Who owns a diesel and regrets it? (general diesel/pickup questions)

[Safari Ary]

In considering all of my options for a new DD I've thought about getting a pickup. I work on a construction site and haul stuff occasionally, but the main reason for getting a pickup would be for tow-rig duties. For that reason I'm looking at the diesels(and I love the way they sound :D). I have a couple of questions though.

How does the cost per mile compare to a gasoline engine in a similar truck maintenance/operation wise?

I'm getting about 15mpg on average out of the XJ and am happy with that economy wise. What could I expect to get from say a late model superduty mileage wise??

I drove a long-bed crewcab '00 F-250 last night(only superduty on the lot) and that thing was SOOOOOO freakin long. I would probably stick with an extended cab regardless of bed-length, since I've had passengers in the backseat of the XJ maybe 3 times. For DD useage is there any big reason to go with a long bed?

What kind of reliability do these things have when they get into the higher mileage? The one I looked at last night had 95,000 miles on it, but the salesman said "that's just getting broken in for a diesel(I was thinking, yeah, but what about the tranny?)." Any years/models to be weary of?? Tranny problems?

I'm leaning heavily towards the Ford simply 'cause I like the way they look and really don't care for what Chevy or Dodge has brought to the table and I've had good luck with Ford's in the past.

4x4 is a must for me due to jobsite conditions, so that's not up for discussion. Do the 250's have D44s up front?

Thanks for reading my rambling, I'm sure I'll add more questions later :D

Safari Ary

[BajaXJ92]

I'd rather be cummin than strokin. :D :D

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid102/pac3872865863bb456a90738d4e60935a/f9ccd1de.jpg

[lesslimited]

Ary, did you read this thread?
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17328
Some of your answers are there, I believe. I can't remember what I posted in there, but I do like my 95 E-350 PSD, even though it has needed some repairs, at 168k miles it runs great, 14-15 mpg around town. I've read different estimates on payback time versus gas- from 85k to 135k? miles, but that was at new prices. Buying used lowers the relative cost of the diesel.

[Moto]

The Construction company that I work for used to have several superduties. The main issue that we had was that the frames were bending right behind the cab, and that the tranny is a weakspot. We currently only have one left and now run nothing but Chevy HD diesels, and have been having very good luck. On the older superduties with the powerstroke, the engines are decent but if you are looking for one, buy a 2001, that engine has significantly more power. If you are only using the truck for your own personal transportation and to haul some stuff. It should hold up fine for you. Maintenece costs can be expensive, they hold alot more fluids than your XJ. I really like diesels myself, but they can be a pain in the winter, if it gets cold, plan of stocking up on fuel conditioner to keep the fuel from gelling up, as well as luke warm heat, which can be avoided by restricting air flow through the radiator with cardboard or anything like that. Another thing to remember is that if you do get this truck or some similar, that you should familiarize yourself with how to drain the water separator that removes water from your fuel. Thats pretty much all I can think of for now. Goodluck

[CRASH]

I had to rebuild teh heads on my 86 Ford 6.9 Navistar over the last couple of weeks due to some glow plug issues, bu the good news was that at 186,000 on the ticker, with the last 100,000k turbocharged, the cylinders still had crosshatching, and the thing makes high, even compression amongst all 8 cylinders.

I hate V shaped motors out of general principle, but this thing has treated my family right for about 12 years of HARD labor, so I really can't complain.

My brothers Banks equipped 1989 Dodge will outpull it though. He's up over 500 ft-lbs, and I'm at about 420 ft-lbs.

CRASH

[Glenn B]

You should ask Dilllinger. I think he invented the diesel.
Glenn

[Safari Ary]

You should ask Dilllinger. I think he invented the diesel.
Glenn
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[BajaXJ92]

You should ask Dilllinger. I think he invented the diesel.
Glenn

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid102/pe6414bc6a684022a09a7c6d8add3d36e/f9cc56f8.jpg