ok, buying a new to me diesel this summer. Need help deciding which make/engine/trans to go with.

Here are requirements of truck.
4 full doors
decent creature comforts (power locks/windows, good stereo, leather is a plus not a must)
4 wheel drive
Short bed (or wont fit in garage well!!)
Under $20k

How i will use the truck.
Daily driver for me
Hauling a 5000lbs boat on weekends
1-2 times a year hauling 7000lbs 5th wheel
occasional trip down a trail/dunes
Regular spirited driving (would like a 6speed manual vs an auto, but would take auto if a good deal since 6-speeds are near impossible to find)

I understand i dont need a diesel, but im getting one, the fuel mileage and longevity is what im after. I am hoping to find something around the 100k miles range, well equipped (doesnt have to be top of line, but nice still), that I can drive for another 200k miles without major worries (routine maintenance is expected of course).

So on to my dilema. I live in michigan, salty crappy roads take their toll on trucks. I figure my price range puts me around the 2003-2006 years for 100k miles.

My findings:
Dodge- 5.9 is basically bomb proof. not sure on auto or manual trans
Ford- 6.0 should be avoided. leaves me with 7.3, usually high miles/old interior...not worth it? not sure about trans.
GM- 6.6 is good, but hates cold/hot (we have both in MI). Allison trans are good? not sure on manual.

what would you recommend to me that fits my criteria? think auto or manual is better? love to hear opinions.

Thanks guys

 

Honestly drive a few different makes and models with different levels of trim etc. All in all it only matters what you like and enjoy your paying for it not us. With that said there's pros and cons to ALL vehicles. Me personally I love my 04 Cummins four door Laramie 3500 srw. now let me break it down for you

Ford-7.3
Bad glow plugs or relays lead to no starts
High pressure oil system takes oil pressure to fire injectors
Little things like 4x4 hubs vacuum leaks causing no ac etc. But their good motors just take a little extra to make sure their happy really its the same with the 6.0 their hit and miss it seems. My uncle had one and pulled the guts out of it no issues at all. Others just endless issues. Main thing with the 6.0 is changing their fluids on time and with ford reccomended fluids/filters same

Dodge- weaker autos but with little money and time you can make it withstand light towing with few things. I personally like the dodges because their easy as hell to work on. They have sub par front ends but I've never had issues make sure I grease everything etc.

Sent from my DROID RAZR

 

Cummins gets my vote but I am bias....