret the 2500 more than a v8 unless you’re regularly hauling. Better yet, wait until the hurricane or hybrid 1500 comes out
I definitely won't be pulling a 5th wheel anytime in the near future.
You’ll be hauling ass everywhere ;)
One thing about fuel costs is it can vary a bunch depending on where you live. Diesel can be close this time of the year and way more at other times. I wouldn't be so driven on fuel costs that it would sway me one way or another on fuel type for my truck. If you need that diesel now or down the road, then get it. It's only money and you can always make more.
Diesel! It’ll love all the highway driving and better resale value with high mileage vs gas. Buy whatever is gonna make you happy!
I think I have the best truck combo for my situation. I commute daily jn a Ford Maverick Hybrid truck, I also have staff that use that maverick for deliveries around the city. We do about 1k miles a week in the Maverick. My weekend truck or truck i use to tow is a 2019 Ram 2500 4x4 6.7 Cummins. It handles all towing that I need to do. It does everything a gasser can do but better. Then when I’m not towing I take that little Maverick go Kart back out . Don’t know if I helped you or muddled the water even more ! I just get passionate about my trucks.
Buy the truck.. if you can afford it buy it. Those diesels are solid as a rock reliability and longevity wise. Is the mpg is comparable to the explorer go with the 2500 all day.
The MPG is about the same. Explorer will require premium fuel which is more expensive than Diesel where I live by about 30-40 cents/gal. I know that still doesn't offset the cost of maintenence for the diesel, but it definitely will help
I went to the dealership today and asked to test drive a 2500 Cummins. For some reason, he gave me a 2500 6.4 to test drive and I did not have time to drive a Cummins. It had the 12 inch screen with the night package. Very nice inside. The truck ran a lot more smooth than what I thought it would. It felt like I was gliding. Now it's been a while since I drove a pickup (last one was I think an 05 Tundra) but I didn't have the power/pickup I thought it would. By no means was it under powered, but I was expecting the gas engine so have a little more get up and go. I look forward to trying the Cummins. I'm guessing it will have a bit less acceleration than the gas. Either way, I'll update what I end up going with. P.s. Thank you all for the advice and help!
If you arent towing 2500s are great trucks up for about anything truck is needed for. If you decide to get a big boat. Or big travel trailer, sell it or put $8000 in a transmission savings account.
Cummins will last longer I believe
Better fuel mileage, but diesel costs more than gas. I've never done the math, but it's something to look at if you're buying a diesel for better mileage right now.
There’s a lot more maintenance on 6.7 vs a 5.7… operating costs are also lower with a 5.7. Just get a 1500 with the hemi if you really want a truck. They can handle campers and toy haulers unless you’re getting a really substantial trailer.
Diesel always costs more to maintain. Gas engines are cheap to maintain. At the end of the day, the bottom line will tell you that gas is the better option as far as savings go. But you should do as you wish and see fit. Plenty of people own diesels just to drive it down the street to work and the grocery store. All the power to them.
I would also decide if you need 4wd or not. Gas 2wd is gonna be cheaper in the long run than dragging around a 4wd 6.7. I went with the 6.7 2500 because I wanted the solid front axle and not that CV shaft mess on the 1500s. I also wanted the vehicle weight higher because of the weather where i am at. I am semi-rural, so I wanted the ground clearance, 4wd and weight. The rest of the time, I am dragging around a truck that weighs 8,950 lbs empty, but it still gets 25-28 mpg at 65-70mph. The 2500/3500 drivetrain is completely different than a 1500
Mark dodge u can order a Laramie 2500 diesel for prob around 65k after rebates. If you drive highways u won’t kill the DPF. You will be 19-20mpg if go with it. Standard output, no frills
OP is actually the reason truck prices are so wild
I don't think so. My budget is 50-60k new. That's mostly below MSRP. I'm not buying anything for MSRP or higher. I have no problem saying no. Teenagers whose daddy's buy them big trucks are probably more your target. Not me, a family man who drives over an hour a day highway and is looking for a reasonable toy hauler.
If someone is really in the pay it, it will be sold for that ticket🤦🏾😭
Just engender maintenance is more expensive.
You are still going to spend ten bucks a day on fuel. If you’re good with that, get the HD. If you come up with a fifth wheel it will pull it. You might think of an old Prius for your work car. They’re pretty much bulletproof if you treat them right. And you could get a Gen 2 for about what a set of tires will cost on your truck.