JLC
Senior Member
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SuzukiSavage.com Rocks!
Posts: 262
Black Forest, Colorado
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"Chevy just does not feel right"?
Back in 2010, I sold both my aging 1992 Chevy one ton truck (454 big block gas engine) and my 1998 Ford (5.4 Triton engine). I wanted to by a new truck, and decided to test drive a Chevy Silverado 3/4 ton, a Ford 250, and the Dodge Ram 3/4 ton, all with diesel engines. I was looking at mid-range priced trucks (for the trim and options), quad cab, short bed, and 4 WD.
The Ford had the best interior, but the Chevy (Duramax engine) had the best handling and the best performance, even though the Ford had more power (both HP and torque) on paper. I liked the Ram, but I was wary of its reliability, or potential lack of.
I bought the Chevy (2011 model), and it has 70,000 miles now. Only trouble has been two glow plugs failing, and this was fixed under warranty. I only knew of the failure because of the engine warning light on the dashboard. I love the Duramax engine and the Allison transmission. My overall mileage over 70,000 miles, including regular towing, has been 16.7 mpg. The only thing I don't like about the truck is the lack of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid gauge. There is a text warning on the dashboard when you get within 1000 miles of empty, and it's not very reliable. Last time I saw the warning, it was at 769 miles, and within 200 miles it was indicating 149 miles left to empty! If you let the DEF level get too low, you will be limited to 55 mph, then 4 mph. The Ford has only a warning light, and the Ram is the only one with a DEF gauge.
Here in Colorado, any diesel truck will have a higher asking price than the equivalent gas engined truck. Difficult here to sell a 2 WD truck, so prices will be lower for those.
You don't mention your budget... Where I live, a truck like mine is now worth $30,000 at best.
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