The Diesel Resale Argument: The Hidden Truth on Gas vs Diesel HD Trucks

[@TLeacher]

Thanks for taking the time to go through this!! You win the #freakinthesheets award for this one!!!! Lol

[@AdventureRocks]

😎 Thank you for the comment.

[@RaoulDuke-q4i]

I like your videos and i think you do a great job of explaining things. I believe your comparison is valid on 5 year old trucks with lower milage but i think if you keep the truck long term that the diesel will plateau out in value while the gas truck value will fall off after 100k. Like you said you didn’t buy your diesel trucks as an investment…you purchased them because you wanted the real or perceived need for the higher torque and greater towing capabilities. There is a perception that Gas trucks are at the end of their life at 100 k and a diesel is “ just gettin broken in”. The gas engines have been plagued with lifter problems in the HD truck from a couple of manufacturers for various reasons also Most people wouldn’t hesitate to tow cross country with a 100k on the odometer in a diesel but not on a gas imo. If you put both motors on a dyno at 100k i think you would be surprised at horsepower lost on the gas vs diesel,the diesel engine is built much more robust and at least in the Cummins is more like a commercial engine then a gas. And i have both a hemi ram and two 6.7 cummins The other thing to consider is over the 5 years in your example one driver has a nice no stress towing experience while the gas truck is screaming thru the mountains with higher rpm’s and no exhaust brake. The no stress driving is worth the added expense. And if you buy both vehicles used for cash at 5 years you would see that you would lose much less if you sold the diesel at 10 years old vs the gas And your comparison is for light towing…if you are towing a fifth wheel at 12 k gvwr you wouldn’t even know it’s there with the diesel…with the gas you would have a awful experience especially if your towing thru mountains. Like you said it’s not a positive financial investment but it is a quality of life investment…i could stay in a economy hotel or a luxury hotel and accomplish the same thing but im more comfortable in one over the other.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@potatospeed8694]

Great video. I ended up with a 24' ram 2500 6.4 and love it. I have no regrets going gas.

[@AdventureRocks]

Sharp looking truck. Love the hemi power. Thank you for the comment.

[@flashnmb1]

Great job on a real evaluation; very accurate, the bottom line is what really matters. Only other factor is the reliability & breakdown of each. Please do a evaluation of comparable electric vs gas vehicles. Would love to see the Koolaid exposed to the public.

[@8ball_998]

Good break down. I only drove a diesel for 12 years. I own a gas HD now. With the emissions and extra costs, diesels aren't worth it unless you need the extra towing capacity. Diesels just plain cost more. Most people that know are scared of a modern high mileage diesel. People complain about EV repair cost, lol. Diesel repairs get very expensive very quick.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@ericsvalland4417]

Nice job on the spreadsheets and explaining them. I'd be very leery of getting a diesel that has a CP4 fuel pump in it. You're playing musical chairs the higher the mileage is on the vehicle. The manufacturers are leaving a majority of owners high and dry in the cost of replacing the engine, fuel lines and tank after a CP4 craps out. Yes there are class action lawsuits pending, but it may take years to work it's way through the legal system and there's no guarantee of a financial win for owners. Remember, lawyers are going to get their cut, and plaintiffs split what's left over. You can go the CP4 disaster prevention kit but they're not 100%, and CP3 conversion kits aren't cheap either. Either option will eat into that "cost savings" that's always tossed around. I've also seen several videos on high mileage diesel owners having to frequently replace fuel injectors. Are diesel engine fuel injectors comparable in price to gas engine fuel injectors, or not?

[@johnroebling9329]

Good job considering the variables.

[@tylerproctor4878]

I haven't watch the other video yet but i will. I have never owned a diesel but i have never heard the argument that diesel was cheaper either. Everyone has always told me if you tow a lot get a diesel. If not get a gas. I dont tow a whole lot so. But its nice to see this was probably the right decision. Does the other video take into account towing fuel economy?

[@dpistone10]

One awesome video. Thank you so much. 👍♥️👍

[@dabish2888]

Great job with this discussion. All of that data is reasonable and largely inarguable. The kicker is what you said at the end, specifically comparing MODERN diesels and the more capable modern gas engines. It was for that reason that I bought my '24 Chevy 2500 LT Z71 CC 6.6 (w/ Allison branded tranny). These modern diesels have WAY too much emissions crap on them, and if you've ever seen the intake runners on a new diesel with some miles on it, you'll find a lot of build up, ckoking and making it less efficient as time goes on. Engines weren't made to consume their own waste to the extent that we see in modem diesels. It was an easy decision for me. I tow a fifth wheel and likely won't exceed 13k at any point in the life of my truck. That said, my truck's towing figure is 18,300 (fifth wheel/ gooseneck) and just north of 16k bumper tow. Additionally, with the less weight when compared to the diesel version, my payload is significantly higher at 3,550. Eight months later, I love the way my truck tows, it's creature comforts, ride quality, features, etc., and I would make the same decision again.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Love this series!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment.

[@luokerenzz]

Good comparison, do not overpay for capabilities you do not need. If you do not haul / tow, just buy a sedan, could save even more.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@darrinhiebert]

I own a 2020 Chevy diesel High Country. It was bought new in 2019, and it was around $6K off MSRP. However , I do not know what a conparible gasser would have been then. But, I also dont think that its arguable that the 6.0L was as capable as the 6.6L. Im also not for sure that the 6.6 was as capable BEFORE it got the 10 speed, which the Duramax had in 2020. That in my opinion is the real game changer...

[@darrinhiebert]

I tried doing some research on 24/25 models, and it was really all over the place on 24 models. I saw diesel trucks from $0 off to as high as $10K off, but most were about $4K off. Gassers were also from $0, but the highest I saw was $4K. Ironically, most of these discounts are on lesser from trucks, that are cheaper to begin with! Most Denalis and Ultimates don't have any listed discounts. Most 25's at this point don't have many discounts either, but that would be expected at this point ...

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@ata1421]

You got the point up to the time people getting HD trucks to tow haul and then you’ll know your argument wasn’t necessary. Diesel truck save you tons of money when you use the truck for what it was made for. If you are handsome guy you want to show off and heaviest thing on the bed will be your fishing tackle, then yes you can open your case.

[@ata1421]

Sorry for early comment, You mentioned that at the end of your clip.

[@kevincameron8437]

Resale values are just a gamble. I think a person could just loose the same percentage on depreciation on each type of fuel. I don't know about used gas truck prices, but I know for used diesel truck prices, there isn't a lot of difference between a new truck and one w/ 50K-60K miles on it..which could be 2-3 years old. But in the end, everyone has to decide what's better for their wallets....Once again, another great breakdown on estimated expenses between the two.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@prettybadboylagerberg6385]

Great job. I would even add if you made the dealer concessions the same, you would still come out ahead.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very true. Thank you for the comment.

[@kirkdunn1379]

you get about half back when I was researching trade values awhile back for my truck.....a diesel is more expensive for sure......not nearly as bad as some make it out to be but it costs more for sure never believe a word a general manager or salesman tells you.....they have a conflict of interest btw....the diesels have better discounts currently, there is simply more of them in inventory, when I was buying a month ago this is what I saw

[@SSgt-]

I usually don’t put resale value at the top of my list when truck shopping. I tend to drive a truck 10+ years and they get used as trucks so there’s wear and tear. I’m really considering a gas 3/4 ton next time. I’m currently 60 so it’ll probably be my last considering I’m considering retiring in a few years.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point. Thank you for the comment.

[@donniediesel6.789]

You make your point no doubt. All that said. Diesel will out last a gas truck.

[@Lastcall115]

Maybe in the past, but today’s diesel?? Maybe again, but at what cost?

[@aaammm1033]

Life expectancy of a diesel in a pickup is only 200k. This is partially because they are tuned up over a medium duty apllication. most gas engine will hit that. Also you could replace that gas engine for less then the cost of a fuel system on a diesel. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that people keep buying the diesels because that's how I make my money!

[@tooanalytical4u]

To me the up front cost is irrelevant. At the end of the day cost of ownership is what really matters. Up front cost, less resale value, plus maintenence /repairs = cost of ownership.

[@matthewanderson9912]

Nice video. I think the argument for diesels have better resale value is one used by diesel fanboys to justify buying the diesel over the gas. Just like the higher diesel maintenance cost is one used by gas fanboys to justify buying the gas truck. Ultimately I think everyone should buy the truck they want and can afford.

[@66racer]

Never owned a diesel, my buddy was warning me of the added cost of maintenance over a gas engine. Granted I'm thinking GM 1500 trucks, but he got me thinking.

[@kirkdunn1379]

its not that bad...own both....do the work yourself for routine maitenance

[@66racer]

@@kirkdunn1379 I'm more than capable, I just lack the time. Also, should anything happen the dealer can't blame me. Ironically my 50k mile 2021 ranger is in the shop right now for a possible engine replacement. 5k full synthetic oil changes. Which is what is driving my research. They are pulling the engine and gonna open her up, at this point better get a long block out of it or I'm probably selling it if it's not put back together well. It's a liability thing, one less thing they can blame on me. Thankfully never had it tuned either. Usually it's head gasket issues with the 2.3L but no signs of that being it.

[@JeffUm]

What about buying used? For almost three years I researched and built numerous trucks on the manufacturers websites. I was convinced by many outside forces to not buy a diesel for all the various reasons. I tow horses and haul hay mostly. Roughly between 8000 and 13000lbs on a couple different trailers. Sometimes heavier. But not regularly. I decided that I would buy a new 1 ton gasser. Ford or GM. However, finding what I wanted became a very difficult task. When a truck was located, it was typically in another state, or the dealership that had the truck didn’t want to do a dealer to dealer swap. I also decided to go with a 3/4 ton gas. Still couldn’t get anywhere. Every truck I was trying to get, was in low to mid-level trim. All were just over or just under 60k. I was at my local dealer. On their used lot was a ‘24 1ton gasser high country. Asking 65k. Down from 70k. Had 25k miles. It sat on the lot for almost 5 months. It was a plow truck. The dealer had it pretty well cleaned up, of course. But, it was easy to tell that the truck was used pretty hard. There was also a 1 ton Duramax 2021, Highcountry 60,000 miles. It was in pristine condition. They wanted 56K. The salesman claimed that he knew the owners. And that they never towed with the vehicle. They were a retired couple and drove across the country sightseeing. I was suspicious at first. The puck system and bumper hitch still had the factory paint. No scratches or dings in the bedliner. They let me keep the truck for the weekend. I had a mechanic friend of mine, check it out. And he gave it a clean bill of health. I made them an offer for 53,000 and they took it. I’ve never owned a diesel. Honestly, I’ve been scared of them because of the emissions. The horror stories are pretty intense. So far though, like everyone has said, the truck has been phenomenal when it comes to towing. I never imagined it could be such a world of difference over a gas truck. But, it is. It remains to be seen, whether I made a good decision or not. Maybe once it runs out of warranty, it’ll be time to put it on the weight loss program.

[@alandarmon8380]

Excellent analysis!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for the comment.

[@bigmurph1447]

I got lucky on my 2012 ram 3500 dually with a 6speed manual I paid 43000 for that truck brand new I sold it last year for 40k. I did not trade it I sold it out right

[@jasonscales2522]

Is there any labor included with the maintenance, or is that owner service? When I owned my '11 lml, a fuel filter change was more than $200.00, and I'm sure it's no less today. Just a FYI, my last dealer oil change with that truck was in Texas and run me $170 .00 +

[@kirkdunn1379]

do my own fuel filter for $35, super simple....oil change runs me $67 these are very easy to do and saves alot of time mostly, less money is a bonus

[@jasonscales2522]

@kirkdunn1379 you do your own work? Fuel filters for a lml duramax is around $75-$90 dollars mostly everywhere and I could only find them cheaper though Amazon for around $40 dollars. Please let me note that I only use AC Delco parts.

[@johnhaines6546]

Is there any difference in insurance prices on gas vs diesel?

[@charlesb4267]

I know here in Alberta there doesn't seem to be, in fact it makes very little difference new vs new ( gas or diesel ) if it was an 80000.00 purchase of a lower trim or a 120000.00 purchase price for a rather extreme dollar difference. Yes sadly a higher trim although not the top trim GM diesel HD pickup is around 120000.00 here in Canada as per list price. I was rather blown away by the insurance being very close in this scenario but that may be vastly different in the states, I don't know.

[@EBKRV412]

Yes huge difference in Pa. I've been saying this for years. I had my agent run 4 VINs for me Friday actually...the gas and diesel versions of the same trucks. 2 F350s and 2 GMC 3500s. The ford gas was 800 more a yr than the diesel and the GMC gas was 940 more a year. So over a 6 yr loan difference the ford would be 4800 more than the diesel and the GMC would be 5640 more than the diesel. So in the end what's cheaper?? I'm sure it all depends on where you live as gasoline in Pa is 3.50 and diesel fuel is 4.50 per gallon

[@johnhaines6546]

@@EBKRV412 Interesting. I'm in Pa and just switched from a 2011 diesel 2500Hd to a 2024 gas 2500HD and my insurance only increased just under $200 a year. I'm paying $958 a year through State Farm.

[@charlesb4267]

@@EBKRV412 Wow, I never would have thought there was any reason to go after one or the other fuel type for insurance. Had you asked "why" they have a difference at all, was this to do with gasoline being of a higher risk to burning itself down due to its more flammable/ignitable nature ?. Also what category was the insurance higher on assuming they break it down as per liability insurance or the collision/fire/theft portion of the bill. As a side note to insurance rates for a half ton/3/4 ton/1 ton, interestingly here the price is the lowest for the collision/theft portion for a 1 ton truck.

[@EBKRV412]

@@johnhaines6546 Yes every quote I get it doesn't matter who state farm was one of them btw was more for the gas than deisel. My current ins co gave me these quotes. The 24 ford diesel was quoted cheaper than my 18 gas half ton. It has been that way for me for the last 13 years as I've had many trucks half ton, 3/4, and 1 tons. My current ins co quoted me a few hundred less a yr than you're paying for a 24 diesel f350 680 was the number that's full tort 100k 300k full everything with 100/500 deductibles

[@Lastcall115]

Jesus….. finally someone gets it. Always hear it “diesel will be worth more later”…… well damn I hope so you paid more for it. Just drive what you want without trying to justify it. For me I dumped the diesels and went to gas, it works for me.

[@Eyez85]

In 2024 a diesel truck is the dumbest purchase u can possibly make unless you are towing 20000 pounds daily. Not a couple times a year, daily.

[@aaammm1033]

I have been looking at 2 to 4 year it super dutys and the price difference between a used gas and diesel is only 2 to 4k. So looks like the gaser is already ahead. Plus I can work on it without lifting the cab.

[@jerry-381]

I just finished an extensive 4-5 month long search for my next new truck. I looked at both used with less than 40k miles and ultimately new. The biggest part of my search was focused on used HD trucks both gas and diesel engines. In my area (Texas) I did not find hd trucks with diesel engines to sell for considerably more than gas engines. In fact at 40k miles the costs difference in some cases was only 2k bucks which is far from the 8-10k a diesel costs up front over a gas. In my area the argument that one can recoup the entire cost difference if a diesel engine at trade in is without warrant and not valid. I’ve said this before but most HD diesel truck owners I know have no need for a diesel they just have one because their neighbor or co-worker, etc has one and they’re trying to keep up. The repair bills that come down the road can be staggering for those who aren’t fully prepared for that impact.

[@charlesb4267]

I was curious as to what if any theme there was at the various dealerships in Texas with the gas to diesel ( HD series ) percentage on the lot. If one was far more prevalent then the other or if there was a theme with lets say low end trim gas ( company fleet type work trucks ) vs more high end trim diesel trucks as an example. Or perhaps no theme at all and very random with the gas to diesel percentage on lots. What I can say here in Alberta is that its been extremely biased towards diesel HD pickups for years with typically an LT or below with white paint as a few potential fleet trucks and then everything else on up was a diesel and a whole lineup of diesel denali's and denali utimates ( over 130000.00 here ). And a typical customer attitude of diesel or ... diesel and turning up their nose at the very thought of stooping down to buy a gas HD truck. Only now do I see as in a few of the dealer stock ordered 2025 models, a very few denali gas trucks which is interesting. Sales are not as brisk I get the impression as they were here in the last few years with the insanity of guys buying trucks to then flip them for the price they paid for it to a broker in the states and dealers were selling everything they could get their hands on and laughing all the way to the bank. That left those looking for a low mile/km used truck sucking air as those trucks didn't exist as they were on mass being shipped down to the states by these con artists down there abusing the system and its still affecting the used market as those vehicles vanished from our market. This month GM is having what they call employee pricing on 2024 models and taking from 10 to 12 grand off the price but again most of that is diesel pickups since most of the 2024 models on lots are diesels.

[@charlesb4267]

@@moonwalker8172 The same applies here in my area of Alberta, diesel pickups are in demand and if its been professionally deleted, that just seems to bring even more buying interest by some. Its only as both the gas and diesel equivalent trucks get aged out with lots of miles and a rusting body, both are then not worth much.