Diesel Bombers - New to diesel

Hows it going everyone! I am a 29 year old from a small town in central Illinois with a family of 4 soon to be 5. I love trucks, drag racing, hot rods, family , and friends. First off I am a perspective buyer. I am a Ford guy at heart own an 02' F150 Supercrew, and 1970 1/2 Ford Falcon and am looking into buying my first diesel. After some research I am looking into a 7.3 CC Ford or a 6.6 Duramax CC Chevy/GMC. I don't have the money to throw at a 6.0 or spend on a 6.4/6.7 Ford, and I love the Cummins, however I am not in love with some of the features on a Ram. The only downside to my search for 3/4 7.3 powerstroke CC's is the rust on the wheel wells and price. So I might have to give up some loyalty and switch to GM for the duramax. I am buying a diesel to gain m.p.g. and more towing capacity. I don't have a lot of money to be doing repairs so any opinions are welcome on reliability.Like I said I drive an 02' Supercrew gas now that gets between 13-16 m.p.g. and I dont see why I shouldn't drive a diesel and get more mileage with more towing. This truck will be my daily driver in the midwest. My budget is $17000 or less . Thanks for the input and thanks for the new membership!! Jesse