Are Used Diesel Pickup Trucks Worth the Price?

Anyone pricing used diesel pickup trucks will likely find that they are more expensive, in general, than standard fuel pickup trucks. You need to consider if the higher upfront costs are balanced out by other factors.

Cheaper Fuel
Although diesel fuel is often taxed more heavily than regular fuel, the abundance of diesel in comparison with regular types of gasoline means that, in most locations, diesel fuel is actually cheaper per gallon for the customer than regular types of fuel. This means if you continue to drive your diesel truck for months and years to come after you've initially purchased it, you'll save a good deal of money on fuel costs over its lifetime.

Increased Power
Many diesel-powered engines are capable of greater amounts of power than standard-fuel engines. This is not uniformly the case, so it's important to check on the specific engines in the vehicles that you're comparing before you make a purchase. If you need a vehicle that's especially powerful, a diesel truck may be the best choice.

To sum up, if you have the extra money to spend on a diesel powered truck over a standard fuel truck, in many ways it's a wise choice to buy diesel instead. The costs will average out over the lifetime of the vehicle, at least somewhat, and the extra power can help significantly.

Longer Lifespan
A gasoline powered truck can run for 200,000 miles. Conversely, a diesel truck has a longer lifespan and can run for at least 500,000 and as much as 800,000 miles. This is because it has a heavier and sturdier body.

More Reliable
Diesel trucks are more durable than gasoline powered trucks and if you buy a truck that is not too old, you can enjoy all the technological features that are standard for most vehicles now. Also, a well maintained used diesel truck is almost as reliable as a new diesel truck.

Lower Risk of Depreciation
All new vehicles lose 50 percent of their value in the first three years and as much as 65 percent by five years. By buying a used diesel truck, you can avoid this depreciation because of their longer useful life and greater durability, diesel trucks are subject to less depreciation.

Greater Load Towing Capacity and Mileage
The engine of a diesel truck is very powerful and can produce higher torque. As a result, it has a greater load towing capacity. If you need a truck to tow and haul heavy loads you should buy a diesel truck and not one powered by gasoline. Diesel trucks are more fuel efficient even when towing heavy loads as compared to trucks powered by gasoline and are thus cheaper to operate. As a result of their powerful engines, diesel trucks can achieve higher speeds and maintain them easily.

Cheaper Insurance
Insurance companies charge lower insurance rates for policies covering used diesel trucks as compared to new diesel trucks. Hence, by buying a used diesel truck, you not only pay less money while purchasing the truck, but you also pay less insurance to cover the vehicle.

Related Questions and Answers

Do Aftermarket Diesel Truck Exhaust Systems Improve Mileage?

This question about diesel truck exhaust systems is very technical, but the difference between cheaper gasoline trucks and diesel trucks should be examined. The problem with the original factory manufactured diesel truck exhaust systems is that they have not been as effective as aftermarket diesel truck exhaust systems, because these additions increase horsepower and torque and fuel mileage. Not only are these diesel truck exhaust systems efficient, but they also decrease exhaust gas emissions. Factory diesel truck exhaust systems restrict exhaust flow due to the small pipe diameter, and this will cause more diesel to be used. But it is still more energy-efficient than a gasoline car.

Are Diesel Truck Accessories for Engines More Expensive than Gasoline Trucks?

It is true that diesel trucks are more expensive, but diesel truck accessories can vary in price depending whether they are an aesthetic, (like a hood ornament) or functional (like an engine part designed to obtain maximum horsepower, torque and fuel economy). Aesthetic diesel truck accessories should be interchangeable with gasoline truck accessories, but functional accessories differ. The types of accessories are more price dependant than the gasoline or diesel choice. The fuel economy is more relevant and the type of diesel truck accessories. The Internet offers a variety of products from prices beginning at $349, so the scope is large. Also, in-depth knowledge of truck accessories are required along with expert advice.