I have a deleted Duramax and a completely stock Super Duty. I just don't see the costs as being exorbitant when it comes to the utility. We're talking about $60k vehicles, perhaps one could argue that the better fuel efficiency from the diesel would offset the premium fuel in the Raptor with less MPGs. Six one way, half a dozen the other, but to each their own.
It may offset the fuel costs but it won’t offset the fuel costs, def costs, maintenance costs, potential repair costs and the extra 7 grand cost of entry. If you’re towing heavy often they make sense, if not, they don’t. Unless you simply like diesel. Deleting isn’t an option in all states
I was referring to general maintenance really, but also the aspects of repair and increased labor cost on top of that. For example, oil changes for my 6.7 from my local Ford dealer we’re around $190 I believe, Raptor is $60 on blend, $97 on full synthetic. I’d end up around $120 buying T6 and having a shop do it for $35 labor. Fuel filters were $212 at the time from the dealer. DEF was around $15 every 4 months or so, which isn’t a big deal really.
But if we get into the aspects of repairs either not covered by warranty or out of warranty on top of maintenance, that’s where it gets expensive. On my older diesels, it really wasn’t a concern with the lack of emissions equipment and I thoroughly enjoyed driving them and miss them now. The newer trucks are a different ball game. When the CP4 on a 6.7, LML or most recently the 2019-2020 5th Gen Rams decide to scrap themselves and take out the entire injection system with it and it costs $12-16K out of pocket, even under warranty, that stings. When the EGR or DPF decide to act up and leave you stranded or in limp mode, that’s no fun either. When an injector sticks open and turns a piston into a paperweight, that one also hurts. Not to mention all of the other stupid issues with DEF heaters for the tanks and lacking designs there. Now given, any of these issues can be a one in a hundred-thousand and you could drive these trucks for 250K and never have a single issue, but it really is unfortunate when you are the one in hundred-thousand and you’re the guy paying the bill.
I say that, but I also say that Raptor ownership has it’s own set of costs (Shock rebuilds and suspension maintenance particularly, nothing crazy) just like any specialty vehicle for that matter. That said, If you can be prepared for the potential costs that come with diesel ownership, should those issues arise, then it really doesn’t matter. After all, most guys in $70K trucks can afford those things.
I hope I don’t come off as too negative and like I said, most of the ownership of a new diesel can a great experience and very fun, but unfortunately there’s other aspects to deal with and prepare for at times.
