I read about this a couple years back. Ford was going to use a diesel provided by Land Rover. Dodge is supposed to use a new build by Cummins and Chevy is supposed to make their own. Dodge and Chevy were supposed to come out in 2009 and Ford in 2010.
I have the 1999 F-250 7.3L diesel. It is 11 years old. The cost of the diesel is not bad if you keep the truck long enough. If you trade every 4 or 5 years and you do not pull anything, it would be a waste of money to invest any extra money in the diesel engine.
I have a friend who had a 1997 F-350 that had 800K miles on her. All he did was change a few clutches and a radiator. Hurricane Rita took that one out. He got his money's worth out of her.
WHen diesel was $4.50/gal., it still didn't hurt me. I didn't have a $500 note like most of the guys I work with. And I get 20 mpg on the highway. That ain't bad for a 3/4 ton truck.
If you keep the truck till it costs you too much money to keep her going, then get a diesel. It will definitely save you money in the long run.
I have invested in a new clutch at 175K miles. I have bought 3 sets of tires, one fan belt and 2 sets of batteries in 200K miles. That is all she needed in 11 years besides oil and filters.
I am hoping to get another 5 years out of her, then find a small truck to scoot around in, but I will keep the 3/4 ton to move our tractor between Cameron and Lake Charles with. The old Ford will stay with me until she dies.
|