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V6 or Diesel?

28K views 41 replies 28 participants last post by  Dmeetry  
#1 ·
Looking into getting a new truck. I found 2 that caught my eye. One is a v6 with about 46k miles and the other is a Diesel with about 42k miles. They are pretty close on price. I think one is a couple years older. Not sure which one to choose because I don't know alot about the diesel version except I read they get better fuel economy and they can pull about 700lbs more than the v6. Any suggestions on which one to pick?
 
#2 ·
In my opinion, it depends on your priorities. If you tow heavy loads frequently, advantage diesel. If you drive a lot of miles on the highway and mileage is important, advantage diesel. I was reading an article in some car magazine last week, and the V6 was much quicker to 60 mph than the diesel (like 3 seconds quicker) due to the horsepower advantage and the 8 gears vs 6 gears. Advantage V6.

If you don't need a diesel, most people (myself included) are likely better off with gas V6. There are some who want the experience of owning a diesel. If you're in that camp, you'll probably regret not getting the diesel.
 
#3 ·
I do drive a lot of miles. It is 40 miles one way to work and then back home so 80 miles a day plus I do plumbing work on the side so you might figure another 15 to 20 miles depending on where I have to go. Other than that I do not do a lot of Towing other than a utility trailer for trash or a lawn mower or four-wheeler or something
 
#4 ·
Factor the cost of diesel fuel vs gas, maintenance costs, you need to put about 60k on the truck before you see a savings gas vs diesel. Diesel does have emission issues, DEF issues, lacks power but has torque. If you tow a lot the diesel is the better choice.
 
#5 ·
Look at the priorities and drive both but based on what you listed here you may be happier with the V6.

Your towing is not enough to worry about the miles you drive are not that much and you already noted the acceleration times.

Diesels are good but they are not for everyone. If you have any doubts play it safe.

Note on side roads in suburban driving I am getting 21 MPG over thousands of miles. of driving. I do little highway so it can be even better.
 
#6 ·
Only you can decide what’s best for you, but the diesel will be higher in fuel cost and maintenance cost, along with the fact that you may not be to work on the diesel yourself for repairs, if you are used to doing your own work.
 
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#7 ·
its funny how the v6 guys always claim how much higher the maintenance cost is on a diesel. the only maintenance item you really have to do over the gas trucks is fill the def tank ($20, and depending on how much you tow many people see 5000-7500 miles per tank) and changing the fuel filters ($40, anywhere between 25000-37000 miles).
 
#9 ·
true, but we dont have to worry about the def or fuel filters like diesels need to lol---or water
 
owns 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71
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#10 ·
All depends on how you intend to use the truck. I wanted a diesel (still kinda do) because the 2.8 baby max is just cool, but ultimately I couldn't justify it because I do a lot of city driving and don't really tow. I've been more than happy with the fuel economy and overall performance of the V6.
 
#12 ·
Everyone’s comments above provide insight and valid points. Most people are probably better off with the gasoline engine.

I drove both, researched both and ended up choosing the diesel - enjoying every minute of ownership in 2 yrs and counting.
Upon taking possession I decided to change a few of my routes to ensure enough miles per trip to reach optimum operating temperature for the engine and transmission (which is also important for gas engines).
But, I am able to fit that in w/out inconvenience and others may not be able to.
I also have no issue regarding DEF, has not been any problem in 2 yrs +.

There is an expression, that ‘time is money’. IF that is true, then there is a monetary value assigned to the number of stops a vehicle has to make to fill up and cover ‘x’ miles.
Time yourself on how long it takes to pull off the road [being honest, that is where the clock starts], into the station, pick a pump, stop, turn off, get out, use your credit card, fill up, get in, start up, pull out and back onto the road.

Designate a monetary numerical value to your time (however you see fit) and add that value to your fuel efficiency and it might yield a different, even better perspective on the diesel’s economy. Perhaps that is splitting hairs, but it is time and over the lifetime of the engine/truck it is more engine cycles.

I still believe the gas engine is probably better for most people, and while I have several gas vehicles, including 2 gas pickups, my preferred ’go to’ vehicle is my diesel Colorado. I thoroughly enjoy it and am completely satisfied with it.
 
#14 ·
I have a 2016 2.8, love it. Tow a little, just bought a camper. It pulls it very well, I would be a little worried about a longer trip with the camper in the V6. If you have lots of material or tools in the truck the torque of the diesel will be nice.

Yes it accelerates slower than the V6, but I bought a truck not a race car. It has plenty of acceleration from an intersection and more than enough passing power on the highway.

But everyday I drive 30 miles one way to work. Yes fuel is a little more per gallon, but depending on your tire choice you will can quickly make that up in MPG. My best rolling 50 miles was over 37 MPG, at highway speeds of 65-70.

Nothing against the V6, but the diesel fit my lifestyle better.
 
#42 ·
Hey there looking to get the 2.8 Duramax, was wondering if you still have had any issue with the regen or dpf/def system and another issue Im told a lot about the regen or dpf/def system will be a big hassle and that a deleted truck, will be a issue to get inspected around here in VA Harrisonburg. I wanted to know the mileage you have on it now. and any other issues you have had.
 
#15 ·
I've enjoyed my diesel. I bought it because I wanted it, not because I was splitting hairs over mileage or potential maintenance costs. That is a consideration, however. I don't buy into the "you'll need to find a diesel mechanic, and that may be hard" -type stuff. How many "gasoline mechanics" in small towns can work on a DOHC direct-inject V6 with variable valve timing? Probably not. Either way, both gas and diesel Twins are going to a dealer or specialist for real serious work.

The answer is yes. You can't go wrong with either truck.
 
#18 ·
With the dramatic swings in fuel prices we are seeing/about to see, none of the above speculations about "paying off the diesel premium with fuel savings" will be accurate. Also, the fuel and maintenance costs are not always higher for diesel if you look at the long term picture, since they last much longer and have better efficiency. But with respect to a TRUCK engine diesel has plenty of other advantages over gasoline, which is why you don't see many gasoline powered big rigs.

Something else to consider: I never have to wait in line or pass up empty stations when there's a run on gasoline. It happens a at least once a year around here, or whenever a hurricane heads this way.
 
#19 ·
have had both a gas Colorado v6 and now one a diesel canyon at4.. transmission issues with the 8 speed turned me off of purchasing a second gas model(mine was a problem). Fuel mileage for me has been around 5mpg better overall same routes to work. diesel does have less pep but is very consistent with its acceleration... diesel 6 speed is better now with a GDE tune... i have seen zero mpg changes with said tune though..ymmv
 
#32 ·
I bought the 2016 Duramax and it has been a great truck. I have driven at 11,000 ft at highway speeds and the truck doesn't seem to lose any power. The mileage is great, maybe around 30mpg, if you keep it 70 or below. I drive mine a lot at 85mph and the mileage is around 25mpg. In town, around 23mpg, but I am aggressive driver. I haven't done any towing but the uphill performance compared to a gas engine is extraordinary when talking about the actual size of the engine. The downhill towing engine mode that uses the turbocharger for braking is also great. Most times I can downshift to 3rd gear and let the engine control the speed with no problems no matter the slope without using any brakes.

Just checked the NADA value on my truck. I paid $40K for it with all the bells and whistles and still has $38K retail value. The only thing I have added is heated mirrors.

Plus is diesel in Seattle is 40 cents cheaper than regular gasoline right now.
 
#34 ·
For what it's worth I'll add my two cents.

Having owned diesel trucks for over 30 years, IMHO I don't believe that modern/today's diesels will ever be as reliable or will last as long as they once did. The only reason I believe this, is not because I believe these engines are bad or not well designed, but because of the current emissions equipment being installed. You want your new diesel to last, remove all that crap off it and it will run for many mile, and she'll be more efficient which you see at the pump with better MPGs.

You can argue that it maybe better for the environment, which is questionable. First you'll have to convince me, how burring more fossil fuel due to having this emission system installed. Is better than burring less fuel due to better MPG in these more efficient modern engines. But you'll have a very hard convincing me that these emissions systems are better for the engine or don't hurt the engine.

If I were in the market for a used Colorado diesel I would pay for a Carfax report. It will have every single visit that truck made to the dealer for warranty work. If I saw a long list of visits mostly due to emission related issues I would walk away. If I was fortunate to locate a nice clean one with low miles and out of warranty I would delete it as soon as it hit my driveway. They are nice engines, plenty of grunt for a 4 banger and plenty efficient.
 
#35 ·
I bought a 2016 Colorado with 2.8 Duramax. I get around 30mpg on road trips , cost of diesel is about the same as low grade gasoline. Not as quick to 60mph as a gas motor but has more torque. It not a race car but has plenty of power. I also change my own oil and filter and replace the fuel filters myself also. It very easy to do both. If I want to go fast I will drive my BMW. I have owned 1999 Ford Diesel truck and it has run perfect for 21 years. I would expect this truck to do the same if I live long enough. If there is a chance you are going to tow get the diesel, if not get the diesel.
 
#36 ·
I don't do a lot of towing, but I do have long commutes (67 miles one way 5 days a week). For this reason alone I traded in my gas Canyon and got a diesel Colorado. I get a solid 30 mpg with AT tires and that alone has benefitted me on fuel alone. I can go four days until I have to visit a gas station. The other benefit is that I do like to go off roading and a diesel engine is the perfect choice for me. That low end torque makes it easy to go over most obstacles that I come across. So, if the price between the gas and diesel are the same or pretty close I recommend the diesel. I have had no issues with the truck that I bought in 2016 new and now has 167K on it.
 
#37 ·
I have had no issues with the truck that I bought in 2016 new and now has 167K on it.
Did you have a dealer do your timing belt or did you do it yourself? If dealer (or some other shop) would you mind telling us how much it ran you? Did you also have the water pump replaced? My local GMC dealer, well the service advisor I talked to anyway, has their head up their butt and gave me a very vague, inaccurate quote. I figure these trucks are new enough that many dealers likely haven't done any timing belts yet, but their computers should give them the info they need.

Anyway, just curious what it cost to have it done. I have a ways to go with only 60k on mine.
 
owns 2017 GMC Canyon Denali
#38 ·
wait for the 2.7 turbo, better specs than either