Diesel Owners

Reliability is very important to me and I hate dealing with repair or warranty issues.

I am considering a GMC diesel. How many of the current diesel truck owners are happy with their purchase in respect to reliability and maintenance and would you buy a diesel again?

I have an 01 Ford F350 7.3PSD. I absolutely love it and I am going to hang onto it as long as it runs. I have had no issues, however, I don't use it much except to haul the boat. Six years old and only 40K miles.

'02 Ford 7.3L, absolutely love it! The reason I will never own another gas-powered truck

01 Chevy 2500HD Duramax. 98k miles. Love it. I'm with Ryan, I'll always have a diesel at my home.

06 6.0l F250 Ford, love it love it. Only 6k miles and a very minor hiccup that cost me nothing and did not effect performance.

You need to do your research on the model year. Dave and Ryan have what is considered the most reliable Ford Diesel ever. For instance, the 6.0l Ford was the next generation and had some problems in 03-04 which got somewhat ironed out in 05 and by 06 the trucks were very reliable and had few problems.

No matter what the fanboys of each brand tell you, GMC and Dodge had issues early with some of their stuff too, but they got ironed out. Do your research on the model years, there are forums out there that can help. Also remember that most engines had no issues anyway, regardless, but certain model years had more instances. If you are buying used, get an OASIS report that details the vehicle's repair history.

Don't buy anything that was modified, you can never be sure what they did to it. I bought Ford because the dealership sells and services tons of the Diesels in my area, another bonus for sure. Look into where you will need to get it fixed and how many diesel mechanics they have.

Sorry for the long post, just some food for thought. Just wait til you drive one and the turbo spools and you and your boat are on your way, it's pretty awesome really.

02 F250 7.3L, really love it and very reliable. Not quite so sure about the 6.0s. Check out http://thedieselstop.com for as much info on Fords as you care to know.

I'm not a Duramax expert but I would have easily bought one of those as well. They were just more expensive at the time and there were less being turned over.

I definitely would buy diesel again, but I think this truck may just last me the rest of my truck-needing days.

I just switched from a 97 F350 with the 7.3 to an 06 Dodge 3500 with the 5.9. Way more power than the 7.3 but you give up a lot of cab room.http://dieseltruckresource.com Dodge diesel info.

04 Excursion with the 6.0 PSD, 52k miles, love it.

'05 Excursion with the 6.0 PSD. Best tow vehicle ever!

05 duramax. love it

2000 F-250 7.3, 172K miles and going strong. Next spring summer, looking at 06-07 F-350, also going to see if I can stomach the small rear seats of dodge 3500, probably will stick with the Ford.

Have had two 01 7.3 Ford's and two 6.0 Ford's and loved them all. The ideal combo would be a Ford truck because of it's true Heavy Duty size an Allison Transmission and a Cummins Engine. I think you could go with any of the three and have one hell of a truck. There is truly nothing like pulling a boat with a diesel!

The new super duty's are so damn ugly, the 07's were way better looking.

Go for the 08 Super Duty with the 6.4L - You will be very impressed.

^^^^^

YOu could not pay me enough to buy an another 1st year Ford Diesel.

Have an 06 Dodge with the 5.9 CTD and love it. Getting 14 mpg towing at an altitude of 4500-8000ft. Could barely get 14 just driving my Titan on the fwy. Can't go wrong with a diesel. All have their high and low points. Pick what you like and dont regret your decision.

WOW only 1 negative comment. I appreciate the feedback - including the long posts.

I have been to the diesel sites and most people on those sites are also big fans.

Shane has a good point on most 1st generation engines.

Any input on the 2007 Duramax? I believe there have been changes based on emission standards so is this a "new" engine?

02' 7.3 Turbo PSD with Banks power pack system...I will never own a gasser truck again!

http://store.bankspower.com/Categories.aspx?Category=27a23cc7-d7f7-46bd-9ff3-d6a52b9c73f3

if i were you i would go with an 07 duramax but the classic. it keeps the "older" model engine which is a great motor. the new one has some really hardcore emissions stuff on it and it does not live up to its potential. you cannot go wrong with an 05-07 classic duramax

Very happy w/ my '05 Dodge w/ the 5.9 Cummins.

Look here's the deal I own an 05 duramax... Awsome truck ( have to put a programmer in it) my best friend has an 05 F250 <---Ford really screwed the pooch on this one.. For some reason Ford's diesel products right now are garbage..I hope they change it up because I like the line, they just dont have it together right now.

Tim, the motor from the classic to the lmm(new body style) is the exact same motor. the only difference is the emissions stuff that they added to the truck(every diesel manufacturer out there today has to be in compliance to these emissions and has the same emissions items on them) the emissions stuff they added basically is a regen trap that burns the soot off somewhere in the exhaust setup as opposed to being able to drive by hitchhikers or someone with an open car window and stomp on it and fill them with black smoke. the lmm (new truck) has same h.p. and tourque i believe. if you've been on the diesel forums, you'll hear fuel mileage numbers that seem to take the truck breaking in before you see your high teens(you'd be very lucky to get low 20's, from any manufacturer for that matter) Just know that before you buy a diesel that your going to have tree pulling power, but dont' expect to have the mileage of a tdi jetta. lots of guys buy these trucks expecting very good mileage, but at the end of the day it's still a heavy duty truck. they will get decent mileage, but no 30-40 mpg(a bit of an exxageration, but you feel like some guys expect that.) I'm on my 3rd duramax. I had injector issues with the 03(but this is one of the best motors for mileage) traded it on an 04 and didnt' have one issue whatsover. same lb7 motor which gave some of the best mileage. right now i have an lly and don't have any heating issues, injector replacement are almost non heard of on the 05 and newer trucks.

One of the main things if you buy the new body style duramax and want to chip/exhaust and other mods, your going to be waiting a while. let everybody else be the guiney pig(there are a few out there already) but the moment you take your exhaust off the new truck, you void your warranty. with gm's nifty onstar, they can tell when you chip a truck also. I drove a new ford and dodge and was very impressed, but the duramax always has me coming back. i wish they would add a mega type cab to the line up. that would be the cats arse right there. sorry for the book, hope that helps. ryan

We went with the new '08 F350 LB CC with the 6.4 TT Diesel. Can't believe how quiet it is compared to our '03? Runs very smooth and we actually got really good towing mileage driving to Powell a few weeks ago. Hovered around 16-17 with no mods (except a tonneau) 4 adults and towing the VTX.. Plenty of tq and hp stock for just towing a boat, sleds or bikes. Good luck!

Oilburners rule. I couldn't be more happy with my Cummins, MPG is double what my Ford gasser got. Do your homework, before you buy any make.

This is no Exaggeration in MPG with my 05 duramax.... I have an 05 2500 HD with 6" lift 35" tires with 22" rims. I put a Hypertech programmer set on max power, and a Banks Monster exhaust. THAT'S IT! no intake nothing else... I swear that around town ( and I have a heavy foot) I get 14 MPG but on the freeway going 70mph i get 21MPG!!!! Now in a 8900# truck I think that's pretty good. Towing my 23' boat I get about 13mpg.. Hope this helps.. I love my duramax until it was stolen!! NO it's like a tainted girlfriend.

Thanks Ryan. I agree a mega cab would suit me fine.

I cannot find a reason not to buy the Duramax. The 08's are coming out soon maybe I'll wait a couple months to place my order. My neighbor is a GMC dealer so the purchase will be a nice experience for a change.

Nice truck Patrick. Sorry for the loss.

'06 F-250...... 14k miles. My truck hasn't been back to the dealer since the day I drove it off the lot. Absolutely flawless. It tows like a mack and gets great mileage.

My mom came over yesterday to trade me cars (she needed to pick up some outdoor furniture). I drove her Saab SUV home (basically a Chevy Trailblazer). I noticed that her on board computer was reading 14.1 average MPG. I drive my diesel like I stole it, it weighs twice as much and I get 15.2 average MPG. Her Saab is even the 6 cylinder. Needless to say, I've been impressed with overall MPG.

Go for it..... Your only problem will be never wanting to go back to a gasser again, especially if you haul hills.

Tim,

Think about buying an 07 or early 08 GMC. The engine will have less emissions equipment and may not need to be smog checked. That would be worth it alone.

2000 7.3 PSD, F250 Crew - 120K miles - no issues

2006 6.0 PSD, F250 Crew - 20K miles - no issues but it was stolen

2007 6.0 PSD, F250 Crew - 15K miles - no issues

Would have checked out the Duramax 2006 but they did not have the King Ranch package.

^^^^^^^

LOL

"I swear that around town ( and I have a heavy foot) I get 14 MPG but on the freeway going 70mph i get 21MPG!!!! Now in a 8900# truck I think that's pretty good. Towing my 23' boat I get about 13mpg.."

Seems there always needs to be at least one crack addicted diesel owner on these posts.

The programmers can definately boost your mileage if you get the right tune for it. I don't think that's outrageous. My stock deisel get's about 13-14 around town and if I could actually drive it 70 mph on the highway I would see 17-18, but it does 80 mph empty right at about 1900-2000 RPM, so it's right in the comfort zone.

Pulling 5k of boat and another 1k of passengers and gear I average about 13 mpg at 65-70 mph, i usually try to keep it right at 65 due to California wanting me to tow at 55 mph, which is not safe at all condsidering the big rigs are doing 65-70 and the cars doing 75-85, makes me a moving pylon driving in a traffic snarl.

All I'm saying Is: I go to the dunes with a huge group ( about 15-20 riggs) everyone with 26'-40' toyhaulers sometimes in excess of 20,000lbs. That's a lot of weight! the group is pretty divided on trucks and I'm telling you the all these trucks will pull a house down but my friends with the Fords 05 and newer have all had major problems.. Like heads needing replacement and turbos going out. now granted pulling a hauler is a lot more than a boat, but this is where me experience is... I will tell you that putting a lift on my truck has caused some problems with me breaking passanger front drive axles ( 4 of them) some freak on nature when you put 400+ Hp TO A 10" WIDE WHEEL.. So beware.. Ps. I did get me truck back after it was stolen. repaired perfectly... just not the same to me.

I hear ya patrick, it's a headgame but they are never the same. by the way, sweet boat in your other post there. wished i would have gone all red.

sick truck patrick! what kind of tires are those?

i wouldnt think twice on any of the big three diesels! the chevy just fit my needs the best

In my research, when I hear complaints and issues, 95% of the time it's with the Ford Powerstroke. Owners are either real happy or extremely upset with the Powerstroke and there is no middle ground. While it works for some, for me personally, its not worth the potential headache.

If a mule was considered the most reliable ride I would probably find a way to deal with the smell.

If my neighbor was a GMC dealer I would have bought a Duramax too.

In my neck of the desert the Ford Dealers up here are the best of the bunch and have good diesel techs to support the vehicles. The GMC guys didn't even have a diesel on the lot to test drive, I was not all that interested in Dodge, but that's just a preference, not a knock.

A good dealer and a good service department can make all the difference in keeping your diesel in top notch form. I have heard horror stories about untrained techs throwing parts at the Diesels because they can't diagnose the problems.

I had a Ford F350 crew cab duelly 1995 with the 7.3 powerstroke. It was a great engine got 16.5MPG. The problem with the Ford is the transmissions.... Mine went out at 70K. Had the same problem with my gas version F150.. tranny out at 70K. The Ford tranny in my experience does not hold up to towing boats. At the time I was pulling a 18' I/O Seaswirl.. I am curious how well the allisons are holding up with the Duramax?

The newer Ford Torqueshift transmissions are very very solid. The T/H mode is a thing of beauty, and necessity coming down steep grades, very safe and nice keeping the load at steady speed without using the brakes.

I have many dealer choices where I am located but I prefer to visit the dealer as little as possible after the purchase.

I used to pick up my business partner on the way to the office every three months because his explorer was in the shop. When he purchased his next car I told him if he purchased an unreliable model, he was on his own. He bought a MDX and we are both happier.

Patrick,

I'm just messing with ya.

I've got an 04 CTD 3500. I get 13-14 around town, 12-13 towing my boat, and about 17 on the freeway at 65. But then again, I've got 35-12.5s and a leveling kit, along with 410 rear gears and a manual six speed in mine. I just hit 50k and the motor is really starting to break in now. I haven't had a single issue or recall as of yet, and I couldn't be more happy the the torque/hp it produces stock.

Ryan,
Thanks for the compliment on the Boat Yeah.. I happy with the all red inside as well..Although you have to be a little more careful with the boards and stuff.. Red will scratch easier than the White. For those who dont know what I'm talking about here's a pic of the new boat.



Richard,

The tires are Nitto Terra Grapplers 315-50-r22 I think. The wheels are 22" MAZZI Holts.. Pretty affordable for 22" Rims.

Cliff,

i'm glad you were just messing with me.. I was about to open can of "whoopa$$" on you...
But I really do get those numbers with ZERO exageration.. I have about 37K on the motor.. I know what you mean about the break in period. I noticed a change at about 15K and maybe there will be some more..

PS> Dodge is one of the strongest trucks I've driven.. I'm just not a fan of the interior

(Message edited by phx07enzo on June 06, 2007)

I heard Dodge was going to Mercedes diesel's in 08/09 as well as in some Jeep's and Nissian is working a deal with Cummings, anyone else hear anything about this?

My father has owned 3 f150's, a titan, a Powerstroke 6.0, duramax, and he's in a lightning now. Out of all of them, he enjoys the lightning and late model f150's. Since gas is so expensive now, he's been debating on getting back into a powerstroke or cummins. We test drove an 07 powerstroke and a cummins in the same day. The cummins has alot more torque and nicer interior but I liked how the PS had a 5 speed auto. Cruising at 1/4 throttle, the PS is alot louder than the cummins and feels slow from a roll. I don't remember the duramax very much as we owned it for 6,000 miles, the reason my father had sold it was because it isn't as smooth of a ride as other trucks and there is alot of vibration in the cabin causing squeaks and rattles. If youre gonna go diesel, test drive all three and see which fits you best.

"the reason my father had sold it was because it isn't as smooth of a ride as other trucks and there is alot of vibration in the cabin causing squeaks "

One of the deciding factors buying my duramax was the IFS, and it riding quiet a bit better IMO than the other two...

DURAMAX all the way. Just watch out for Mother Nature.

(Message edited by kerryn2skiing on June 06, 2007)

I'm no lumber jack but that doesn't appear to be the most effective method of loading firewood.

(you knew that was coming)

1997 F-350 7.3 PSD 116k on it no problems.
2000 Excursion 7.3 PSD 98k on it no problems
2000 E-350 Motorhome 7.3 PSD 100k on it no problems
2003 F-350 6.0 PSD 63k on it and it is on it's 3rd turbo.

I have driven diesels for over 10 years now and they have all been Fords and I have had almost no trouble with the exception of the turbos. I think the pro's out weigh the con's by about 10 to 1, would I buy another Ford diesel with all the issues on my 03, without a doubt. It doesn't matter which of the big 3 you choose they all have their own little problems, even with the same brand you have good ones and you have bad ones and it has always been that way.

'05 2500 Ram with CTD. First Diesel and I am not going back. 19.5 on freeway at 70, 15.5 towing on freeway at 70.

I have 60K miles on it with no problems... i plan on putting 300k on it by 2016, i just hope the trans lasts!!

You know I am just curious, for those of you who are towing with the Fords, how many miles do you have on the first stock tranny? I am not trying to be negetive here it is just that I am 2 for 2 on ford trannys going out at 70K miles.

I have the worst Ford Tranny made, the 4r100, sitting at 172K.

I'll be different-
1998 Chevy K3500 crew with 6.5 TD. 170k no problems other than two PMDs(now relocated).
1/2 the power for 1/2 the price!.............

Traktor,

You are one lucky sob. We have eleven 6.5's between the years 97.5 - 2000. Every single one of them blew head gaskets at around 75k. It got to the point where our GM rep just sent us replacement long blocks instead of debating the issue. We still have issues with the optic eyes in the injection systems to this day.

cliff, so true, I worked at GM Dealer in the early 90's, the 6.5 TD was the biggest POS since the corvair.

From what I read on the diesel forums, there is one way to make a reliable Ford tranny.

http://www.brianstruckshop.com

They are spendy but unconditionally guranteed for whatever HP you can put to them.

We have a 06 Ford F-450 Lariat, its great but only gets about 11.1 miles per gallon, but diesel prices arent too bad

I would still recommend the new 6.4L on the new Super Duty. I know many people don't believe in an engine in its first model year, but I am confident in it.

I actually worked for Ford for a long time and know just how much they tested the 6.4 b/c of all of the problems with the 6.0 - It was an equivalent of 10 million some miles of testing on the new 6.4 - Take it for what it's worth. I'd at least test drive it - You'll be amazed at how quiet the new motor is.

dodge 2500 cummins 6spd allison

thats all i need to say

add an edge and intake unstopable

craig is that why they have fuel/exhaust/flame/turbo issues and issued a recall. Maybe becuase of the 6.0L failures in the first and the 7.3's to some extent with the CPS failurs.

I always heard dodge had tranny probs in their trucks. My buddys dad had a ram and tranny went a couple times. Do they still have this prob? I am looking to buy a diesel in the next year but not sure what route I want to take. I have to buy used because of cash flow.

Snippy,

Dodge changed from the 47r to 48r auto tranny in late 03. You won't have any issues with the tranny if you leave the motor stock, but if you pump up the hp/trq ratio more than about 20% you may have issues with the new tranny as well. When I purchased my truck I wasn't sure if I was going to want to tinker with it, so I went with their bullet proof manual six speed. Now that I've owned the truck for a few years, I've become a big fan of the manual.

2006 F350 King Ranch 6.0l

Those seats are nice. Like a catchers mit for your butt.

I have a 2002 F-350 7.3L (last year of the 7.3). Awesome truck. I used to have a 2001 F-250 V-10 Gas truck.

No comparison as far as pulling and fuel consumption. I don't want to blow it too far out of proportion though. I mean, a stock diesel doesn't out-tow a decent gasser by THAT much, but it just feels like the diesel is hardly working when compared to a V-10 (i.e. because of large amounts of torque at low RPM versus having to scream the hell out of a V-10 at 4-5K RPM to get 'er moving). I love the sound of the 7.3 Powerstroke. For those that don't like it, it really isn't too loud inside the cab, just outside. No tranny problems on either truck, although I haven't towed much long distance with the newer one. I used to tow a LOT with the older truck, and I was not nice to the powertrain (i.e. matted all the time) and it seemed to hold up well.

My '01 V-10 4X4 Extended Cab was lifted on 35's and got around 8MPG. My '02 Diesel 4X4 Crew Cab Long Bed lifted on 37's gets around 16-17MPG on a combination of city/highway driving. Gets around 13MPG towing a Malibu VLX.

Used diesel is the only way to go in my opinion. A new one is so expensive. It is a little tough to find a clean decent used one, but they're out there.

Diesel fuel being cheaper than gas right now and getting twice the mileage is pretty cool too. Gotta factor in the extra cost of the diesel, but to me it's still worth it for all the added benefits. That's why I bought used: a little less of a hit on the increased cost due to the diesel engine. Used diesels are holding their value very well though and a diesel is still gonna be several thousand more than a comparable gasser.

Danny

I just got a New Body Style 2007 Silverado 2500 HD with the Duramax/Allison six speed. I don't have many miles on it but I can tell you that it will tow an X-45 in hilly terrain and never shift out of 6th gear.

I had a 2005 H2 before. The new truck is faster pulling an X-45 than the Hummer was empty!

Tyler,

Are you happy with the larger tires? I've always fought with shaving or uneven wear on the front outside.

Maybe someone has a solution to prevent it.

On my second Dmax and will buy an LMM. I get 13.5 mpg pulling the boat doing 80 and 19 unloaded with 20" wheels and 35" Toyo Mud Terrains. I have over 500rwhp (EFI Live rules!) in both my trucks and have never had a single issue. I do have built trans though. I like all Diesels and have friends with Cummins and Ford and I like them each for different reasons. I chose the dmax for the ride and interior quality/luxury and will continue to do so. My cummins friends have had no problems. All of my ford friends have. One has the new one with less than 10k and ford is already buying it back because of electrical/ecu issues. He is getting around 7mpg but his previous PStrokes have been better.