Diesel Truck Buying Guide in AZ
Used Diesel Trucks For Sale in AZ
Regular Gasoline vs Diesel
So, you are in the market for a heavy duty truck, and are trying to figure out, do you go with traditional gas power? Or do you opt for a diesel? While light-duty trucks are some of the top sellers in the US market, heavy-duty trucks hold their own place. They offer buyers capability and power that a light duty truck cannot. Some buyers will use their truck for work, some for weekend hauling. Regardless of the use, it is a big investment, and important to choose the right model. While there are other choices you must make, such as the truck brand, trim level, and features, choosing between gas and diesel should be one of the first things to consider. You may have heard about some of the benefits of diesel, its power, its capabilities. If you are not sure, read on the learn the main differences between the two.
Some of the differences of a gasoline and diesel truck include fuel efficiency, benefits for the engine, trailering capability, and environmental impact. While there may be other priorities for HD truck owners besides the truck's mileage, it is certainly something to consider. The United States Department of Energy has found that using diesel in your fuel tank can improve the fuel economy by up to 35%. To get more technical, diesel uses less fuel overall to operate the combustion process and power your engine, due to its higher energy density. Diesel truck engines have been known to last a long time, sometimes over 300k miles. Some of the reasons a diesel engine might have a longer life span are that it requires a more solidly built engine in order for the diesel to work properly, and also it can use lower speeds for higher torque power and therefore less piston movement is needed. Next, we look at trailering capacity. Both gasoline and diesel heavy-duty trucks have incredible towing numbers. But given the diesel's advantage in higher torque at lower speeds, there is less wear and tear on the engine when it is under extremely heavy loads.
It is true that regular gasoline is overall be cheaper and comparably as healthy for the environment as diesel fuel is, but when it comes to engine longevity, towing strength, resale value, and long term fuel efficiency, a diesel powered truck has the advantage.
What are some of my choices for used diesel trucks?
While there are a number of brands that sell light-duty trucks, the three major players have always been RAM, Ford, and Chevy. The same is true for diesel pickups. All three brands offer comparable, high-quality diesel models. They all are powerful, and they all have high towing and hauling capability. Here is an overview of each:
RAM HD
The Ram HD diesel option uses a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel inline-6 engine. It can be found on either the RAM 2500 or RAM 3500. It is available in multiple trim levels such as Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited, just as the gasoline model is. You can find any of these trims paired with a with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions. With a six-speed manual the output is 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, while with the six-speed automatic, it reaches 370 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. This provides power to tow up to 17,980 pounds and a payload weight of 3,160 pounds.
Chevy Silverado HD
The Silverado HD diesel model is powered by a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine. It comes in a wide variety of trim levels such as the Work Truck (base model), LT, LTZ, and the High Country. The turbodiesel V8 engine produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 23,300 pounds.
Ford Superduty
The Ford Superduty (F-350, F-450, F-550) diesel model is powered by a 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel V8 engine and its Power Stroke Diesel Exhaust Fluid. It can be found in six trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The diesel engine puts out 440 horsepower and 925 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 48-gallon fuel tank. This can be paired with four-wheel drive for an incredible towing capability of up to 34,000 pounds and a payload maximum weight of 7,630 pounds
How to find a used diesel pickup
If you have narrowed down your search for a used pickup to a heavy-duty diesel model, there are still many more choices to make. Recent model trucks offer a dizzying array of features, add-ons, cabin choices, bed lengths, and more. Choosing the right diesel for you take some serious thought. It may come down to brand loyalty, to recommendations from friends and colleagues. It may be a specific truck you find at your local dealership that has exactly what you are looking for. Regardless, a great way to start the search is to check your dealer's inventory online. You can narrow down the inventory to used trucks, certain makes and models, and sometimes to the specific engine type. Take a good look at inventory. If you see something that might serve your needs and wants in a diesel truck, the next step would be to see it in person. You will not only have a chance to take a test drive, but to also make sure the cabin, as well as the exterior, has the features that are high on your priority list. If you are searching for a used pickup in the Phoenix AZ area, Loan Approval Center is the place to go. We have a variety of locations, and have a professional finance team that can offer a variety of loans, specific to your individual needs. We looking forward to helping you find the diesel truck of your dreams!
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