So I'm looking for a long bed/crew cab, preferably 2wd for taking a couple of bikes to the track + gear/tools/etc. This pretty much has me looking at used 2500/250 series from GM/Ford (trying to spend less then $20K). However, I'm not planning on towing- since I stay at hotels near the track. Not planning on doing much daily driving, just hauling 800-1200lbs to & from the track about 6-10K/mi/year mostly on the freeway.

As you'd expect, there are a lot more diesels available then gas motors, but diesel here in California is stupid expensive- often .40+/gal more then gas and not available at every corner gas station.

I know diesels get a lot better gas milage when pulling a trailer, but what about so lightly loaded? Not the kind of guy to drive 55 (a big reason I'm trying to avoid pulling a trailer), more like 70-75 on Hwy 5. Been trying to find MPG data, but it's been hard to get good data. It sounds like unloaded the diesels are worth 18mpg while gas is closer to 12mpg?

In my price range for the features I'm looking for- roughly Ford XLT, trying to figure out if it really makes sense to buy a diesel? Seems like upkeep is higher ($500/year??), but the motors will last a lot longer and at my price point, seems like most everything in good condition has 100K+ miles (gas or diesel). I'm not putting tons of miles on it, but I'd like it to last at least another 5-10 years.

Lastly, even my Ford loving friends have very little good to say about the 6.0 powerstroke, but seems around here people are a bit more divided? Sounds like the 05+ if they're well maintained and not modified they should do just fine and have better mpg the 6.6 duramax?

Thanks!

 

Common 6.0L Power Stroke Problems

common problems with the 6.0, but on a side note my buddy has one and loves it 22-23mpg no issues yet at 160k. Mileage doesnt drop much (2-3mpg) when towing his lightweight snowmobiles or quads either so im a believer. Still the cummins 5.9 gets my vote as the best. Love the 12 valves and their simplicity. Ill never own a gas truck again. Mileage, longevity and just plain cool factor!

 

if you want a diesel get a diesel. just understand fuel isn't on every corner and costs more and you're not gonna be using it for what its used for. you cant really just jump in them and go. ya gotta let them warm up first if its cold out. 6.0's are hit or miss. i own and am proud of a 7.3 and in my opinion that was the powerstroke and it looks dam near a 6.0 if you get a 99-02 f250 or 350. the 6.6 duramax is nice too. however i have little to no experience with them other then getting blown away at a light.

 

the 5.9 cummins is the way to go with what you are looking for. fuel mileage is better than the ford or chevy according to everyone that i know that has them anyway. my 06 megacab gets 21 to 22 hand figured empty and 16 to 17 pulling a 8000 lb camper. But it all depends on
preference.

 

In my experiences the 6.0 gets crappy mileage. I would suggest either finding a lower miles well taken care of 7.3 PowerStroke or an 06-07 LBZ Duramax. Both should be easily found for under $20k

 

The LBZ Duramax is one mean truck too, even at the stock level.