Diesel engine...worth it?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Victoria, BC Canada
Diesel engine...worth it?
I've got a 98 F250LD4x4 with a 5-speed and the 4.6L engine. With gas at damn near $2.60 a gallon, I'm having trouble keeping it running. Would trading in for a truck with a diesel engine save me money or is a diesel engine that much more efficient?
Moose
Moose
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Winchester, MA
Most 3/4 ton pickups with a diesel will get between 20-25 mpg. Probably pretty close to what you are getting with your truck. So the added expense (diesels are harder to find and much more expensive) may not be worth it for you.
This is where the manufactures have dropped the ball in my opinion. They need to offer a smaller diesel in the half ton range. This will dramaticaly improve the fuel economy rating for these truck and give acceptable performance to boot. Will a diesel F150 hold its own in a race with a Lightning? Not a chance! But it would give stronger performance and better towing than the V-6 and get 25 -30 mpg doing so.
The technology is out there. Cummins has a 4 cylinder version of the 5.9L ISB that currently makes 130 HP and 380 ft-lbs of torque. With a little work that motor can easily develop 180-200HP and well over 400 ft-lbs of torque. Plenty of power for a 1/2 ton.
This is where the manufactures have dropped the ball in my opinion. They need to offer a smaller diesel in the half ton range. This will dramaticaly improve the fuel economy rating for these truck and give acceptable performance to boot. Will a diesel F150 hold its own in a race with a Lightning? Not a chance! But it would give stronger performance and better towing than the V-6 and get 25 -30 mpg doing so.
The technology is out there. Cummins has a 4 cylinder version of the 5.9L ISB that currently makes 130 HP and 380 ft-lbs of torque. With a little work that motor can easily develop 180-200HP and well over 400 ft-lbs of torque. Plenty of power for a 1/2 ton.
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Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Clarksville, Tennessee
Umm you spend $5000 more for the diesel option to get a 15-20% increase in fuel. 15mpg for the gasser 18 for the diesel.
I think it will take a long time to make up for that. Not to mention if you trade you take the hit on depreciation and so forth. I would think you biggest option would be to find something to drive that is more economical(unless you need to use the truck) but if you are just commuting with it you could save more by getting something else.
In the long run the Diesel will be more economical, but that would be over 100,000 miles. Before that you are losing money .
I think it will take a long time to make up for that. Not to mention if you trade you take the hit on depreciation and so forth. I would think you biggest option would be to find something to drive that is more economical(unless you need to use the truck) but if you are just commuting with it you could save more by getting something else.
In the long run the Diesel will be more economical, but that would be over 100,000 miles. Before that you are losing money .
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Joined: Sep 2002
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Diesel prices are usually cheaper than gas, and it is usually more steady. I don't watch them closely, but I notice that gasoline and diesel prices are about the same in winter.
Not only would the MPG's be more for a diesel, but it's cheaper too!
Not only would the MPG's be more for a diesel, but it's cheaper too!