need some advice on next truck purchase...

[lakailimited06]

i cant find a 3rd gen cummins with less than 100k miles for less than 20k$..i've been looking the last few weeks...i can afford the ford i just dont know if it will be worth it in the long run..i feel like i will mostly be buying it to tow the jeep which then i need i buy a trailer and so on and so on for just a few times a year...it doesnt seem worth it, seems like a lot more to worry about...

[wannabejeep]

If you're going with a desiel the only way to get decent mileage is to get a common rail cummins so 03 and on, gas I would go with a chevy/GMC half ton with the 5.3, they get like 18/19 mpg and have plenty of power for towing.

I know a few people who get good mileage out of 7.3 and duramaxes. I know cummins can pull some crazy numbers out but I wouldn't completely rule out the competition.

[1cleantj]

im bias from being a chevy fan, but ive never had troubles with a chevy 2500
tows well, easy to find parts. comfortable

[clean4drxj]

http://www.cumminsforum.com/
start looking here, you'll find something..

[jeepkid03]

7.3L engines have been proven to easily do over 500k miles when treated well. And when paired with Dana axles and an Allison transmission the power train will last you forever. True that they don't get great mileage compared to the Dakota but would you rather spend a few extra dollars and have a better vehicle for many more years that can do much more or a lesser vehicle that is cheaper. If you can afford it go with the Ford.

I have driven both the 4.7L Dakota and 7.3 powerstroke in both an F250 extended cab and an F350 flatbed dually. I used to work on a farm. I'm not a Ford fan in general, but the 7.3 diesel F250 is a very good truck. You can pull stuff with a diesel and still get ok mileage because of the low end torque. A gas motor has to rev higher and your mileage will go down the drain. The 7.3 is great for plowing or doing landscaping, hauling stuff in the bed, etc. I'd rate the Dakota as a more "around town" rig. Something for the weekend warrior who does home improvement projects on the weekend and runs to home depot occasionally or hauls lawn mowers. If this is going to be your source of income you need a fullsize truck.