Buying a diesel truck has many advantages over a standard gasoline-powered truck. The fuel economy is generally better and a diesel engine is more torque so it is more capable of towing heavy loads. Additionally, diesel engines tend to last quite a bit longer than gasoline-powered engines and have fewer maintenance problems in general.
While there are many advantages to buying diesel, there are not as many varieties available and they do have a higher sticker price. Ford, GMC and Ram are the three main American varieties of diesel trucks you can purchase.
Ford diesel trucks contain a Power Stroke engine, and these engines are found in several past and present models of Ford trucks, SUVs and vans. The Ford Super Duty trucks are the category of Ford trucks that contain a Power Stroke engine. The sticker price for a new Super Duty truck ranges from about $38,000 for an F-250 XL with the diesel engine option up to the F-450 Platinum which comes standard with a 6.7L Power Stroke engine and starts at around $67,500.
General Motors produces two different makes of diesel trucks, the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sienna. The Silverado diesels use a Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo engine which is capable of pulling more than 20,000 pounds. The Silverado diesels range in price from about $40,000 to about $60,000 for the top-of-the-line model. The Sierra 3500 HD is the diesel version of the Chevy Sierra with a base sticker price of about $44,000 and the same engine as the Silverado.
If you're a fan of the Dodge brand, you might consider purchasing a Ram truck. These used to be called Dodge Ram trucks and are still basically Dodge trucks, although the Dodge name has been dropped. The Ram diesels have a tough 6.7L Cummins Turbo engine, and this engine is an option or standard for the Ram 3500 series trucks. The least expensive models start at $40,000, while the pricey versions can cost $50,000 or more.
Each type of truck has its pros and cons, so not only do you need to research repair records and cost, you also need to consider what your main truck needs will be before purchasing. Because diesel engines are so tough, you also can consider purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, so research which used makes and models seem to be the best, as well.
Once you've purchased your truck, you can consider adding some special features to increase horsepower, torque and fuel economy. An aftermarket tuner, as well as upgraded exhaust and cool air intake systems are some great options that transform your stock truck into a performance machine. Be sure you purchase the correct parts for your truck's engine, as companies such as EFI, Edge, Bully Dog and others make parts specifically for Duramax, Cummins or Ford engines.
While there are many advantages to buying diesel, there are not as many varieties available and they do have a higher sticker price. Ford, GMC and Ram are the three main American varieties of diesel trucks you can purchase.
Ford diesel trucks contain a Power Stroke engine, and these engines are found in several past and present models of Ford trucks, SUVs and vans. The Ford Super Duty trucks are the category of Ford trucks that contain a Power Stroke engine. The sticker price for a new Super Duty truck ranges from about $38,000 for an F-250 XL with the diesel engine option up to the F-450 Platinum which comes standard with a 6.7L Power Stroke engine and starts at around $67,500.
General Motors produces two different makes of diesel trucks, the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sienna. The Silverado diesels use a Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo engine which is capable of pulling more than 20,000 pounds. The Silverado diesels range in price from about $40,000 to about $60,000 for the top-of-the-line model. The Sierra 3500 HD is the diesel version of the Chevy Sierra with a base sticker price of about $44,000 and the same engine as the Silverado.
If you're a fan of the Dodge brand, you might consider purchasing a Ram truck. These used to be called Dodge Ram trucks and are still basically Dodge trucks, although the Dodge name has been dropped. The Ram diesels have a tough 6.7L Cummins Turbo engine, and this engine is an option or standard for the Ram 3500 series trucks. The least expensive models start at $40,000, while the pricey versions can cost $50,000 or more.
Each type of truck has its pros and cons, so not only do you need to research repair records and cost, you also need to consider what your main truck needs will be before purchasing. Because diesel engines are so tough, you also can consider purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, so research which used makes and models seem to be the best, as well.
Once you've purchased your truck, you can consider adding some special features to increase horsepower, torque and fuel economy. An aftermarket tuner, as well as upgraded exhaust and cool air intake systems are some great options that transform your stock truck into a performance machine. Be sure you purchase the correct parts for your truck's engine, as companies such as EFI, Edge, Bully Dog and others make parts specifically for Duramax, Cummins or Ford engines.
About the Author:
Jone Carducci enjoys writing reviews on truck accessories. For more information about diesel performance products like a Smarty diesel tuner, or to find other truck accessories like an AirDog fuel pump, please check out the Truckwurx site now.
