In light of what's going on with my current f150, I'm not looking to keep that relationship going much longer. Due to how much I drive for both work and personal travel (30k+ miles a year) I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton diesel truck in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles.

So talk to me about the big 3. What should I expect as far as longevity/reliability of each? I absolutely love the 2022 f250s, and would definitely pick it if it were only up to me, but my wife is pretty sour on Ford right now because of all the issues with my current truck. So she's encouraging me (demanding, lol) to look at another manufacturer. I'll list some of my thoughts below about each.

Engine: I feel like all 3 are kinda even here.

Transmission: dodge only has a 6 speed, and they don't have a great reputation. I prefer the 10 speed that Ford and GM have.

Suspension: I prefer SFA (Ford and Dodge) over IFS (GM) but that's not a deal breaker. I really like that the dodge 2500s have coil springs in the rear. I haven't driven one, but heard it makes a big difference in ride quality when unloaded.

Exterior/overall appearance: Ford is my preference, but I don't hate the GMC or dodge appearance.

Interior: Ford is winning this one hands down. The huge new screen on the 22's is dope. The dodge interior is ok and has a big screen, but it's oriented vertically, which I'm not a huge fan of. The GM interior is nice, but the screen is laughably tiny compared to the other too. Come on GM, get it together here.

Biggest thing I need is input on reliability. Which of them is going to break less and cost me the least amount of money when it gets into higher mileage?

F250

I have a 16 yr old F150 and a 5 yr old F350. I love them both for what they do. I would not want to daily drive my F350. The 1/2 ton is just easier to drive and rides much better.

As far as the big 3 diesels, I agree I think they are all pretty equal on reliability these days. I would go Ford, Ram, then GM.

When they break, repair costs are going to be similar. Maintenance and repairs are typically higher then a gas truck.

I have owned all three brands. All have their pluses and minuses. My last three trucks have all been Fords. The drive trains on all three brands are pretty solid.

My experience with Dodge is everything but the drivetrain. Cracking dashes, electric window problems, A/C problems and so on. The little things don't outlast the drive train and those are the type of things that drive me nuts.

Chevy's are similar to Dodges in that that can't seem to take much abuse before they start to rattle. I don't think the interior in them is comfortable. My brother has a year old Chevy half ton that has spent about a third of its life in the shop. All kinds of electronic problems.

Ford's seem to hold up to more abuse than the others. I do not baby my truck. Between working at the ranch, hauling heavy trailers, hunting, etc. the Ford's just seem to last longer. I am currently at 210k on my current 2010 F250 and have not had any major problems with it. The only shop it has ever been to is the body shop and the oil change place.

Contact info is in my profile. Let me know if you have any questions.

Oh look another 250 diesel thread!

No personal experience with Ford or Chevy in this realm.

Current truck is an '08 Dodge 2500 w/ 6.7l cummins and the 6 spd auto, bought new in Oct 2007.

Deleted egr system at 80k miles back in 2011, added a smarty tuner to override egr delete error codes, programmed computer to a 30hp increase with added timing, then put the tuner in its case. Stock trans has held up fine since.

Other than minor and major service interval items -- oil changes, brake fluid drail/refill/bleed, trans fluid drain/filter/refills, brake pads/rotors, etc, truck has been a peach. No sagging headliiner, no dash cracks, no visors dropping, cloth seats in great shape, all electrical work. And no self immolation by the truck.

Current mileage is 178k. Plan on running it until it dies or I do.

Have a 2016 Silverado 2500 Duramax with 151k on the clock. Deleted at 35k and added a FASS lift pump and all I've ever done to it is regular maintenance and tires. Don't really have any squeaks or rattles in mine but I know it happens. I love the Cadillac ride versus the SFA trucks. Really makes a difference on the back and I'm not running Jeep trails so there's no need for the SFA.

drummer0415 said:

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Due to how much I drive for both work and personal travel (30k+ miles a year) I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton diesel truck in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles.

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I'd be real surprised if this reasoning alone made sense to go 3/4 ton diesel.

Depending on how much weight you really plan to pull, you might consider a 350/3500 Srw.

Strictly on reliability of drivetrain, you should consider the Cummins HO Aisin combo. Maybe not as flashy as the Ford 10 speed, but Aisin is basically Toyota from what I've heard, and Ram moved back to a CP3 when the others are still CP4. Pulled up to a Ford at the fuel pump and the owner started talking about his $9000 fuel system repair bill.

I wanted to love the Ford enough to cross back over , but ended up with a Ram.

meggy09 said:

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drummer0415 said:

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Due to how much I drive for both work and personal travel (30k+ miles a year) I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton diesel truck in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles.

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I'd be real surprised if this reasoning alone made sense to go 3/4 ton diesel.

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If you aren't towing anything, it won't. diesel maintenance in higher mileage trucks with DEF still on them is going to get expensive. It might sell for me, but a gas engine will probably last longer and have less costly maintenance. a pre-DEF diesel is a different story.

SquanchyAg said:

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meggy09 said:

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drummer0415 said:

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Due to how much I drive for both work and personal travel (30k+ miles a year) I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton diesel truck in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles.

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I'd be real surprised if this reasoning alone made sense to go 3/4 ton diesel.

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If you aren't towing anything, it won't. diesel maintenance in higher mileage trucks with DEF still on them is going to get expensive. It might sell for me, but a gas engine will probably last longer and have less costly maintenance. a pre-DEF diesel is a different story.

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Squanchy - To further help explain and educate, can you give some more details as to what you expect maintenance wise in these higher mileage trucks with DEF? How much $ after how many miles for what repairs/maintenance items?

Is there any specific event where it makes sense to get rid of one of these DEF diesels before ______X_____ happens?

Although most maintenance items won't be covered under an extended warranty, is there a specific time frame or mileage threshold that you would purchase an extended warranty for (on these newer diesels) if a good portion of the cost of the warranty was paid by your employer?

SquanchyAg said:

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meggy09 said:

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drummer0415 said:

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Due to how much I drive for both work and personal travel (30k+ miles a year) I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton diesel truck in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles.

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I'd be real surprised if this reasoning alone made sense to go 3/4 ton diesel.

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If you aren't towing anything, it won't. diesel maintenance in higher mileage trucks with DEF still on them is going to get expensive. It might sell for me, but a gas engine will probably last longer and have less costly maintenance. a pre-DEF diesel is a different story.

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To address this…. I'm well aware that diesels cost more up front, and during the course of ownership, the diesel is going to be more expensive in fuel and maintenance. But my situation is a little different than most people because I put 30k+ miles a year on my trucks. I depreciate them much faster than the average owner.

So What I'm shooting for here is maintaining more value or minimizing depreciation when the truck gets higher mileage, because I rack up miles so fast. For example, my current F150 will be 4 years old in December, has 124k, and is currently worth ~47% of what I paid (has depreciated by 53%). So an f150 that's 5 years old and has 150k miles will probably have depreciated by ~60% or so, whereas a diesel 3/4 ton truck that's 5 years old with 150k miles might only depreciate ~30% or so. If it's a truck you want to keep for a long time, I feel like this is the better option in the long run.

I obviously don't have hard and fast numbers here, but nobody can deny that the depreciation is MUCH less, and they maintain much higher value, even with higher miles. The big question is where's the break even point. When does the higher cost of ownership meet/pass the value maintained?



ETA: Once again TexAgs gonna TexAgs and try to pick apart the OPs situation rather than just give input on the questions asked.

Yes now is the perfect historical time to upgrade to a heavy duty diesel truck for those occasional Home Depot runs

bam02 said:

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Yes now is the perfect historical time to upgrade to a heavy duty diesel truck for those occasional Home Depot runs

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I need to upgrade to a heavy duty diesel truck just to haul your mom's fat ass around.

" in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles"
Sounds like you need a Toyota. Considered a Tundra?

Actually yes. I literally have a tab open on my browser right now looking at the 2022 Tundras, haha. I previously wasn't interested in a Tundra because you couldn't get a crew cab with a 6.5ft bed, but it appears that starting in 2022, you can. I also like the new hybrid engine, and it has better numbers than Ford's Powerboost.

Here's the thing, you can't even do a build and price on a 2022 Tundra on the website yet, and who knows how long until they are actually available. A buddy of mine just told me that the hybrids wont be available until at least March of next year. I'm not sure I really want to hang on to my current truck that long,

Mas89 said:

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" in order to maintain higher value once I start racking up some miles"
Sounds like you need a Toyota. Considered a Tundra?

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A tundra? Have you seen the payload numbers? What if he needs to get two bags of mulch this time?

Rendered Fat said:

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bam02 said:

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Yes now is the perfect historical time to upgrade to a heavy duty diesel truck for those occasional Home Depot runs

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What if he just wants one? If we're being honest, do any of us get maximum functionality out of our vehicles? Do we look down on Porsche owners if they don't drag race them every week? This attempt at shame is tired.

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I actually agree. It is tired but when somebody comes on with some sort of odd rationalization it tends to get responses

I would say if you're going to get a new truck, order one. I was looking at replacing my Chevy with a RAM 3500 (need the towing capacity for my business) and was looking to order a Cummins HO with the Asin (mentioned above). Talking to the dealership, they were going to let me order a truck with a $500 fully refundable deposit and get me somewhere just above invoice pricing but below the MSRP as compared to the trucks on the lot that they won't deal on at all.

No, I haven't seen the numbers. But I have had a couple in the past that I regularly used to pull loaded five ton fertilizer spreaders thru fields and pastures. Not to mention other bumper pull trailers. One I put 175k miles on and the other 206k before selling. Never had any major problems.

Rendered Fat said:

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bam02 said:

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Yes now is the perfect historical time to upgrade to a heavy duty diesel truck for those occasional Home Depot runs

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What if he just wants one? If we're being honest, do any of us get maximum functionality out of our vehicles? Do we look down on Porsche owners if they don't drag race them every week? This attempt at shame is tired.

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If he wants a diesel, then he should get one. Who cares what he uses it for, in my opinion. It's his truck. I don't think it is cheaper or will laster longer, but they are cool.

bam02 said:

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I actually agree. It is tired but when somebody comes on with some sort of odd rationalization it tends to get responses

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Please tell me what part of the statement below is an "odd rationalization".

drummer0415 said:

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What I'm shooting for here is maintaining more value or minimizing depreciation when the truck gets higher mileage, because I rack up miles so fast. For example, my current F150 will be 4 years old in December, has 124k, and is currently worth ~47% of what I paid (has depreciated by 53%). So an f150 that's 5 years old and has 150k miles will probably have depreciated by ~60% or so, whereas a diesel 3/4 ton truck that's 5 years old with 150k miles might only depreciate ~30% or so. If it's a truck you want to keep for a long time, I feel like this is the better option in the long run.

I obviously don't have hard and fast numbers here, but nobody can deny that the depreciation is MUCH less, and they maintain much higher value, even with higher miles. The big question is where's the break even point. When does the higher cost of ownership meet/pass the value maintained?

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Do you have any numbers/data or even a personal anecdote that can either confirm or negate my statements? I would love to discuss the economics of it more if you have something helpful to provide, but just making snarky comments will get you snarky comments back in return.

milkman00 said:

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Depending on how much weight you really plan to pull, you might consider a 350/3500 Srw.

Strictly on reliability of drivetrain, you should consider the Cummins HO Aisin combo. Maybe not as flashy as the Ford 10 speed, but Aisin is basically Toyota from what I've heard, and Ram moved back to a CP3 when the others are still CP4. Pulled up to a Ford at the fuel pump and the owner started talking about his $9000 fuel system repair bill.

I wanted to love the Ford enough to cross back over , but ended up with a Ram.

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This is helpful info and I have been looking into this HO/Aisin combo. It looks like you can only get it in a 3500, which I'm not totally against, but I would much prefer a 2500. I don't really need the capacity of a 3500, and I prefer the coils spring in the rear that the 2500 has.

That being said, somebody told me they are supposed to be offering the HO/Aisin combo in the 2500 soon, but I don't see it on the build and price website. Does anybody have any insight on that?

Corps_Ag12 said:

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I would say if you're going to get a new truck, order one. I was looking at replacing my Chevy with a RAM 3500 (need the towing capacity for my business) and was looking to order a Cummins HO with the Asin (mentioned above). Talking to the dealership, they were going to let me order a truck with a $500 fully refundable deposit and get me somewhere just above invoice pricing but below the MSRP as compared to the trucks on the lot that they won't deal on at all.

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This is helpful info. Thanks for sharing. Mind sharing what dealership it was?

drummer0415 said:

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Corps_Ag12 said:

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I would say if you're going to get a new truck, order one. I was looking at replacing my Chevy with a RAM 3500 (need the towing capacity for my business) and was looking to order a Cummins HO with the Asin (mentioned above). Talking to the dealership, they were going to let me order a truck with a $500 fully refundable deposit and get me somewhere just above invoice pricing but below the MSRP as compared to the trucks on the lot that they won't deal on at all.

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This is helpful info. Thanks for sharing. Mind sharing what dealership it was?

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Mortiz RAM in Fort Worth.

Quote:

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Suspension: I prefer SFA (Ford and Dodge) over IFS (GM) but that's not a deal breaker. I really like that the dodge 2500s have coil springs in the rear. I haven't driven one, but heard it makes a big difference in ride quality when unloaded.

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Its laughable that you are willing to accept coil springs in the rear, you know, for the better ride... but then prefer SFA.

Just google "Death wobble" on TA automotive forum alone and tell me if you still want SFA.

Are you implying that death wobble is a thing on non-steering axles?

I'm well aware of the difference in ride quality between SFA and IFS, but long term, IFS components on HD trucks wear out a lot faster than SFA. They require more frequent rebuilds, alignments, etc. I'm willing to sacrifice a small amount of ride quality to get more longevity, but like I said though, it's not a dealbreaker. I'm still open to a GM.

I also think that death wobble is more of an outlier problem than a "rule".

drummer0415 said:

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Are you implying that death wobble is a thing on non-steering axles?

I'm well aware of the difference in ride quality between SFA and IFS, but long term, IFS components on HD trucks wear out a lot faster than SFA. They require more frequent rebuilds, alignments, etc. I'm willing to sacrifice a small amount of ride quality to get more longevity, but like I said though, it's not a dealbreaker. I'm still open to a GM.

I also think that death wobble is more of an outlier problem than a "rule".

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No, definitely on steering axles. Like I said…you might just google search "death wobble f250" and see if you still agree it's an outlier. It's very prevalent, and I would even say not "if" but "when". There are plenty of documented cases even here in the automotive board as well.

And it's due to prematurely worn components on SFA. I don't think the mindset that SFA doesn't wear out as quickly applies anymore.

I wouldn't hold my breath on a 2500 HO Aisin. I heard more misinformation from sales lot stalkers than you care to ever know.

Go to HDRams.com for Ram info. Mark Dodge in Lake Charles LA will sell to you for about 10-11% under MSRP.

My 3500 with airbags rides better than a 4 runner that I was given for a loaner one time. But if you want quick and speedy, it isn't what you need. If I didn't need the capacity, I would have found something else.

Get what you want and be happy. I know how hard it is to decide, especially with limited inventory to test out. If you can't find something to test drive, I know of 2 SRW HOs in Central Texas now with Aggie owners that would let you check them out. They aren't for everyone, but serve a niche.

Another route to consider: if you are looking for reliability and resale with higher mileage, you might consider a Tacoma. Those things just rack up miles and still fetch a premium.

I am going on 240k miles on my 2010 and its still a strong runner, drives and handles great, gets decent fuel mileage and is quick around town and comfortable on the hwy. No rattles or annoying noises either.