[REDNAX]

Diesel 22+ mpg at 68 mph, all Interstate is no brag with a 2004 Dodge CTD, it's fact. From my records or those of hundreds of others. Nor is the 15 mpg towing.

I bought mine used, under market value, and my depreciation is negligible with zero finance costs. At 130,000 miles I am one-third the way through the life of the drivetrain. Repairs, maintenance, etc are easily handled with regular service.

Diesel is about $3.40 locally, and 87-octane is $2.80.

In 10,000 miles of highway only driving, that diesel is $200 cheaper in fuel than the gas truck it replaced. The disparity in city/town solo driving is even greater (11 mpg vs. 17 mpg).

It isn't the price of fuel (Americans balk at $3.30/gal plus) it is

THE AVAILABILITY OF FUEL

as spot shortages are more likely in the near future. That will be the bigger (panic-inducing) problem. Gonna be some nice pickups and trailers available when that happens.

Only dumb bunnies think fuel mileage is the end-all, be-all of vehicle ownership on a monthly note they can afford. In reality, a vehicle with no money owed, low depreciation and a very long service life is cheaper than any "new tech, high mileage" vehicle. And this will be true for years to come. The American fleet takes more than a dozen years to change its composition.

My truck, with all costs considered (based on actual numbers) is cheaper for me to own than a Prius. A Prius can do nothing an airconditioned go-kart cannot. My truck can. For the next 100,000 miles I am miles ahead in dollars and utility.

I specifically bought a 3/4-ton, longbed, 2003 or early 2004 2WD, manual transmission Cummins Turbodiesel for utility and fuel mileage as the Ford and GM offerings do not last as long, nor are they as reliable (all nicety niceness aside). 4WD is useless for an on-road vehicle 99% of the time and exacts a constant $$$ penalty.

The trade-off is that this thing is slow, heavy and cumbersome. It ain't easy to park nor is it "fun" to run errands. And, it rides like a truck. But it's usefulness outweighs the problems.

It isn't the fuel mileage or the note: It is the OVERALL, TOTAL cost of ownership. Buying a new vehicle every five years or at 100,000 miles isn't smart in dollar terms.

Get the vehicle needed, keep it spotless in looks and reliability. Sell it after 250,000 miles or fifteen years. Save enough to pay in cash for the next one.

By the same reasoning, a lightweight, aerodynamic trailer is superior to a heavy box-shaped trailer. Long-lasting, safer to tow, but, geez, doesn't have tons of storage for unneeded junk.