Columbia- Welcome to the Diesel Dummies Board! :lol: I'll put in my two cents on this one, having owned Diesel pickups since new starting in 1989.
*No matter what you buy nowdays, your choice especially from the "Big Three" will get you a solid vehicle that is leaps and, bounds ahead of what anyone ever thought owning a diesel engine in a pickup chassis could be.*
Fact-The emissions issue is here to stay, you have the option to keep it stock under warranty and, mess with it latter or leave it alone.
Fact-Any Pickup Truck that has a leaf spring rear end (versus coil) is going to ride...Like a truck.
Fact-Any Pickup Truck with 20" wheels is also not going to ride Cadillac smooth. (I could have stayed with the factory 18" but, didn't).
Fact-Maintenance with a Diesel (when you have a major malfunction) is going to cost more than a comparable Gas motor. Get used to it.
Fact-Anyone who tells you that they added this...added that to their 2500/3500 and, are getting 27-28 mpg (AT THE PUMP) is blowing smoke.
-Now that little Fiat Diesel in the Ram 1500...W:smile:W! I don't know an unhappy owner so far!- But, that's a little 1/2 ton...
Here's my latest example. *Witchita* Ok, i'm such a geek i actually name my vehicles...
View attachment 309824
*Witchita* is my latest factory ordered 2015 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn that stickered for $70k that i took home for $60 flat. It has every option except-
Sunroof, Two Tone paint, Fifth Wheel mount package, Rear Air Suspension and, Snowplow package. THAT'S IT.
I added (among things) Amp Research Power Steps (better ground clearance over stock tube steps), Improved Towing items, S&B Cold Air Intake (oiled filter), Ride Hite Rear Air Suspension (better than stock at half the price), Bilstein Shocks (better) and, last but, not least TS Stryker Box (which drives the dealer crazy but...but..THEY can't do a $%&#'n thing about since it DOES NOT fingerprint the ECM).
Stock its 385 horse and, 865 pound feet of torque from the factory. On an Dynojet roller dyno a while back it put 423 horse to the ground and, over 900 pound feet at 1650 rpms. This thing pulls like a FREIGHT TRAIN. You don't floor it on wet or slick winter ground.
Doesn't even blow smoke...Which is stupid unless your dealing with a competition application.
Once again- Blowing Black Smoke is ignorant and, your money out the pipe(s). :no:
Warranty issues so far with *Witchita* have been (Because Dodge's are third rate for some.)
1. Right side mirror "LED Puddle light" burned out- Owner troubleshot, replaced at Dealer-15 minutes out the door.
2. Drivers seat lumbar motor stopped working- Dealer replaced seat back in 2 hours.
3. Dash mechanical oil pressure gauge stopped working (electronic gauge verified proper oil pressure). Dealer replaced in 1 hour.
That's it in 49,000 miles...Maybe less or more for other Dodge owners but, i still love her!
By the way- The truck is ONLY 22 months old...
I do the oil changes every 10K, transmission (AISIN Auto) filter every 30K (Dealer wants $400, i do it for $120). Empty she gets 16-18 in mixed city/highway mode and, up to 22 on the Interstate with the cruise set at "Mach 70". Towing? Normally with 15,000lbs behind my 9000lb truck...15mpg. Goes through 2 1/2 gallons of DEF every 7500-8000 miles (buy your DEF in the 2 1/2 gallon cube at your local Farm Supply Superstore) Cost? $7.
Dodge Body rot
Yah- They all do here in Indiana. Come walk the employee parking lot with me sometime...They all RUST very well (THE BIG THREE).
SOLUTION- Get yourself an aerosol can or two of
FLUID FILM CLean the underside of your vehicle and, let dry...just spray it on and, let sit. I buy it in the gallon size and, apply it with a paint gun and, air compressor. Liquid armor against all Sodium/Calcium/Rust...um Sprays that they paint the road with!
Soooo.....If you happen to be at LDRS 36 this year in Maryland look for me- I'll be somewhere in the back row. You'll find the interior of my Larmaie Longhorn is very comfortable and, well put together. Plus the "Infotainment" Center is awesome! I'll even let you take her for a spin...
Realize that the Diesels have come along way and, they require preventative maintenance to stay running that way but, in the end they will outlast and, out pull their gas competitors. Good Luck with your decision!