Hello all, I am new to the site and needing some advice. My business has expanded and I need a new truck to go along with it, just not sure what to get. I pull a 16' enclosed trailer just about every day,that is usually loaded heavy running 6,000 lbs or better. I go anywhere from 20 miles a day to 200 miles a day. I have a 07 Chevy with a 4.8 and it does good for its size but I live in hilly southern Missouri and its hard on it, I need a bigger truck. I know any diesel will pull this weight with ease but I am looking for the best mpgs possible. I can only afford something under 20 grand, and I am a little concerned about doing a lot of towing with a high mileage truck. I am looking for suggestions on what to buy. I know this is a broad question, but any and all help is appreciated.

 

That's a tough question. I too am looking for my first diesel, and I think what I have found out will help you very much. The more people you talk to, the more confused you will get because everyone has an opinion on this and there has not been a clear cut "winner" in the diesel market until recently ....IMO. I originally started out wanting a Ford, because you can get a Ford in the 06-07 range for the cheapest price..........there is a reason for that. The 6.0 has had lot's of problems. Now don't get me wrong, when they run right, they can pull ....ALOT, and there are people who swear by them and have had a great truck, but let me tell you my experience and I think it sums it all up. I don't think anyone would argue that Texas is the diesel truck capital of America. I live about 45 minutes outside of DFW and after speaking with several people who all have opinions on this I decided to call a diesel repair shop in the DFW area and speak with them. This place is an independent repair shop and works on all 3 makes. Here was the most telling statement the guy made. Roughly 55-60% of his repair business is on the 6.0 and the 6.4, roughly 30% of his business is on Cummins, however he said a 5.9L that's been taken care of will be practically bullet-proof, and then finally 5-10% is on late model (after 2005) Duramax diesels. He strongly cautioned don't buy early 2000's Duramax as you WILL have injector issues. He said if he was going to buy a diesel today it would be a late model Duramax or a well taken care of 5.9L Cummins. BTW, don't be afraid of a well taken care of high mileage diesel, if you can find a 5.9L or an 05 Duramax, get it, you won't be sorry. Just the .02 of a diesel repair shop owner. Good luck!

 

03-04 cummins. Most reliable years. Best MPG's. Great towing. No emissions. May not break any land speed record, but a good solid truck. I am biased because I own an 03, but I bought it for these reasons.

 

I agree with Bryce, if reliability and mileage are your two main focuses, get an 03-07 5.9 Cummins, but make sure to get a standard tranny. Good MPG's, no emissions, lots of power for towing. Should be able to find one with lower miles also.