I will be buying my first diesel truck next month and am looking for any advice I can get. Looking at late model (2012-2015). I've read all kinds of stuff on here and I know there is a lot of personal preference involved. Are there any particular model years that I need to avoid with any of the manufacturers. Have primarily been looking at the F250 and the Chevy/GMC 2500. Any advice is appreciated, although I probably won't understand anything technical!

My advice...

If it is a want and not a need stop turn around and don't buy one.

If you have a use for one Dodge is my favorite, but in all honesty they will all do what you need. I would look for one that is either deleted or has urea, the 2012 dodges will only have a DPF, which is slightly more problematic, more so if you don't work it like it is supposed to.

It will be a daily driver, but will be pulling gooseneck trailer on occasion for stock shows, etc.

Pick the one you like or can get the best deal on. Either one will be great though I'd say Chevy

Just research online as much as possible. Many folks have opened up about issues on their diesel pickups. I must of took atleast a month to research, study, and ask questions on the specific model, year, etc...of truck I was interested in buying.

A 6.7 super duty with 100k miles in good shape. Take it to Mad Max with $2200 and he'll bypass it. DONE.

I've gotten to drive all 3 and the 6.7 powerstroke is my personal favorite, it's also what I drive now. They are all pretty solid. The Dodge lacks a little bit on horsepower but is pretty close on fuel mileage numbers to Ford. The 6.6 Duramax is pretty good empty but seemed to lack power when towing. I'm not saying it won't do the job though. It did get the best mileage unloaded out of the 3. My Ford pulls pretty solid and consistent and the mileage overall isn't bad. I average around 17 with it deleted. My biggest complaint is the small factory fuel tank so if you can go with the long bed and get the bigger tank. Short bed comes with 26 gallon tank and long bed has 36 gallon.

Honestly, all of the heavy duty trucks are quality trucks. If I could get ANY diesel, it'd be a Megacab.

Get a Megacab is what I'm saying.

All of them have their pros and cons. None will be perfect.

Drive all 3 and see which you like most and can get best deal on. We used to drive fords until they did away with the 7.3. I'm on my third duramax. Had an '04, '08, and now a '15. Gotten 200k out of past two and never had too many issues. Dad has an '11 and its at about 100k miles problem free. I deleted the '08 at 40k miles....will be deleting this new one around time bumper to bumper warranty goes out. That dpf and def crap is junk. I wouldn't buy a truck that is already programmed or deleted... Fuel Mileage will be the same between all of them for most part. I'd stay away from a ford personally (hit or miss on them IMO). Maintenance is key on the diesels!

Do what he said... Drive all 3. Won't take you that long and there's probably a place that has them all in stock. That's your best bet.

If you get a late model, you need to add about 3000 to price because at some time in its life cycle you'll have to delete the emissions or replace the DPF among other things that the DPF reeks havoc on. Alot of people have no idea what the regen cycle does (including salesmen) to the late model diesel trucks, it injects diesel on the exhaust stroke which gets past the piston rings and contaminates the motor oil, just check it after 1500 miles and the oil level will be high. That is why amsoil doesn't warranty extended drain intervals on 2007 and later diesel engines. If I were you I would do what I did, delete the DPF/Urea and EGR system and have peace of mind.

I think you have the right idea, but not exactly how it happens.

Cant go wrong with a ford!

F250 2000 model

Pretty sure that's how it happens in Ford's for sure. The reason its injects fuel on the exhaust stroke is to super heat the exhaust (DPF).

Ive got an 11 Dodge. I deleted it at 48k miles. Wish I would have done it the day I bought it. 74k on it now. Daily driver. I pull trailers on occasion. I get between 15-17 mpg for all driving and about 18 on the hwy. I have 295/70 mud terrains on it too. When I have 265s on it, I was getting 21mpg on the hwy. i have since added a S&B intake too. I wouldnt trade it for a new one even if Dodge paid me to do so. Good truck.

My 2011 F250 6.7 has been solid. Same with three fellows I know that have the same year and engine.

Honestly any go the new ones are good once you get them deleted... Fords are just a little better. I love my 6.7 powerstoke!!