Originally Posted by badger
Originally Posted by K1500
From the EIA, regular grade gasoline average price is currently $2.367, while diesel is $2.944, thus diesel 24.4% higher. A diesel truck has to get 24.4% better mileage simply to 'pay' for the increased fuel costs.

EPA estimated mileage for the V6 gas Colorado is 26 MPG, so a diesel would have to earn an EPA average of 32.3 MPG just to break even on the fuel. This seems pretty unlikely given the DPF and other emissions stuff modern diesels are saddled with.

Add in increased maintenance and purchase price and it is probably a losing bet. On the plus side, a diesel should go farther before requiring a rebuild, but new gassers go a long time too. You will recoup some of the increase in purchase price when selling, but it is not going to substantially sway the payback.


For me, the torque of a good diesel makes the driving experience, cost be damned smile


Yes. A completely different driving experience, you can't put a price on it. Diesel makes power around 2,000rpm where the engine spends most of it's time, a gas engine has to buzz 2-3x that fast to get the same power. And torque at half the engine speed of a gas with a much flatter curve. Much more enjoyable to drive.