Diesel vs. Gas Trucks (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to buy a diesel or gas truck? ›

Longevity – Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that diesel engines can last much, much longer than otherwise-comparable gas engines, partly because they employ a simpler construction and stronger engine blocks. A well-maintained diesel engine can power your travels for more than 500,000 miles.

Longevity. Diesel trucks tend to last twice as long sometimes as gas trucks, some lasting for 500,000 miles or more. This is partly due to diesel fuel acting as a lubricant on the engine, reducing wear and tear.

Diesel engines are known for their better fuel economy than gasoline engines, which can save you money on gas in the long run. Diesel engines are typically built to be more durable and reliable than gasoline engines, making them ideal for heavy-duty use.

That said, while most gas engines are intended to last at least 200,000 miles on average, a diesel truck that is well-maintained can potentially last 350,000 to 500,000 miles. Those used mainly for highway driving and carrying minimal loads will typically get closer to the top-end of the range.

Not only do they provide superior fuel economy, but they also offer superior torque, longer engine service life, and more overall power. In this blog post, we'll be discussing the main advantages of a diesel engine and why it's worth considering for your next car or truck purchase.

Diesel fuel can become contaminated far more easily than gasoline due to its higher viscosity. Common fuel contaminates include water, soot, dilution, glycol, debris, and even microorganisms.

One of the most common diesel truck problems is letting dust, dirt, and grime build-up on your engine. This will make it easy for contaminants to get into your system and cause damage. As mentioned above, make sure the three main systems, oil, air, and fuel, are kept clean and inspected.

No matter what type of vehicle you purchase, insurance costs are based on the value of the vehicle. So, a higher-priced vehicle will be more to insure than a lower-priced vehicle. Because diesel trucks cost more to produce than standard gas trucks, diesel truck insurance is usually around 10-15% more than a gas truck.

New big rigs and other trucks will have to be zero-emissions in 2040 — ending their decades-long reliance on high-polluting diesel — under a proposed regulation unveiled by the California Air Resources Board.

Maintenance cost.

Diesel engines generally need less frequent maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles. But when service time comes, diesel usually costs more to repair or maintain.

Do diesels hold their value? ›

Because diesel trucks last longer than gas trucks, they depreciate at a slower rate. That means their resale value is generally higher than gas trucks.

If you do a lot of heavy towing at the job site, a diesel truck may be a better fit. Fuel Economy – Diesel engines tend to be more efficient than gas engines. If you prefer making fewer stops to refuel, we highly recommend considering a diesel truck.

To determine if a diesel vehicle is right for you, you need to examine your driving habits. If you drive a lot of highway miles, a diesel could help you save money in fuel costs. Diesels typically deliver better highway mileage numbers than city driving.

Efficiency. Though diesel cars and trucks may cost more upfront, they're often worth it in the long run. Diesel is a richer source of usable energy than gasoline. According to the Department of Energy, diesel motors typically get as much as 35% more miles to the gallon.

Because diesel engines last longer, the trucks depreciate more slowly over time. In some cases, a diesel vehicle's residual value is often higher, making it a better long-term investment.

Thanks to the rising costs of (decent) diesel fuel and the high cost of (decent) diesel-specific replacement parts and fluids, modern diesel vehicles can actually end up being quite a bit more expensive to maintain than similar gasoline-powered vehicles. Ouch!