9 Diesel Fuel Cars and Trucks That Will Help You Save Money

May 30
16:49

2024

jodie mht

jodie mht

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Diesel vehicles are renowned for their exceptional fuel efficiency, but does that translate into overall cost savings compared to their gasoline counterparts? This article delves into the financial benefits and potential drawbacks of owning diesel cars and trucks, backed by data and expert insights.

Summary

Diesel vehicles offer impressive fuel economy,9 Diesel Fuel Cars and Trucks That Will Help You Save Money Articles but their higher purchase and maintenance costs can offset these savings. This article explores nine diesel cars and trucks that can help you save money in the long run, based on a comprehensive study by Vincentric. Discover the nuances of diesel ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation costs, and learn which models offer the best value.

The Economics of Diesel Vehicles

Fuel Efficiency vs. Overall Cost

Diesel engines are celebrated for their fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, diesel engines can be 20-35% more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts (source). However, the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs can be higher. Diesel vehicles often require a urea tank for emissions control, adding to the maintenance burden.

Maintenance and Insurance Costs

Diesel vehicles generally have higher insurance and maintenance costs. Vincentric, a firm specializing in vehicle cost analysis, found that diesels often have higher repair and maintenance expenses. This is partly due to the complexity of modern diesel engines and the need for additional components like urea tanks.

Depreciation

On a per-mile basis, diesel vehicles tend to depreciate less than gasoline vehicles. However, because they are more expensive to purchase, their total depreciation cost is often higher. Vincentric's study revealed that while diesel vehicles have lower depreciation rates, their overall depreciation costs are higher due to their initial price.

Vincentric's Study: A Deep Dive

Vincentric analyzed 23 diesel vehicles available in the U.S., including 12 commercial and 10 consumer models. The study considered the total cost of ownership over five years, assuming 15,000 miles driven annually. Here are the nine diesel vehicles that offer the best five-year cost savings compared to their gasoline counterparts.

Top 9 Diesel Vehicles for Cost Savings

  1. Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec

    • Fuel Savings: $4,650 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $101 more than the gas-powered GL450 4Matic
    • Fuel Economy: 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway
  2. Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec 4Matic

    • Fuel Savings: $4,003 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: Lower than its gasoline counterpart
    • Fuel Economy: 21 MPG city, 31 MPG highway
  3. Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

    • Fuel Savings: $2,000 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $1,000 less than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 27 MPG city, 46 MPG highway
  4. BMW 328d

    • Fuel Savings: $3,500 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $500 more than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 31 MPG city, 43 MPG highway
  5. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

    • Fuel Savings: $3,000 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $1,200 more than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway
  6. Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel

    • Fuel Savings: $2,800 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $1,500 more than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 15 MPG city, 22 MPG highway
  7. Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

    • Fuel Savings: $2,500 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $1,000 more than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 22 MPG city, 30 MPG highway
  8. Volkswagen Golf TDI

    • Fuel Savings: $2,200 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $800 less than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 30 MPG city, 45 MPG highway
  9. Audi A3 TDI

    • Fuel Savings: $2,100 over five years
    • Total Cost Difference: $600 more than the gas-powered model
    • Fuel Economy: 31 MPG city, 43 MPG highway

Conclusion

While diesel vehicles offer significant fuel savings, their higher purchase and maintenance costs can offset these benefits. However, certain models, as highlighted by Vincentric's study, provide a compelling case for diesel ownership. By considering factors like fuel economy, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

For more detailed insights, you can refer to the U.S. Department of Energy and Vincentric's comprehensive vehicle cost analysis.

This article provides a nuanced look at the financial aspects of diesel vehicle ownership, offering valuable insights for potential buyers.