It sure is great seeing all the different opinions and experiences!
I will say this, as a Ford guy, I will (likely) never own anything newer than a 7.3 Ford, or 24v Dodge. 1) it is way more $ than I could ever afford, or want to afford. 70K are you serious!? 2) though Ford is increasing their advancements technology wise, it truly is a gamble. They come out with new engines so darn fast the previous ones cannot even build a reliable track record. Meanwhile the good old 7.3's and even 7.3 IDI's have been out for over 20 years and are running strong. Sure, power is nice...but what's even nicer is lower cost, a well known engine, and reliability when your miles upon miles, or even days of walks away from anywhere.
That being said, I '
MIGHT' consider (if I was rich) to purchase a newer Dodge as their engines have not changed nearly as much as Ford, and continue to be 'relatively' simple for a highly complex computer controlled engine. Sure, my dad's new 3500 is quiet, powerful, comfortable, has tons of pretty cool features, can tow heavy loads, etc... But at what cost? I suppose if 70K to you is pocket change then go ahead... But my opinion is it's not worth the gamble.
To me it seems as if Ford continues to try to be the 'best' - and although that's what people think they want, in the end what they 'need' is a simple, reliable, easy and cheap to fix engine that will tow what they want without problems. Whats the point of being able to haul 30K#'s at 90 mph if you end up breaking down in 200 miles, or even worse, break down in some small town that has no way to fix your truck due to its complexities.... I suppose if you never left major interstates then no big deal, but I think its something to consider.
However, I cannot relate to the new gassers - so I'm honestly not sure if they are any more/less reliable than a new diesel. In my mind, anything newer than 2005 is junk, period. They may have better comforts and be able to haul more, but at an awful high cost of reliability, physical cost, and danger (how many people do you know who actually
should be hauling a load over 20K#'s on a regular basis.... most can't even tow 5K#'s responsibly)
But, in the end, it all depends on what you're looking for, what you 'need' of a vehicle, and how much extra cash you have lying around. If you plan to be around areas that can fix such vehicles, and have the extra cash, then hey, these new diesels are in fact pretty cool. But if you need something reliable, mmmm….I would be pretty cautious with any new diesel, or any new vehicle period - unfortunately.
One thing I'd like to point out is the constant feeling of 'needing more'. More power, bigger homes, more electronics, more more more more more! I'm certainly guilty of it as well. But how quickly does more become bad. Eventually I see these trucks being no different than the tractors of the 70's. Heck half of them can already pull twice the weights! Meanwhile, people still want more more more. Sometimes simpler and less is better.
