Diesel Trucks

[wadu1]

I’m going to get a 2015 2500 Diesel truck this summer. I’ve never owned a diesel, Uncle Sam let me drive a lot of them so this my only experience with them. If I go with an automatic it will be a Chevy but if I want a manual it will be a Dodge. For what it's worth I prefer a manual, more control off road on bad conditions.  What are the + or – of the two trucks. I’m staying away from Ford because of past experience with Ford, none were good. Some of my hunting guides in Canada have switched from Ford to Chevy due to mechanical issues with Ford steering system failures causing at least one death.
As for price Dave Smith and USAA auto finder are about the same price and I don't have to drive to Kellogg.

[Firing Pin]

Yes but you are able to get a much better interest rate using USAA.
 

[SnakeEyes]

I am amazed at my brakes on my 2003 Chevy Duramax. I am at 228,000 miles and have not touched the brakes yet. I owned a Dodge before and the brakes were terrible. I have been happy with the truck and I would buy another one.

[wadu1]

Yes but you are able to get a much better interest rate using USAA.

Yes better interest rate at USAA, but I'll be paying cash up to $45K

[bknilvr00]

Honestly I would find a used dodge instead of buying a new one. I got a 2007 2500 with the 6.7 liter cummins and six speed manual with 50k miles on it two years ago. Previous owner had put in air bags under the back end and a convert-a-ball hitch as well. Anything 2007 and newer has a crapload of emissions stuff that pretty well strangles the motor, but that can be dealt with.

[BAR C3]

I've got 2009 3500 Dodge. Only major issue have been recalls on ball joint issues they have taken care of. I have jake break and have not had to touch the brakes using it all the time.
Had 3 Ford's before that and won't own another again!

[brush hunter]

I would go with Dodge, if I might ask why would you go with a Chevy if you get an auto?

[KFhunter]

Honestly I would find a used dodge instead of buying a new one. I got a 2007 2500 with the 6.7 liter cummins and six speed manual with 50k miles on it two years ago. Previous owner had put in air bags under the back end and a convert-a-ball hitch as well. Anything 2007 and newer has a crapload of emissions stuff that pretty well strangles the motor, but that can be dealt with.

I'm interested in the "but that can be dealt with" part, once you put everything "as it should be" then you've got an outstanding truck.

Takes a lot longer to get the engine to normal operating temp is the biggest draw back I've been able to read about it.

[HntnFsh]

I have an 06 Silverado with the LBZ motor, and absolutely love the ride, quietness, and handling. As mentioned brakes are awesome too. 185000 on the originals. But, if I was going to buy a Dodge I would check with Campbell Dodge in Centralia. A buddies brother just bought a brand new 1 ton. Pretty loaded. Looked all over. Paid about $200 more at Campbells than what Dave Smith wanted for the same truck. I know you can get factory warranty work oil changes, etc. done at any dealership. But I believe the dealership you buy from will probably treat you better because you are a customer than somebody who bought elsewhere. Could come in handy if you ever need help dealing with the manufacturer

As far as a stick having more control on bad roads. I don't really see it. Heck you can put either 1 in 4lo. The Chevy has the 6 speed auto that you can manually shift. I honestly think it would have a little more control if any of them do. Just a few thoughts. Oh and the Chevies have a factory turbo brake. Not sure if Dodge does.

[Forks]

All the emission parts on my 08 6.7 fell off and I could not be happier. Nothing worse than being in the woods and the DPF full message coming on.

[brush hunter]

Yes Dodge does have the factory installed exhaust brake

[DRobnsn]

I have an 06 Silverado with the LBZ motor, and absolutely love the ride, quietness, and handling. As mentioned brakes are awesome too. 185000 on the originals. But, if I was going to buy a Dodge I would check with Campbell Dodge in Centralia. A buddies brother just bought a brand new 1 ton. Pretty loaded. Looked all over. Paid about $200 more at Campbells than what Dave Smith wanted for the same truck. I know you can get factory warranty work oil changes, etc. done at any dealership. But I believe the dealership you buy from will probably treat you better because you are a customer than somebody who bought elsewhere. Could come in handy if you ever need help dealing with the manufacturer

As far as a stick having more control on bad roads. I don't really see it. Heck you can put either 1 in 4lo. The Chevy has the 6 speed auto that you can manually shift. I honestly think it would have a little more control if any of them do. Just a few thoughts. Oh and the Chevies have a factory turbo brake. Not sure if Dodge does.

You do have more control with a stick, especially in slow off road conditions. Diesel pickups are so heavy when you get stopped in deep mud or snow you often need a little boost built up with an auto to move the truck again the combination of the way a diesel makes power and the way the auto delivers it to the tires makes that very difficult if not impossible to control without overpowering the traction available. With a stick you can feather the clutch or release the clutch slowly to keep the engine from overpowering the traction available. It is also much easier to rock the rig back and forth to get yourself out of a hole with a stick, you can't quickly release and apply forward or reverse pressure to the drive train with an auto to create a good rocking motion.

[trophyhunt]

I love my 06 gmc duramax, going elk hunting pulling a trailer down the big hill going to Lewiston Id I didn't have to touch my brakes. Of course it really sucks when your fuel injector breaks on you!!

[Special T]

A lot of my customers that have the new deisel service trucks are considereing going back to gas because of all the problems they are having with thier diesels emsssions crap and related stuff. I wouldnt drop $45k+ on the garbage they are making now.

[frankmrf]

I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado with the Durmax engine and  120000 miles on it. You cant beat the the diesel they are great very good mileage and lots of power.
Wife drives a VW Passet with the TDI engine and never gets less than 40 mpg. I am sure you will be pleased with it. Just don't put gas in it (very expensive)
If you are looking for a new rig give Dave Smith a call.