Do Used Bio-Diesel Trucks Depreciate at the Same Rate as Standard Used Trucks

When shopping for a used pickup truck, you will usually have a choice between used bio-diesel trucks and used gasoline engine pickup trucks. The amount a new pickup truck depreciates over time will have a direct affect on how much you pay for a pickup truck. This is simply because some trucks depreciate faster than others. However, when comparing diesel trucks against gasoline trucks in terms of depreciation or resale values, a common question often emerges: Do diesel trucks and gasoline trucks depreciate at the same rate?

Factors Affecting Truck Depreciation and Resale Values

There are many factors that affect the depreciation and resale value for any type of used truck. While most new trucks will depreciate between 15% and 25% as soon as they are driven off the dealer's lot, there are many variables that determine depreciating rates after that point.

For instance, common factors considered in the depreciation and resale values of used trucks are: overall estimated repair costs over the life of the truck, fuel efficiency and fuel costs over a specified number of years and, even a truck's ability to remain durable and reliable for many years.

Generally speaking, pickup trucks that are considered to be very reliable and provide good fuel economy often depreciate at slower rates and have higher resale values than used trucks that are known to have many repair issues and get poor gas mileage. Also, demand and popularity for a particular pickup truck will also help to slow depreciation and increase the resale value of the truck.

Diesel Trucks vs. Gasoline Trucks

Typically, diesel trucks that are powered by bio-diesel fuel enjoy better fuel economy and efficiency than the gasoline engine trucks. Furthermore, diesel engines used in diesel powered trucks often remain reliable up to three times longer than their gasoline engine counterparts. For instance, most gasoline engines are designed to run for about 125,000 to 150,000 miles before a major engine rebuild or overhaul is needed. However, with proper maintenance, a diesel engine often runs three times as many miles before major engine work is required.

Bio-diesel fueled pickup trucks also produce more torque, which allows for considerably more hauling and towing capacity than gasoline engine pickups. So, consumers that need to tow heavy trailers or large boats often choose diesel engine pickups because of the durability and reliability of the engine when towing heavy loads.

On the other hand, gasoline engine powered pickup trucks usually provide better horsepower and are more suited for stop and go driving in most situations. Also, some smaller gasoline powered pickup trucks offer fuel economy that rivals bio-diesel fueled trucks. For this reason, diesel trucks and popular fuel-efficient gas engine powered trucks, such as vehicles manufactured in Japan, often enjoy resale values that are basically equivalent.

Overall Analysis

With so many fvariables to consider when comparing depreciation rates and resale values, it is hard to determine if bio-diesel fueled pickup trucks depreciate at a faster or slower rate than gas engine powered trucks. However, when other factors are equal, diesel trucks usually provide a better value in the fact that they last longer, are more durable and produce far lower levels of carbon-based emissions into our atmosphere.

Related Questions and Answers

Yes, you can use as an alternative fuel vegetable oil, provided you are driving a diesel vehicle. If you are not driving a diesel vehicle, then you cannot use this alternative fuel source. In order to use vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil to fuel your vehicle, you will need about 60 gallons of waste vegetable oil, and about 15 of a methanol/sodium hydroxide (lye) mixture. The amount of methanol and sodium hydroxide will depend on the amount of water that is in the vegetable oil. Be careful of the proportions used and make sure that your oil is clear by filtering it. Once you have mixed the fuel, it is ready for your tank.

Biodiesel fuel cost has broken two barriers again: B20 has crossed the $3.10 barrier. The full B100 mix has crossed the $3.80 barrier. There are two mixes of biodiesel fuels available across the country, B20 and B100. The B20 mixture is a 20 percent mixture of biodiesel and 80 percent standard diesel. Two weeks ago, the Department of Energy reported that the average cost of B20 was $3.06. This week's report put it at $3.14. The energy department reported that two weeks ago the average cost of B100 is $3.75, and now the 100 percent fuel mixture has spiked at $3.82, or roughly a 7-cent rise.

According to the latest fuel report released by the Department of Energy, biodiesel fuel prices have been trending upward over the last two weeks. The report, released this week by the federal agency, reports that B20, or a 20 percent mix of biodiesel fuel and regular diesel fuel has trended upward by about 2.8 percent in the last two weeks. The report shows that 100 percent biodiesel has risen between 2.1 and 2.3 percent over the same period. Like other fuels, biodiesel prices have been slowly creeping up since the last reporting period.

The average mileage for a biodiesel truck will vary according to temperature and driving conditions. Colder temperatures generally mean poorer fuel economy. Warmer temperatures mean better fuel economy. A recent study of a vehicle that runs 80 percent diesel fuel and 20 percent biodiesel shows that city fuel economy is between 16 and 17 mpg, and highway mileage is 19 to 20 mpg. The same vehicle, when run strictly on biodiesel, shows the same average fuel economy. The vehicle used in this study was a 2006 Ford F-150 with a 6-liter Power Stroke engine. This is the standard diesel available for the F-150 series.

Biodiesel conversion kits for vehicles are implemented to make it possible for your car or truck to use biodiesel fuel without causing damage to it. If you want to buy a biodiesel conversion kit, there are many places to get one. You can go online to find kits that can be installed by the vehicle's owner. You can also choose to go to a dealership or auto repair shop and see if they offer the kits. If you are on a budget, you might even be able to find a kit on the Internet auction site eBay. Whichever way you pick depends on how confident you are at doing automotive work on your vehicle.