Used Diesel Trucks in Colorado Springs

Used diesel trucks are still a reliable option even without the added protection of a warranty or a CPO distinction. That’s because diesel engines last a long time - sometimes as long as 500,000 miles - and that longevity is a big reason why buyers prefer diesel-powered trucks. Also, diesel engines efficiently produce a lot of torque, which translates into more power at lower gears, perfect for hauling, towing, and off-roading. If you’re in the market for a diesel truck but worry about the high price tag, a high-quality used or CPO vehicle is the perfect compromise.

Diesel vs Gas Engines

Americans love their trucks. Pickup truck owners are fiercely brand loyal, and they’re not above a little good-natured ribbing when it comes to comparing their brand to another’s ‘lesser’ nameplate. Still, fewer topics result in more polarizing viewpoints than the age-old gas vs diesel engine debate. It’s time to settle the argument once-and-for-all with straight facts and comparisons in key areas like longevity, cost of maintenance, and design.

While both gas and diesel engines use internal combustion to generate power, gas engines use more energy to ignite the fuel and, as a result, run less efficiently. How does internal combustion work? Combustion is created by compressing a mixture of air and gas and igniting it to generate the energy necessary to move the engine’s piston (for engine power) and crankshaft (for transmission power). This compression process happens repetitively and quickly, many times per second. A spark plug is required to ignite the mixture in a gas engine.

On the other hand, a diesel engine relies solely on intense compression. The extreme compression necessary comes by way of a longer stroke, or length, of the cylinder in which the piston travels and the highly efficient air-to-fuel ratio. Increased fuel economy is another benefit of that ratio. Put more simply, diesel engine fuel results in more energy per gallon than traditional gasoline, and it creates more torque, which is the holy grail of power for a pickup truck.

Many consumers think of diesel fuel as dirty and smog-generating. Historically, they’re correct, but this new generation of diesel motors is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and greener than its predecessors. One caveat: diesel engines cost more at the time of sale. If you’re buying a truck and budget is your number one criterion, you should calculate your maintenance and fuel savings over the time you intend to keep your diesel truck to justify the higher price tag. Budget usually isn’t the first consideration for diesel-powered buyers, though. It’s a decision rooted in an appreciation and need for the added performance and capability that comes with choosing a diesel engine-equipped truck.

Popular Diesel Truck Options

You’ve decided that a diesel-powered pickup truck is the best choice for your needs. What’s next? It’s all about research and finding the best and most popular diesel trucks available. If you’re buying used, it’s essential to understand that each truck offers different capabilities, so keep a close eye on specifications like towing capacity and fuel economy. Used truck shopping can require a little bit of research if you have specific needs, so look for trucks with features that match how you plan to use your vehicle. For example, if you need a dependable work truck that can haul lots of cargo, payload capacity will trump luxury interior features.

If a used diesel truck is what you’re after, we recommend the Ford F-150 or the Ram 1500. Both trucks offer diesel engine options and plenty of towing and payload capacity. Ford and Ram sell nearly 1.5 million trucks combined each year, which means a fresh batch of used trucks constantly flood the market. Since diesel engines generally last longer and require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts, a used diesel-powered truck is always a practical choice. Chevy also has diesel engine options in its Silverado line of trucks, as does GMC in its full-size Sierra and smaller Canyon models.

If you’re shopping for a heavy-duty truck, the Chevy 2500HD and 3500HD are both well-respected workhorses. Chevy’s Duramax line of diesel engines is designed for longevity. It’s not unusual for a well-maintained Duramax diesel motor to run for 500,000 miles or more. A diesel engine’s high dependability and durability ratings translate into more peace-of-mind for used truck buyers, and the odometer reading becomes less important, giving you a bigger pool of potential options. Don’t just focus on low miles; look for a truck that is well-maintained. This is where buying from a certified dealership can really be an advantage.

Diesel engines are easier to maintain, last longer than gas-powered engines, and are generally more fuel-efficient. They produce more torque with fewer components, giving pickup truck buyers maximum power for towing and better fuel economy for highway driving. Used diesel trucks are widely available in Colorado Springs, but our suggestion is to check out The Faricy Boys first. You’ll have access to better quality inventory and a fully-equipped service facility to keep your truck running optimally for years.

Shop Diesel at The Faricy Boys