Buying A Diesel Truck - Understanding The Up-Front And Long-Term Costs

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Shopping For A Car? Understanding The Purchase Process

As soon as I turned 16, I knew that cars were going to be a long-time love of mine. I purchased my first car about a month after I got my license, and it was amazing to experience the freedom that came with automotive ownership. However, after that vehicle died, I was faced with shopping for and purchasing a newer vehicle, which proved to be more challenging. This blog is all about shopping for a new car and knowing what to look for. After all, since you might be driving that ride for awhile, you need to think carefully about your decision.

Buying A Diesel Truck - Understanding The Up-Front And Long-Term Costs

17 August 2015
 Categories: Automotive, Articles


If you work in the construction field, haul supplies for your job, or if you tow heavy pieces of equipment, then you probably need a good work truck. If you have settled for a gas powered vehicle for the last several years, then you should consider switching to a diesel model. Diesel trucks are often ideal for work purposes. There are a few things you should know before jumping into the purchase though, like what you are likely to see in regard to purchase, fuel, and maintenance costs. 

Diesel Trucks Are More Expensive to Buy

If you are used to purchasing new pickup trucks for yourself, then you may be aware that the average trucks costs somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000 dollars. If you want a new diesel truck, then you will need to spend around $50,000 for the vehicle. Of course, used varieties are available, but you will still likely find yourself paying around $10,000 more for the vehicle.

While this may leave some individuals looking for gas powered trucks instead, you should know that this extra cost is required to pay for the specialty parts within the truck. Specifically, the drive train and the engine are made differently for diesel vehicles. These parts must be more durable, because diesel fuel is burned differently than gasoline. 

Fortified Engines

Gasoline is burned with the assistance of a spark ignition where the spark plugs ignite a mixture of air and fuel. However, diesel fuel engines are compression ignition systems that place the fuel under extreme pressure. When the fuel is pressurized, it heats up and ignites. Diesel engines and their drive trains must be fortified to withstand this constant pressure.

The good news is that the burning of the diesel fuels creates more torque than a gasoline engine. This translates into more power which can help you to tow large pieces of equipment. It should be noted that the body of a diesel truck is strengthened as well to make sure that your vehicle can safely and effectively tow large and heavy objects. This is another reason why these vehicles are more money.

Diesel Trucks Are Cheaper to Run

Fuel Costs

While your diesel vehicle is likely to cost you $10,000 dollars more than a traditional gasoline truck, you will notice a reduction in cost when operating the vehicle. This cost can be seen right away when you purchase your diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is often a little bit cheaper than gasoline, and this can result in the savings of a dollar or two when you fill up.

Not only is the fuel cheaper, but it is burned more efficiently than gasoline. Generally speaking, gasoline is 30% efficient when it burns and diesel fuel is 45% efficient. This efficiency is due to the fact that diesel fuel expands more and is burned at a higher temperature. This results in increased energy, and you will notice that you will fill up less often.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs are also usually lower when you purchase a diesel vehicle. On average, the engine will last twice as long due to the reinforcement and strength that is needed when making it. Also, the vehicle does not require electrical components like ignition starters or spark plugs, and this means there are fewer parts to break down.

Diesel fuel even lubricates the engine as it passes through it, and this can reduce friction issues and the wearing of metal parts and components. The engines also burn more fuel and this results in less waste and fewer heated emissions running through the exhaust system. This results in less wear and tear for these parts as well, and fewer maintenance costs.

To purchase a diesel truck, check out a dealership online at a site like http://www.arrowtruck.com/.