[fabsroman]

The difference in mileage is huge, especially if it is going to be a daily driver. I get 16 mpg out of my F-350 Crew Cab and the gas motors get about 12 mpg. That is about 33% better than the gas motor. However, not every gas station around here sells diesel (i.e., one drawback). Another drawback is that the diesel motor takes 15 qts of oil and I use Mobil 1 in all my vehicles. Another drawback is that it takes 3+ gallons of antifreeze. However, I've only changed the oil once and haven't had to change the antifreeze yet because it is barely 2 years old and I rarely drive it (i.e., I bought it in Nov 2003 and it has 6,000 miles on it).

The diesel is also a little more noisy than a gas motor, but I can barely hear the motor at highway speeds. Plus, I kind of like the diesel sound because it reminds me of fishing. Then again, if you are one of these guys that wants a loud "sport" muffler on your truck, then it is about the same thing.

I think the durability of the diesel and the power of the diesel motors far exceeds that of the gasoline motors. My dad has around 80,000 miles on his F-150 5.0 liter gas powered truck, and that motor struggles just going up hills. There are othe reasons for that (i.e., abuse), so I don't know exactly how long a gas motor will last in a truck, and continue to make enough power, if properly taken care of.

When I need to buy another truck in about 30 years, if the technology remains the same, I will buy another diesel.

Oh yeah, diesel is better for the environment too because it does not effect the ozone.

Heck, I have been thinking about buying a diesel car if they start making them, but we are actually leaning toward a hybrid SUV. Ford is coming out with a Hybrid/Flex Fuel Escape and I am hoping that they will have that technology for the Explorer and Expedition by the time we are in the market for a new vehicle.