10 Reasons Why Diesel Trucks Are So Expensive (And Still Worth It)

A solid diesel engine can give thousands of miles of hard work. People all around north America look to these powerplants for high amounts of torque and improved miles per gallon. Plus, diesel trucks can operate for long periods without overheating, thanks to their combustion cycle. 

These, and other reasons, make diesel engines excellent for towing heavy loads over long distances. You’ll most likely see these noisy powerplants working hard day and night, but they also have one drawback. 

Why are diesel trucks so expensive?

Diesel trucks are more expensive for a lot of reasons. Compared to gas trucks, diesel trucks

• Are more in-demand
• Have better fuel economy
• Have higher torque
• Are more durable
• Are made less often
• Are more reliable
• Are more expensive to maintain
• Are harder to find used
• Have a cool reputation
• Are made for heavy-duty work

If you check out the prices for diesel trucks, you’ll find that buying one can cost you a lot of money. The internet is littered with users asking why this is. However, there are a lot of factors that determine why diesel trucks are so expensive. So, in this article, we’re looking into ten reasons for such a high price tag. 

Reason 1: People want to buy diesel trucks

The demand for diesel trucks has increased in the past years for several reasons that we’ll explain later. First, people want them as excellent workhorses or even a hobby. Also, they like the driving sensation, with that low-end torque and thunderous noise. 

Price is bound to increase when demand is high for diesel trucks, and this has been a recent phenomenon. These powerplants weren’t popular in the past, but times have changed. So, keep this in mind when you’re looking for your next diesel purchase; another critical reason pumps up the price, which we’ll explain next. 

Reason 2: Diesel trucks have excellent fuel economy

When everything is expensive, the more money you can save, the better. If you compare two gasoline and diesel engines of the same displacement, the diesel model can give you up to 25 or 30% more miles per gallon. Any money you can save is welcome when you log many miles for work. 

It’s important to highlight that diesel engines will give you excellent fuel performance in ideal conditions. As a result, these engines excel in long-distance travel.

They’re great in situations where the engine reaches operating temperature and remains there for an extended period. Yet, on the other hand, stop-and-go traffic and short cycles in which you repeatedly turn them on and off aren’t ideal for these engines. 

Reason 3: If you want torque, then look no further than a diesel engine

A diesel engine’s torque curve tells us a lot about its defining characteristics. First, you’ll notice that the diesel engine delivers torque much earlier than a gasoline counterpart. 

Most of the torque comes come at around 2,000 rpm or 3,000 rpm. So, you have all of it almost from when you start revving the engine. 

Secondly, while torque drops after hitting peak values, you’ll get another fresh boost as soon as you shift. This is ideal for those needing to tow heavy loads in challenging conditions such as a hill, gravel, and snow. 

Reason 4: Diesel engines can be very durable

Diesel and gasoline engines differ in that diesel models have different combustion cycles. In fact, a diesel powerplant doesn’t have sparkplugs. Instead, it relies on the pressure generated by the compression. 

Plus, there’s something called a glow plug. This helps warm up the fuel in cold weather, helping it start in adverse temperatures. 

Since the thermal cycle is much less aggressive than a gasoline engine, a diesel engine can last longer if you consider one significant factor. The diesel engine operates best when warmed up, so reaching this point is vital. 

Reason 5: Despite their popularity, there aren’t many diesel trucks

Here’s an interesting fact. Diesel-powered vehicles make up 3% to 5% of all passenger cars and light trucks. Once we get into commercial trucks, it changes, where 43% of those are diesel. Still, that goes to show that there aren’t many trucks out there with diesel engines. 

Given the scarcity, prices can and will go up. So, you can find yourself paying a premium because you’re going for a diesel. Moreover, there’s an uncertain future as the US faces a crossroads. 

Right now, emission regulations could drastically change electric and hybrids. Thus, the number of diesel engines on the road could drop, meaning a higher price. 

Reason 6: Diesel engines can be more reliable

There’s a difference between durable and reliable that people often mix up. Durable components will last long, even if they break down. Reliable components will not fail until they reach their expected life. In some diesel engines, it’s a combination of both. Generally speaking, diesel engines are not only durable but also reliable. 

Take the injection system. It has critical differences from gasoline engines. The main one is that it has fewer components which translate to fewer breakdowns. 

Reason 7: Diesel repairs can be expensive

While diesel engines are very reliable and robust, this is under the right conditions. Given how they operate, these power plants need rigorous maintenance, including oil changes. This is the first cost differentiator with gasoline engines. In addition, diesel power plants need special oils, which can cost more.

Diesel also acts as a lubricant, an essential part of the combustion process. So, the dimensions within the cylinder are more precise, thus having less tolerance than in the gasoline counterparts. Any irregularity can cause much more damage, so tending to diesel engines usually costs more. 

Reason 8: Finding a used diesel truck is harder

As we’ve seen in this article, diesel trucks are usually for hard work. These engines have been tested; if they haven’t, they will. So, it’s common to find the used diesel truck market littered with vehicles that have hundreds of thousands of miles. 

At the same time, this limited offer causes diesel trucks to hold their value better, but remember one thing. We said before that these engines can be very reliable. So, as long as it has had excellent maintenance, having many miles shouldn’t be a problem. 

Reason 9: Diesel trucks are cool

Let’s face it: these trucks are cool. That mechanical engine noise has no comparison, and low-end torque gives a unique driving sensation. With it, there’s no doubt that you can tow extreme loads, all the while having the ability to do a burnout with all that torque. Not that we’re saying you should. 

Also, diesel trucks are different. They’re rare and set you apart from the crowd. So whether your vehicle is for hard work or you just enjoy having them, these are unique vehicles and worth paying a premium. 

Reason 10: Diesel is for heavy-duty work

Looking at Ford, GM and Dodge, you will see that their diesel lineup is geared toward hard work. This trait isn’t only about the engine. For example, most of these trucks also have a heavy-duty transmission and suspension. Even the radiator is more robust. 

Most of the components inside will be able to handle the most demanding conditions that few trucks will face. In fact, for most users, the workload is well within the operating parameters.

Plus, if you’re a maintenance fanatic, which you should be in a diesel, you’ll find that you won’t put the components to the test many times. This automatically translates to a longer lifespan. Yet, at the same time, if you do test your truck, you know that the components will hold. It’s in their DNA. 

Closing thoughts: 

The US diesel truck market is more expensive than its gasoline counterpart. There are many reasons, and we want to dive deep into ten reasons in this article. Moreover, we can say that a higher price revolves around scarcity, durability, and component cost. 

Diesel engines are more expensive because they need costly components. This conveys a higher maintenance cost. At the same time, these are usually very reliable, so they can last for a long time, which translates to a higher resale value. 

Also, diesel trucks are less common than gasoline trucks. Therefore, they’re scarce, a vital factor driving the price up. If you want to buy a diesel truck, you must consider these factors, as they undoubtedly impact the final price. At the same time, these vehicles are durable, fun to drive, and versatile, which also justifies a high price tag. 

So, keep these factors in mind if you’re looking into this market. This way, you can better prepare yourself for buying the best diesel truck for you.