Trucks

[0neoldfart]

I know this diiscussion has happened before but... I'm looking to switch up my tow rig for the seaon. Currently running a tacoma with a 2 place and does the trick but in crappy weather definitely can be under powered. Debating a 3/4 ton with a deck. Should I go diesel or gas? Factors to consider I live in Calgary and this will be my daily driver, I have a limited budget about 24k, I know absolutely nothing about diesel trucks, I never tow anything, and typical get out 2 weekends a month, usually within 3 hours on occassion 6. What do other similar gas rigs get running to the mountains (with deck and sleds), I was leaning towards diesel but can't find a decent one in my budget, so am back to gas. Thanks

To the original poster: A 3/4 or 1 ton gasser should fit the bill nicely. Won't be as fuel efficient as a half ton, won't have the torque of a diesel. But do your homework, as some 3/4 tons don't offer a lot more payload capacity then a heavy half. A diesel is nice if you can find one, but cost of repair and ownership is considerably higher - personally I wouldn't own a used aluminum head diesel without warranty (duramax).

 

[Kyle89]

You want details? Pfft I'm a CFO, I don't wear a hard hat to work.

Just ignore this troll from onterrible lol.

 

[gdhillon]

Full of **** more like it .

By star he must mean eyes haha

 

[C of Red]

You want details? Pfft I'm a CFO, I don't wear a hard hat to work.

So you’re a CFO, who the F cares. Do you think that gives you some sort of credibility or is this supposed to impress someone? This isn’t some oxygen bar in TO where you are hitting on underage girls drinking wheat grass martinis. You’re still full of sh!t on your price.

I don’t wear a hard hat either, but the people I know who do are some of the hardest working folks on the planet.

 

[Pedaling pete]

The Russian slaves in the gulags worked real hard too.

I'm sure they appreciate you patronizing them though.

 

[acesup800]

To the original poster: A 3/4 or 1 ton gasser should fit the bill nicely. Won't be as fuel efficient as a half ton, won't have the torque of a diesel. But do your homework, as some 3/4 tons don't offer a lot more payload capacity then a heavy half. A diesel is nice if you can find one, but cost of repair and ownership is considerably higher - personally I wouldn't own a used aluminum head diesel without warranty (duramax).

Can't recall an issue with heads on a duramax. Sure, some fail like everything, but to think it is a timebomb is a little overreacting. Yes, diesel engines cost more to repair, but the cost of ownership is not considerably higher. I generally put 200k on my diesels before I sell them and not once have a had a major repair. Yes, of course some parts fail, but statistically they do not. So, if you fall into the statistically good truck, the cost to operate is only marginally more than a gasser. A few more litres of oil per change and an extra fuel filter every 40,000km. Not a real biggy.

 

[Cdnfireman]

You want details? Pfft I'm a CFO, I don't wear a hard hat to work.

Well.....goody for you. A CFO. Still no details I noticed.

 

[0neoldfart]

Can't recall an issue with heads on a duramax. Sure, some fail like everything, but to think it is a timebomb is a little overreacting. Yes, diesel engines cost more to repair, but the cost of ownership is not considerably higher. I generally put 200k on my diesels before I sell them and not once have a had a major repair. Yes, of course some parts fail, but statistically they do not. So, if you fall into the statistically good truck, the cost to operate is only marginally more than a gasser. A few more litres of oil per change and an extra fuel filter every 40,000km. Not a real biggy.

Diesels can be very efficient to operate, and if properly cared for (warmed up, regular maintenance, etc) they will outlive a gasser tenfold. BUT, the OP was asking about a used diesel for 25k (ish). In alberta, you aren’t likely to find one in good condition with under 200k ( which is where you sell yours at...any reason? ) I’m not attempting to scare anyone, but buyer beware on ANY used vehicles. As a interprovincial red seal journeyman mechanic, I’ve fixed my share of poorly maintained vehicles, some without much time on the odometer. I’m not saying the duramax is junk, but I will tell you that they are more susceptible to head gasket issues when not warmed up properly, as iron and aluminum metals expand at different rates, period. Have a nice day.

 

[tex78]

Diesels can be very efficient to operate, and if properly cared for (warmed up, regular maintenance, etc) they will outlive a gasser tenfold. BUT, the OP was asking about a used diesel for 25k (ish). In alberta, you aren’t likely to find one in good condition with under 200k ( which is where you sell yours at...any reason? ) I’m not attempting to scare anyone, but buyer beware on ANY used vehicles. As a interprovincial red seal journeyman mechanic, I’ve fixed my share of poorly maintained vehicles, some without much time on the odometer. I’m not saying the duramax is junk, but I will tell you that they are more susceptible to head gasket issues when not warmed up properly, as iron and aluminum metals expand at different rates, period. Have a nice day.

Ford's are aluminum head too and would be same with a long list if you were right , I'm also a red seal tech (diesel tech also at a g. M dealer)

Only ever seen - had heads of a duramax once, and it was driving around with out coolant, so was over heated many times


In stock form, no issues with heads - gaskets and not chipped or overheated

Unless a lly, some did have bad cheap gaskets

Also driving around with a half plugged rad on a hot summer day pulling a trailer, isn't good either, clean it good and screen the front In

 

[0neoldfart]

I’ll take your word for it on the Ford. Other then the new 6-7 or the old 7.3, I wouldn’t run out with my hard earned cash to buy a used one, either. My apologies if I upset any GM owners. All I was trying to point out to the OP is that an old diesel with a bunch of mileage likely isn’t the best choice for her application and budget. Personally, I’m quite leery of used vehicles unless I know it, have a good service history, or if it’s just super clean, maybe the nice old couples snowbird hauler. Some people do upgrade every few years (its part of my contract actually), but most get rid of their used vehicle when it starts costing them money...

 

[j335]

As per a diesel mechanic he told me Duramax 06.5 to 10 were the best head gaskets.
11 were bad as well for LML and I can attest to that

 

[Flatlander_01]

You want details? Pfft I'm a NDP supporter, I don't wear a hard hat to work.

This is more realistic.

 

[FastFarmer]

You guys are getting hosed. I just picked up a 2019 Denali duramax 3500, for 26,500$ all in.

Ya keep shooting your mouth off like that..well....prove it...put your money where your ego is. Lol....serious bro.

 

[FastFarmer]

You guys don't believe Brownstar from Toronto?

no...I don’t believe brownEYE from the center of the universe, however I will continue to provoke him until he brings his unit over here with its 44” front end and heated seat to ride “them hills”.