That's exactly right.

Right now:

Assuming 1,500 miles per month
Gas@3.15/gallon - 17 mpg - 88.2 gallons fuel per month = $277.83
Diesel@3.99/gallon - 23.5mpg - 63.8 gallons fuel per month = $254.56

This is based on the mileage, hand calculated, that the wife and I were getting from our Liberties. Right now you'd be looking at about 20-23 bucks per month savings with the CRD.

On the Rams...the mileage difference will be roughly the same. By the time you factor in the thousands you pay for the diesel engine option, the extra $$$ for oil changes and service, etc....the diesel ends up actually costing more money.

That's why I say the only time the diesel is truly worth it in 2008 finances is if you work your truck to the limit every day. If it's just an occasional trip to the campground or whatever, gas is truly the way to go. It's a shame that it's come to this...but it's the truth.

_________________

2005 Stone White KJ Limited CRD 4x4
Off-Road Pkg
Trac-Lok
Emu 790s/948s
Skyjacker H7088s rear/Bilsteins front
15x7 Black Rock Lobos/31x10.50 Firestones
GDE HOT Tune + TCM Tune
Euro TC
CB radio
Thrush Turbo muffler
AEM DryFlow filter

I tend to agree with the numbers to a point. In my case, I compare my CRD to my GC which burns mid-grade and the delta $$$ is quite a bit differant. For example, I would not have boought a liberty gasser at all but the CRD tipped the balance for a daily driver. It's perfect in this role with a 24 mpg avg mixed driving and closer to 27 steady state freeway.....occasional bursts to 30 if the wind and terrain cooperate.

My interest in a Duranago/Ram 1500 diesel is not $$$$$ driven but towing a TT through the western mountains about 6-8,000 miles a year. Right now I get about 8.4 mpg towing but with a diesel that should go to 11 to 13 based on what I'm seeing with the 2500's towing a similiar wt TT. Now you're talking a HUGE differance in operating costs not to mention that I wouldn't have to start looking for a gas station every 100 miles. For an 8,000 mile trip gas would be about $3300 at 3.50/gal and the diesel would be $2400 to $2900 at 4.00/gal.

Once we go to a larger TT then the HEMI will start to suffer performace-wise in mountain driving. I'm also counting on Dodge to revamp the suspension to handle the extra weight of the diesel package and keep the GVWR and towing capacity in line with the existing models.

The 2500 diesel is not an option as the cost for a fully loaded Laramie is closer to 55K and I'm expecting the Durango/Ram 1500 to come in closer to 45K. Most important is that empty ride of the 1/2 ton will be much better then the 2500.

Granted Dodge may well lose some 2500 sales to those that really want diesel but not the 2500. However, I bet they will pick up a lot of Ford and Chevy 1/2 ton customers.

_________________
2006 Libery Sport CRD, Lt Kakhi, nicely equipped
*****GDE Hot Tune at 38,879 miles
*****Stock TC.....for the time being!!

Its sad, based on our math, the CRD is as economical as the Jetta we traded it (5-cyl gasoline model). The irony, the Jeep is useful for day to day things like hauling off toilets. The jetta just looked cute.

_________________
1998 VW New Beetle TDI & 2006 Jetta TDI Manual
No more: 2005 Stone White Liberty CRD
Powered in part by Biodiesel and Open Source Software.

Under the cost comparison between diesels and gassers, one should also consider the frequency and costs of oil changes, and the longevity and/or resale value of the vehicle. Edges diesel ahead a bit more (though I agree, not a huge amount).

Personally, I think Dodge is screwing up with both these models. They are tuned for big torque, and the fuel economy suffers for it. With fuel prices where they are, they would be a lot smarter to tune for MPG (and work on the aerodynamics and mechanical friction of their designs), to get the fuel economy up over 30 mpg.

Though everyone loves more power, a couple years of these fuel prices and the market will be primed for a comeback of the front-wheel drive trucklets we saw in the 80's (like the 40 MPG Volkswagen one of my neighbors drives, 250k miles and still going strong). Diesel could offer a path back to profitability for the Big 3, but not if they continue to design their rigs as if fuel was still $1.50 a gallon.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited
Mopar engine, transmission, transfer case skids
245/70/16 Michelin Latitude X-Ice (winter)
235/75/16 Firestone Destination ATs (summer)
Thule roof rack, cargo box
V6 airbox mod
Flowmaster 50 2.5 inch muffler
Edge EZ module (set for fuel economy)
SEGR
TDIWagonGuy CCV filter
B99 (summer), B20 (winter)

Probably not actually, since both Ford and GM are also developing diesels for their half-tons that will be just as efficient, if not more so, than the big Cummins V6.

The interesting thing is going to be whether Dodge will offer a manual transmission with the Cummins. I still say if Jeep offered the 6-speed manual with the Liberty CRD, not only would it have been more fuel efficient, but they would have avoided a lot of the transmission issues too.

_________________

2005 Stone White KJ Limited CRD 4x4
Off-Road Pkg
Trac-Lok
Emu 790s/948s
Skyjacker H7088s rear/Bilsteins front
15x7 Black Rock Lobos/31x10.50 Firestones
GDE HOT Tune + TCM Tune
Euro TC
CB radio
Thrush Turbo muffler
AEM DryFlow filter

The interesting thing is going to be whether Dodge will offer a manual transmission with the Cummins. I still say if Jeep offered the 6-speed manual with the Liberty CRD, not only would it have been more fuel efficient, but they would have avoided a lot of the transmission issues too.

Not an expert here but I think if you used all that torque to the rear wheels with a manual shift, the first thing
to go would be the rear diff. This happened back in the 70's when ??? was putting 1/2 ton diff's in a 3/4 ton p/u.
But it would be cool if if happened.
Steve

_________________
06 Silver Liberty
EHM/SEGR
Fumoto Oil Drain
No rock climbing
No mudding
Hangs behind my
motorhome on tow bars. Semi-retired and still learning.