Thoughts

Johnnyee · January 6, 2016

All I can add is that I have 22000 miles after 1 year. Have not spent a penny on engine maintenance except using quality diesel fuel and stanadyne additive. I have used up me 4 free oil changes and my fuel filter is at 50 percent per the DIC.

I have always been a 6.0 gas owner but the difference between the two is night and day. I have had zero issues with the Dmax and the torque, smooth shifting of the Allison and the exhaust brake are worth the extra $9k in my opinion.

I should add I'm averaging around 16 mpg daily driving in metropolitan area.

Ditto for me. 25,000 miles in 11 months. Absolutely no problems. I love it and would do it again.

JRKRACE · January 6, 2016

The diesel vs gas debate will rage on forever...My experiences are positive in both gas and diesel..I had 2 6.0s that were good to me but were underpowered. I have 2 diesels and they have been good to me also. My 07 has north of 90K and is going strong with nothing but a light tune and lift pump. When I bought it everyone was worried about injectors and so far it's been trouble free. My 15 has 12K and has been good too, but it's too early to tell. If it breaks GM will fix it. When the warranty is up, I'll dump it and get another one....Unless Gm comes out with something with a bit more grunt in the gas lineup......

As far as maintenance....oil changes, filters, and even DEF are not deal breakers...It's not like you break the bank on an oil change. 20.00 worth of Delvac, 10.00 oil filter, and 20.00 worth of DEF every 10K miles or so is not crazy.....

Test drive both and make your decision...Only you know what's good for YOU....

RM3851 · January 7, 2016

I don't get it. A fully loaded 1500 6.2 is about $57. I got quoted $55k OTD, '16 Silverado CCSB, 4x4, Duramax, LTZ, Z71...

Ride that till 3yr/36k miles is about to go, and slap on $2500 (cca $35 more a month for the payment) for the full on 100k bumper to bumper warranty. If you sell it beforehand, you get a portion of the unused warranty back anyway...

Let them worry about all of the parts breaking down on you...

Its not that hard to profit while owning pretty much any vehicle these days...

FWIW, I "lemon law" my old STi OVER THE PHONE and had it all taken care of within a week. Bought back by the dealer, and new one ordered and delivered. All for the same amount, same terms, etc...

Hockeylover86 · January 10, 2016

To answer the original question from the OP, yes diesel performance parts are typically quite a bit more expensive than gas.

From a capability perspective you don't need the diesel but it sounds like you want it..

All you have to ask yourself is can you afford the purchase price, plus the thousands for trans upgrades and emissions deletes?

If so, no gasser will touch the fun factor of a modded diesel.

Buy you WILL pay to play....

diyer2 · January 10, 2016

If money is not an issue, buy the diesel.

Being a retired construction worker, a vehicle to me is a tool, and I buy a tool to perform a job.

If you are going to tow a lot, Dura Max, Allison for sure. To tow occasionally gasser, then how much weight? 5.3L, 6.2L, 1500, 2500.

I would figure out my planned usage and buy accordingly, keeping money in my wallet was important, I hated to work.

becker87 · January 11, 2016

You are averaging 16 mpg with your Dmax. I average 14 mpg with a 6.0L 2500. Now with fuel, in my area, being around $1.80 for gas, that equates to about 12.8 cents a mile for fuel. With diesel in my area at around $1.85, using your numbers, cost per mile for fuel would be about 11.5 cents a mile. Better right! But it cost how much to save about 1.3 cents a mile.... $5000-$6000 just for engine/trans alone? And how long, just in fuel, would it take to break even? About 384,000 miles using just the $5000 higher initial cost number. And in that time you will need be also using DEF for the SCR unit, and more than likely need a new DPF filter. Check the price on that one! And hopefully nothing else bites the dust like an EGR cooler, SCR injector, or fuel system issue as was mentioned. And if we ever see the fuel prices of just a few years ago again, hang on to your wallet. Diesel was averaging $1 more per gallon than gas not all that long ago. Some folks just have short memories.

You do not average 14 MPG with your 6.0L truck. I'm sorry but I have read this same BS over and over from you. I have no doubt you have achieved the claimed 14 MPG driving 55 MPH on rural back roads that you claim you do but driving in the city with stop and go driving or driving above 65 MPH you are not AVERAGING those numbers you claim. I appreciate all your input on this forum as I'm sure many others do but please do not stretch the truth.

Cowpie · January 11, 2016

Call it BS. I really don't care. You are not here. I have posted DIC results of getting nearly 18 on road trips. I know what I am averaging for the life to the vehicle and it is in the 14 area. Last 245 miles running the gravel roads, highways to town and back, in town driving, all of it, have been 13.9 mpg in below 10F weather with E15 fuel.

I never claimed to be trying to set land speed records. No, no one is going to get 14 average running 80 mph or more everywhere. For me, I am not that stupid to do so anyway. I just have no desire to run above 65 mph anywhere and don't. Even with my semi truck, even though it can hit 100 mph at 1600 RPM in 18th gear tied to 2.64 rear ends, I hardly ever drive faster than about 62-63 in 16th gear. Just don't have the motivation to burn up fuel necessarily or eat up my tires. I have never claimed to be getting 14 average running 80 mph, if you can prove that then feel free to quote the post.

I have always made it quite clear that most of my running is rural two lane roads, gravel roads, off road and some in town stuff. I rarely hit the 4 lane interstate type of roads and then I generally run 65. Even posts where I showed the 400 mile mpg average on road trips, you can clearly see I am traveling at 65 mph. And in doing so, I have averaged 14 mpg for the life of the vehicle, give or take a couple of tenths, for the last 17,000 miles. No need to stretch the truth. I just know how to drive. I also have a proven 7.93 mpg with my commercial semi truck over it's 491,000 mile life. That is a solid 22% better fuel economy than the national average for Class 8 semi trucks pulling dry van trailers. Just because others haven't figured out how to drive is such a way to maximize there fuel economy is not my problem. It is theirs.

Your ass is just chapped because you can't pull it off. Again, not my problem. I had a few courses in psychology in college, but your issues are outside my pay grade.

crankman · January 12, 2016

Going back and forth between 2500hd diesel or 6.2 l. I know I can get a lot more performance out of the diesel but my question is does it cost a lot more than performance to the gas motor like headers, exhaust, tune? Either can tow what I own so that is not an issue.

Wow lots of interesting answers but i wanted to tell snowman my experience picked up a 6.2 new in 2011 6 speed geez performance that truck oozed it all day any time i got my foot in the pedal. I could put you in the back of the seat quick. Pulling you said either truck would suite you so thats a plus, I didnt see the need with the 6.2 of any needed aftermarket parts but that may have changed now that there 8 speed and different rear end ratios. I had the 3.73 whew it would pull and pull she would go with that max tow 3.73 set up. I dont have a bit of experience with a duramax I looked over them fondly at the dealer would love to have one. I bet they would be fun to drive to. Good luck with your choice.

SMiller · January 12, 2016

Call it BS. I really don't care. You are not here. I have posted DIC results of getting nearly 18 on road trips. I know what I am averaging for the life to the vehicle and it is in the 14 area. Last 245 miles running the gravel roads, highways to town and back, in town driving, all of it, have been 13.9 mpg in below 10F weather with E15 fuel.

I never claimed to be trying to set land speed records. No, no one is going to get 14 average running 80 mph or more everywhere. For me, I am not that stupid to do so anyway. I just have no desire to run above 65 mph anywhere and don't. Even with my semi truck, even though it can hit 100 mph at 1600 RPM in 18th gear tied to 2.64 rear ends, I hardly ever drive faster than about 62-63 in 16th gear. Just don't have the motivation to burn up fuel necessarily or eat up my tires. I have never claimed to be getting 14 average running 80 mph, if you can prove that then feel free to quote the post.

I have always made it quite clear that most of my running is rural two lane roads, gravel roads, off road and some in town stuff. I rarely hit the 4 lane interstate type of roads and then I generally run 65. Even posts where I showed the 400 mile mpg average on road trips, you can clearly see I am traveling at 65 mph. And in doing so, I have averaged 14 mpg for the life of the vehicle, give or take a couple of tenths, for the last 17,000 miles. No need to stretch the truth. I just know how to drive. I also have a proven 7.93 mpg with my commercial semi truck over it's 491,000 mile life. That is a solid 22% better fuel economy than the national average for Class 8 semi trucks pulling dry van trailers. Just because others haven't figured out how to drive is such a way to maximize there fuel economy is not my problem. It is theirs.

Your ass is just chapped because you can't pull it off. Again, not my problem. I had a few courses in psychology in college, but your issues are outside my pay grade.

I bet you would get 22mpg with your driving style in a Duramax.

Personally I have stuff to do and no time. I did get 13mpg out of my 6.0 on a road trip once, never came close again. Not worried one bit about it though.

I did just spend 24hrs on a property doing snow removal/management and got 4.2mpg out of a 6.0 Ford, would have got the same mileage in a gas truck and not had the noise and weight of the diesel.

becker87 · January 12, 2016

Call it BS. I really don't care. You are not here. I have posted DIC results of getting nearly 18 on road trips. I know what I am averaging for the life to the vehicle and it is in the 14 area. Last 245 miles running the gravel roads, highways to town and back, in town driving, all of it, have been 13.9 mpg in below 10F weather with E15 fuel.

I never claimed to be trying to set land speed records. No, no one is going to get 14 average running 80 mph or more everywhere. For me, I am not that stupid to do so anyway. I just have no desire to run above 65 mph anywhere and don't. Even with my semi truck, even though it can hit 100 mph at 1600 RPM in 18th gear tied to 2.64 rear ends, I hardly ever drive faster than about 62-63 in 16th gear. Just don't have the motivation to burn up fuel necessarily or eat up my tires. I have never claimed to be getting 14 average running 80 mph, if you can prove that then feel free to quote the post.

I have always made it quite clear that most of my running is rural two lane roads, gravel roads, off road and some in town stuff. I rarely hit the 4 lane interstate type of roads and then I generally run 65. Even posts where I showed the 400 mile mpg average on road trips, you can clearly see I am traveling at 65 mph. And in doing so, I have averaged 14 mpg for the life of the vehicle, give or take a couple of tenths, for the last 17,000 miles. No need to stretch the truth. I just know how to drive. I also have a proven 7.93 mpg with my commercial semi truck over it's 491,000 mile life. That is a solid 22% better fuel economy than the national average for Class 8 semi trucks pulling dry van trailers. Just because others haven't figured out how to drive is such a way to maximize there fuel economy is not my problem. It is theirs.

Your ass is just chapped because you can't pull it off. Again, not my problem. I had a few courses in psychology in college, but your issues are outside my pay grade.

So your average of 14 MPG consists of 90% driving on a two lane or gravel road under 65 MPH and the other 10% is mixed of a little in town/ off road. That in my eyes is not an average. An average would consist of a 50/50 mix of driving or a sway towards city driving, most on this site I believe would agree. Again, not trying to pick a fight, that's not what this site is for, it's for information and I just want you to be clear on how you have obtained those numbers when you tell fellow members.

TackleBox · February 22, 2016

So, I have been reading a lot on this and other forums about diesel vs gas to help me make a decision on which one I want to order in the next year. What I see is a lot of info on fuel costs, maintenance costs, etc. What I don't see much of is factoring in resale value. I have priced new trucks on the Chevy an GMC sites so many times I could almost quote the prices. And having checked the used market both on line at at dealers, I see resale values for gas being a few thousand dollars less than diesel- regularly. Seems the initial cost of the diesel option is partially recovered at sale. Thus in the long run, it really isn't an $8k or so option, maybe like $4k or $5k. Kinda makes the decision even harder for me! I am not decided yet, the more I analyze the tougher the decision gets!

SMiller · February 22, 2016

Have you test drove both? They feel night and day different!

The cost doesn't bother me and I do feel IF you keep the truck long enough that it evens out, the problem is trusting the fuel system and emission equipment and I do NOT trust it on this truck!!!

I do hear that the '17 will have the fuel system worked out and will be good to go.

TackleBox · February 23, 2016

Have you test drove both? They feel night and day different!

The cost doesn't bother me and I do feel IF you keep the truck long enough that it evens out, the problem is trusting the fuel system and emission equipment and I do NOT trust it on this truck!!!

I do hear that the '17 will have the fuel system worked out and will be good to go.

Oh, yes, I have driven both several times. And like the diesel overall. The 6.0 performs OK on the test drives, but not sure how it will tow or perform loaded with weight. Most guys I know with older 6.0s have to really baby the go pedal to get 12 mpg. One towed a flatbed with a tractor on it to teneseee and average a little under 7 mpg towing. I keep thinking the diesel is the way for me, but all this talk about fuel system problems, DEF quality problems and DPF replacement, has me rethinking the choice. I would think the DPF and fuel system issues would be covered until the drivetrain ran out as long as bad fuel/DEF wasn't the issue, right?

Cowpie · February 23, 2016

Resale values may be there, they may not. If we were to hit $5 diesel the way we did a few years ago, resale may not be there. Depending on how well the emissions stuff holds up, again, resale may not be there. At least not as big a factor as we have enjoyed in the past. Me, personally, I wouldn't buy a used emissions laden diesel if my life depended on it. Just me. I have already been burned hard on a couple of used Cummins ISX emission engines, and unless I know the person I am buying from and know how they used their pickup and maintained it, I wouldn't buy a used Dmax or any other brand. Just me. On one of those engines I mentioned, I got nicked for $17,000 in repairs on it, and it all centered around emission failure stuff. EGR's, EGR coolers, and the list goes on. Several thousand was just in sensors.

That is why I circumvented the whole thing with my current semi truck and bought a 2013 Freightliner without a motor or trans and dropped in a pre-emission factory rebuilt engine and trans. A much happier camper.

Buying new, and if I needed a diesel, I would get one. I don't need one, so I didn't. I primarily haul with my 2500 and towing is an afterthought. I can't haul in a 1500 what I can in my 2500, so I go the 2500. But had no desire to have a Dmax emblem on the hood.

SouthpawHD · February 23, 2016

I agree with CP on this one, the diesel resale might be there, might not be. But if you are buying simply for the resale, buy gold, it's a better bet.

Do you tow a lot? Haul a lot? Take long trips towing a heavy travel trailer? If so, get a diesel. If no, a gasser just might work for you. But only YOU can decide what vehicle suits YOUR needs and YOUR budget. Good luck.