[northerngmc]

Well.......

I have a 2004 with a duramax in it and I love it.

Is it cheaper to run, well that depends. My brother had a 2004 3/4 ton with the 6.0 gas engine and on a similiar trip I would get 21 mpg and he would get 14 mpg. This is highway driving, empty at 120 km/h. But the ititial cost is a killer. I believe the Duramax option was about $7000 and then another $3000 for the Allison automatic. I did some figuring when I bought the truck and it will take me 200,000 kms to recover the extra initial cost. Both are 4X4's.

Now towing is another thing. I pulled my 32 ft holiday trailer from Edmonton to Vancouver, through the mountains and still got 16 mpg. I drive about 100 km/h pulling my trailer.

Diesel prices seem to go up and down differently than gas, at least were I live. In the summer diesel is cheaper and in the winter it is more.

IMHO if you want a pickup for light hauling and gas mileage, at a reasonable price, go and buy an 2000-2002 Chevrolet 1/2 ton, 2WD with the 4.8 gas engine. I have a coworker with one and he get 25 - 27 mpg with it. For a bit more power, but still good fuel economy go with the 5.3 gas engine. Stay away from the 6.0 though as they are gas pigs.

I love my diesel, and I bought it for the pulling power and the added mileage is a real bonus.

dieselplace.com is a great webpage to discuss Chev diesels.