Re: OT:Mileage/was TOY: Car and Driver: Ford Explorers

[DRM033@xxxxxxx]

Brien.Blankenship@radisys.com writes:

>  Speaking of costing the diesel, is that with a loaded or unloaded rig? I
>  realize unloaded the mileage isn't too bad on a gas motor but if you get
>  10k lbs behind it I'm betting that the numbers would be different. 

No 10k loads for me yet, but I have pulled my Toy and trailer quite a bit 
(close to 7k most likely).  I averaged 10.4 mpg towing if that is what you 
are asking - and those trips are interstate through TN & AL, 70 to 75 mph the 
whole way.

BTW, the claims of low 20's mpg when towing the deisels are just hard to 
believe, and it seems that there is little consistency in mileage reports 
from even identical deisel truck owners.  I have found that most people 
"guess" their mileage, and have never really charted it over time.  I can see 
why though - I gave up after just a few months of meticulous mileage 
recording.

>  resale of Power Stokes around here have a much higher value than the gas
>  motors. Plus the added maintenance with the ignition system on a gas motor
>  ( I know it's not that bad ). No big debate, like I said I'm just partial
>  to them.

Yes, resale is higher - and since I would not buy any of these trucks new, 
that too weighed in on my purchase plans ;-)

BTW, My V10 was purchased with an extended 100k mile warranty - any ignition 
problems I have (doubtful) aren't coming out of my pocket ;-)
And the only reason I justified the cost of the extra warranty was that I 
managed to purchase my truck about $1200 below Blue Book value...

Also, keep in mind that any $3k to $4k higher purchase price is likely to be 
included in the LOAN... so don't forget to figure in the added cost for the 
deisel by the time you pay the additional interest on say a $32k loan vs. a 
gas truck with a $28k loan...

Just more things to think about :-)

David
DRM033@aol.com
http://www.4x4spot.com