Help me buy a truck (Update)

[neverendingproject]

Here's the deal guys, I'm in the market for a new truck. I need everyone's help on here to find one that's right based on previous experiences, assuming money is not an issue.

Here's what I'm looking for.
1. I would like a new truck, but it can be used.
2. A turbo diesel is required.
3. 4x4 is a necessity.

Most importantly, I'm looking for the best fuel mileage. Now I know that I'm not going to get great mileage, but I'm looking for the best mileage out of these requirements. Tonnage doesn't matter, but I need 4 wheel drive and I like the longevity that a diesel offers.

Please give me your suggestions.

Update: So I forgot requirement 2 because I found that all the new diesels are getting crap for mileage because of the DPF stuff for emissions requirements. I am now the owner of a red H3T. It has more chrome on it than I want but I wanted a Manual transmission and apparently they are pretty hard to come by. This was the only one within 500 miles of the dealer.

The reason I got it was that the 5 cylinder gets decent mileage. The sticker says 18MPG highway, but after some research I found that 20-25 MPG is common if you dont drive over 70MPH, while diesels were getting 10-15mpg. Of course the other reason is that the vehicle has the following options on it from the factory.
-Sunroof (I like)
-4.56 gears
-4:1 transfer case
-front and rear locking differentials
-33 inch tires
-cast iron front differential

So that's that. I'm sure I'll get a little flamed for buying a Hummer, but it is the most capable truck on the market (and nearly doubles the mileage of my current vehicle) and the price (34k) wasn't all that bad considering the stuff it has

 

[dfl701]

Are you wanting brand new? I love the duramax trucks. Easily can get 20mpg in the newer trucks. The cummins will almost last forever. Ad of course there's the furd. You won't find a diesel in half ton so you have to buy a 2500 or higher

 

[YZEATER]

find a decently used, low mileage one. i have a 06' ford, would have bought a chevy but they no longer make manual transmissions in diesels. stay away from 03-04 ford's with a 6.0, those are supposed to have more problems then the later ones. i get 16 mpg with mine average.

how much are you looking to spend?

 

[throttleissues]

For fuel mileage, Dodge (Cummins) is probably your best bet. That said, I love my '05 D-max. I would avoid a Ford like the plague, but that's just experience talking since I work on them. I would be inclined NOT to buy new on any of them. The latest batch of emmissions rules seem to be causing some reliablility issues, at least with Chevy. To me, the best Chevy/GMC would be a '06, due to the 6-speed Allison and best tow mirrors.

 

[neverendingproject]

Thanks for the replys. For the sake of discussion we will say that money is not an issue. I've heard that the new 6.7 Cummings has had problems along with the 6.4 ford. Chevy had more drivetrain reliability, but I'm driving my parents truck (GMC) right now and there seems to be a lot of little issues with it along with some design flaws that get on my nerves.

I would like a standard though when I make a decision, along with 3.73 or 3.40 gearing.

 

[apache]

After 3 Cummins Dodges I`ll add longevity in a engine is great but when the box it came in falls apart long before its still a losing game. In in the big picture of things I can honestly say a 12 mpg gasser would have saved me thousands of dollars and a boat load of frustration.

 

[zj4play]

I had a chevy 2500HD, diesel with the allison. Loved the truck and was and still am bummed I sold it. Had a programmer, full exhaust and intake and got over 20 mpg on the highway with 33" tires...no lift. My buddy owns an online parts distributor and was telling me about a new kit for the chevys...twin turbo that puts out 800hp to the rear wheels, and gets over 25 mpg. Now I am pissed I sold my truck. But I do love my Blazer...maybe I can find a used duramax motor and allison tranny to swap into it

 

[LOGANSTANFORTH]

mid 90's 12 valve cummins dodge with a 5 speed.....


ive got a 96 4x4 auto truck, 93 2wd auto dually with a western hauler bed, and a 1990 2wd 3/4 ton automatic truck......all can get over 20 when driven right.....

 

[jtrapani]

heard alot of bad things about the front end on the chevy. I drove one for work and we rebuilt it at seventy thousand.

 

[nvrenuf]

Fwiw, I have an 06 Dodge Mega Cab and love it. It's got plenty of power (stock) and I like the truck itself too. It's not the best on mileage but it is consistant - ~16 in town, ~18 hwy, ~14 towing. Not the greatest mpg's but the truck is fat and the mileage is still way better than my old 91 V3500.

Also, the 05 & 06 Dodges have issues with trailer lighting. The lighting system is delicate with respect to spikes and does not have fuses. There's a trip in the control module that the dealer can reset (5 times, I think).

 

[82355]

I drive an '08 3/4 ton, 2wd, Duramax/Allisson service truck. It only gets 14mpg.

Martin

 

[neverendingproject]

So it has seemed to come down to several options.

1. Chevy/GMC - Duramax
Pros-mileage, reliability
Cons-front end problems (I have experienced these as well), no standard available.

2. Ford - Powerstroke
Pros-Power, standard available, solid front axle
Cons-Fuel mileage, reliability issues, DPF problems?

3. Dodge - Cummings
Pros-better mileage, solid front axle, longevity
Cons-some issues with new 6.7?

4. Older diesel - Ford 7.3 or dodge 5.9
Pros-Best mileage options, proven performers, cost less
Cons-Used could mean issues not covered in warranty, less power/options

So thats what we have so far in no particular order. I was looking on the net and I would really like the H3T if I could get it in a diesel.

Anyone else wish to provide input about these 4 options?

Edit: Does the ultra low sulfur diesel affect the mileage of the earlier diesels, or is it strictly the emissions equipment on the new stuff that is such a drag?

 

[82355]

I don't know how the emissions testing is in Texas, or if they have it, but you can ditch the DPF. My room mate has an '08 Powerstroke, he put a tuner on it, cold air intake, removed the cat and DPF, and straighted it. He put down 513 horsepower and 1026 torque to the rear wheels on a bone stock engine. He also picked up a couple miles to the gallon on his fuel economy.

Martin

 

[neverendingproject]

I don't know how the emissions testing is in Texas, or if they have it, but you can ditch the DPF. My room mate has an '08 Powerstroke, he put a tuner on it, cold air intake, removed the cat and DPF, and straighted it. He put down 513 horsepower and 1026 torque to the rear wheels on a bone stock engine. He also picked up a couple miles to the gallon on his fuel economy.

Martin

Yeah, I've been reading about that and I found that the computer knows what you do to it and even if you put the DPF back on before you get to the dealership, they know what's been done. If it was a feasible option then I would definitely do it, but I don't think I'd be willing to screw the entire warranty on a 50 thousand dollar truck.