Are you thinking about getting a new truck but confused about why diesel trucks are so expensive compared to regular gas trucks?
There are many reasons why diesel is more expensive, so without further ado, let’s take a look at them!
#1 Great Gas Mileage
Diesel-powered trucks cost more because they get 25% to 30% better fuel economy than gasoline-powered trucks.
This helps diesel truck owners to get more for their money in the long run. Plus, they have to make fewer stops to refuel their trucks.
#2 A More Energy Dense And Efficient Fuel
The diesel fuel powering these trucks is much more energy-dense and efficient than gasoline. It has more usable energy per gallon than gasoline.
It converts the heat it generates into energy more efficiently than gasoline. This allows diesel to get better fuel economy.
#3 No Ignition Tune-Ups Needed
Diesel engines do not have any spark plugs or distributors. This means they never have to go into a repair shop for an ignition tune-up.
This enables diesel pickups to operate longer and more cost-efficiently than gasoline-powered trucks.
#4 Diesel Engines Are More Rugged
Diesel engines are built to handle the rigors associated with high compression. This enables these rugged engines to go many more miles than gasoline engines before they need any major repairs.
There are diesel trucks that have gone more than 900,000 miles with their original engine components.
#5 Durability And Longevity
Diesel trucks cost more because of the durability and longevity of service that they are able to consistently deliver.
When you buy a diesel truck you can be confident it is built to last a lifetime. Plus, it will consistently perform at the highest standard day after day for decades.
#6 Excellent Trade-In And Resale Value
When you buy a diesel vehicle, you may pay a little more for it, but you will more than recoup the money you spend on it.
That’s because will it stand up to the most rugged conditions for years.
Plus, you will get more for it when you decide to sell it or trade it in for a new diesel truck.
#7 More Torque
The way diesel engines burn fuel enables them to provide the driveshaft with far more torque than gasoline engines can.
This enables the modern diesel truck to go much faster than gas-powered trucks from a standing start. Yet diesel-powered trucks still provide better fuel economy.
#8 Greater Towing Capacity
When it comes to towing capacity, diesel trucks can out tow gas-powered trucks by more than a country mile.
Professionals in many industries who need trucks that can tow almost anything in the world, regardless of their weight, shape, and size, choose diesel trucks over gasoline trucks any day of the week.
As long as you hitch it up properly, a diesel truck can tow it.
#9 Diesel Emissions Requirements
Modern diesel trucks have improved, sophisticated, technologically advanced specialized catalytic converters and advanced new filters.
This enables them to dramatically cut down on the emissions they release. Many diesel trucks have low-emission diesel engines using low-sulfur diesel fuels.
#10 More Impressive Acceleration
Diesel engines produce a lot more torque.
Not only does this enhance towing and fuel economy, but it also helps to deliver acceleration that’s much more impressive than engines that are gasoline-powered.
#11 Diesel Engine Components
A diesel engine has fewer sensitive components than a gas engine.
This means there are fewer parts that could potentially malfunction when work or play puts lots of stress on them.
This results in diesel engines requiring far fewer trips to the shop for repairs or maintenance services. This saves diesel truck owners lots of money in the long run.
#12 Smoother And Quieter
In the past, diesel pickups had a reputation for a rough ride and being very noisy.
The new diesel pickups are more expensive because they now use advanced technology that gives them a smoother ride, quieter operation, and eliminates dark, smelly engine emissions.
#13 Better Heavy Duty Hauling
If you are going to regularly use your new truck to haul heavy-duty loads in the truck bed, pay a little more for a diesel truck.
The ability of diesel trucks to haul heavy-duty loads of all types is much greater than gasoline-powered trucks. So if you do lots of heavy-duty hauling, a diesel truck is a better choice.
#14 Stronger Heavy Duty Transmissions
Diesel trucks have stronger heavy-duty transmissions that enable them to handle heavier workload ratings.
The strong yet efficient transmissions of diesel trucks give them a distinct advantage in this area.
Impact of Global Events on Diesel Truck Prices
War in Ukraine and the Import of Russian Oil
The war in Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions on Russia had a significant impact on the price of diesel fuel.
Russia is a major supplier of oil to the world market, and the sanctions made it difficult for countries to import oil from Russia. This led to a shortage of diesel fuel in some areas, which caused prices to increase.
Furthermore, the conflict in Ukraine disrupted the transportation of oil and diesel fuel. Trains and ships were unable to transport oil and diesel fuel safely, which further exacerbated the shortage.
The shortage of diesel fuel was felt most acutely in Europe, where many countries rely heavily on Russian oil.
Pandemic and Global Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy, which in turn affected the price of diesel fuel.
When the pandemic first hit, the global economy slowed down, and the demand for diesel fuel decreased. As a result, the price of diesel fuel dropped steeply.
However, as the global economy started to recover in early 2021, the demand for diesel fuel increased sharply. This led to a rebound in diesel prices, which have been climbing steadily ever since.
Regulations and Taxes
Regulations and taxes also play a significant role in the price of diesel fuel.
Governments around the world impose various taxes on diesel fuel, which can significantly increase the price for consumers. In addition, regulations on emissions and fuel efficiency can also impact the price of diesel trucks.
For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced regulations that require diesel trucks to meet certain emissions standards. These regulations have increased the cost of diesel trucks, which has in turn increased the price of diesel fuel.
Overall, the price of diesel fuel is affected by a variety of global events, including wars, pandemics, regulations, and taxes.
These factors can cause the price of diesel fuel to fluctuate significantly, which can impact the cost of diesel trucks for farmers, trucking companies, and other industries that rely heavily on diesel fuel.
Do Diesel Trucks Cost More To Maintain?
It costs more to maintain diesel trucks than gasoline trucks. Diesel engines have some parts not found in gasoline engines.
Plus, the cost for engine parts on diesel trucks tends to be higher overall compared to parts for gasoline trucks.
1. Used Diesel Engine Parts Cost More
Generally speaking, used diesel engine parts are more expensive than the parts for gas-powered trucks.
That’s because used parts for diesel truck engines are harder to find.
With those replacement used parts so rare and having to be specially ordered, used parts dealers tend to charge more for them than the easier-to-find parts for gasoline truck engines.
2. Diesel Mechanics Harder To Find
Another thing that makes maintenance costs for diesel trucks more expensive is how hard it is to find diesel mechanics.
Most auto repair shops have technicians trained to do the needed repairs on gasoline engines.
Diesel mechanics are generally more pricey because they are considered hard-to-find specialists.
3. Keeping Engine Components Clean Is Vital
If dirt and grime get into the components of your diesel truck’s engine, they can begin to compromise your engine’s performance.
It’s important to make sure the oil, air, and fuel filters on your diesel truck are clean. This will help to prevent a number of major engine problems.
Is It Worth It To Get A Diesel Truck?
Paying a little more to get a diesel pickup is well worth it. Diesel trucks provide the people who own them with a wide range of benefits.
The following are some of the many ways in which these trucks help people do more and save money.
#1 Powerful, Versatile Trucks
Diesel pickups are powerful vehicles that can be used for industrial, commercial, and fun tasks.
Diesel engines were primarily found in large commercial vehicles in the past.
However, there is a wide range of attractive, stylish new diesel trucks used for fun and business on-road and off today.
#2 Lower Fire Hazard
Diesel fuel has a flashpoint that’s higher than gasoline.
There is a much lower chance sparks will ignite should an accident occur!
#3 Built To Handle Extremes
Whether it’s blazing hot temperatures, heavy loads, dirty, muddy, wet, or rocky terrain, diesel trucks have what it takes to handle them.
They deliver more power, have better fuel economy, require less maintenance, and have an extremely long lifespan. Diesel trucks are definitely a great value for their price.
#4 Superior Performance
Diesel trucks are worth every dime of their price because of the superior performance they consistently deliver.
When you want amazing acceleration, unbelievable towing and hauling capacity, and great fuel economy, you want a diesel truck.
Many And Diverse Advantages The price of diesel vehicles tends to be higher than gasoline-powered trucks, but diesel trucks provide many diverse advantages.
The average diesel truck buyer willingly pays more to get a truck that has more power, will last longer, and need fewer repairs over its lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to the high price of diesel trucks?
Diesels are generally more expensive than gas trucks due to several factors. One of the main reasons is the cost of production.
Diesel engines are more complex and require more durable materials, which increases manufacturing costs. Additionally, diesel fuel is typically more expensive than gasoline, which also contributes to the higher price of diesel trucks.
What are the advantages of owning a diesel truck compared to a gas truck?
Diesels have several advantages over gas trucks. One of the main advantages is fuel efficiency. Diesel engines are more efficient than gas ones, which means they can travel further on a gallon of fuel.
Additionally, diesel engines have more torque, which makes them better for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Are diesel trucks more expensive to maintain than gas trucks?
Diesel trucks can be more expensive to maintain than gas trucks due to the complexity of the engine. Diesel engines require more regular maintenance, such as oil changes and fuel filter changes.
Additionally, diesel engines may require more expensive parts and repairs.
How do diesel truck prices compare to electric truck prices?
Electric trucks are generally more expensive than diesel trucks due to the cost of the battery and electric drivetrain. However, the cost of electric trucks is expected to decrease as technology improves and production scales up.
Are diesel trucks becoming less popular due to environmental concerns?
Diesel trucks have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to environmental concerns. Diesel engines emit more pollutants than gas engines, which can contribute to air pollution and health problems.
As a result, some consumers are choosing to purchase electric or hybrid vehicles instead of diesel trucks.
What is the resale value of a used diesel truck compared to a gas truck?
The resale value of a used diesel truck can be higher than that of a gas truck due to the durability and longevity of diesel engines.
Additionally, diesel trucks are often in high demand among consumers who need to tow or haul heavy loads. However, resale value can vary depending on factors such as the age and condition of the vehicle.
Final words on why they’re more expensive
Getting a new vehicle that has a different type of engine can be a big change, but it can also make it a lot more exciting to buy a diesel pickup.
You might also find that looking at powerful vehicles that come with high-quality diesel engines seems like a great option when you need it.
However, because the cost of this type of engine can be much higher all around, you will want to think seriously about whether you want that extra work and cost throughout the year. If you do need it for work or weekend trips, then it could be well worth the higher price.
But if you know that you won’t use it as often as you think you will, then it could start to feel like a waste of money. So, make your decision wisely, and if you will put it to good use, then enjoy having your diesel engine.
