Here in the Rocky Mountains of the West, trucks are such a popular vehicle choice. Why? Well, they are just. so. practical. The higher ground clearance and 4WD make navigating over rough terrain much easier, not to mention the snow. Now that we have more luxury truck options than ever before, trucks are also used as everyday vehicles and family vehicles. The ability to throw whatever you need in the bed of the truck is just too handy (like that time you go to the home improvement store for a tube of sealant but, impulse buy fence posts). In farm and ranch country, being able to hook up to a trailer and haul time and time again is a must. Which fuel type though, gas vs diesel?
Gas vs diesel?
An age-old argument that there is no right or wrong answer to. When considering a pickup truck it all comes down to what you need your truck to do for you. There are, however, pros and cons to consider that will help in aiding your decision.
Cost to buy
Gas has the advantage here. When comparing like for like trucks, you’re going to pay more to buy a diesel engines truck than a gas engined truck. For example, a Ford F-250 Superduty SRW XL Supercab with 8′ box in 4WD with the 6.2L gas engine has an MSRP of $42,740. a similar pickup truck with a 6.7L diesel engine has an MSRP of $52,375. That is over a $9,000 difference for the diesel engine.
Fuel economy
Diesel has the advantage here. Ok, here goes the yucky math part. It’s true, diesel engine’s do get better fuel mileage than gas, especially in cars. Not so much in heavy-duty trucks. The advantage in fuel economy is marginal. According to fuelly.com, (real-world mileages) report, the 2017 F-250 with the 6.2L gas engine, averages 11.8mpg. The same report shows the 6.7L diesel engine averages 14.5 mpg. According to local fuel prices, diesel is $2.70/gallon and gas is $2.28/gallon. Assuming prices all stayed equal and the truck continues to get equal fuel economy. 50,000 miles in the gas engine truck would cost around $9,661. 50,000 miles in the diesel engine would cost $9,310 in diesel fuel costs. From this example, you can see there is only a saving of around $351 over 50,000 miles in a diesel.
Another factor to consider is that due to emissions regulations, diesel pickups now need regular top-ups of DEF (diesel exhaust fluid).
Talking of the DEF system and mileage, it’s worth noting that due to the new particulate systems on diesel pickups, short journeys are evil. Driving only a few miles every day at low speeds can cause blockage problems.
Resale value and depreciation
Diesel has the advantage here. Diesel engine pickup trucks are seen to last longer than their gasoline counterparts, especially on the higher-mile end of the scale (ie. 100,000 miles). A gasoline engine at this mileage has most likely reached its peak of performance, whilst a diesel may require some maintenance, it’ll likely last a lot longer. Diesel-powered pickups usually hold their value better and depreciate less than gas (assuming like for like and average mileage).
Towing
Diesel has the advantage here. Both gas and diesel-powered pickup trucks are capable of towing, a diesel does it better. Due to the torque, a diesel can typically pull more weight than a gas. For example, a 2018 RAM 3500 SLT 4×4 Crew Cab with 6.4L Heavy Duty HEMI (4.10 axle ratio) gas engine can tow up to 15,540 lbs. A 2018 RAM 3500 SLT 4×4 Crew Cab with the 6.7 L Cummins (4.10 axle ratio) can tow up to 30,240 lbs. Although there isn’t always this much difference, this particular truck has almost double the towing capacity between gas and diesel. Check out full RAM towing specs here. Another advantage to using diesel for towing is that a lot of the newer pickups have an exhaust brake. This uses back pressure from the turbo to slow the truck down. Useful in reducing brake wear or overheating the brakes when going down a steep mountain pass.
Gas has the advantage here. Derek Zarello, Service Writer at the Fremont Dodge store in Casper, WY says that diesel pickups typically cost more to maintain. For example, an oil change on a diesel pickup including DEF is going to be around three times the price of an oil change on a gas pickup. The reason being is that the oil type itself is more expensive and there is more of it required. Then there is the also the diesel exhaust fluid that will need topped up or filled up.
What about diesel compact trucks, half ton’s and 1500’s?
The market has recently seen the introduction of smaller trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado with a diesel engine. A 2018 Chevy Colorado, with the 2.8L turbo-diesel crew cab long box, can tow around 7600 lbs. Fuel economy for the 4WD compact truck is rated by the EPA at 28 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg combined.
The 2018 RAM 1500 in 4WD with the EcoDiesel engine is EPA rated at 27 mpg on the highway, 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg combined. Towing capacity is around 8,400 lb for a 4×4 Crew Cab but actual towing capacity will depend on the exact specifics of the truck.
The new Ford F-150 with a Powerstroke diesel engine will be available this year. Official fuel economy numbers have not yet been published on the EPA website yet, Ford are hoping for close to 30 mpg. Ford did publish a towing capacity of 11,400 lbs, however, it doesn’t say which truck configuration this is on. Most likely a base model 2WD. Also worth noting is what road and track commented, “The diesel F-150 won’t be the towing champion of Ford’s light-duty lineup. With an 11,400-lb max, the diesel tows 200 lbs less than an F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8; the champion drivetrain is still the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, with an impressive 13,200-lb towing max. The diesel’s 2020 lb. payload capacity lags behind the 3.5 EcoBoost’s 3230 lbs and the 5.0-liter V8’s 3270 lbs”.
The same pro’s and con’s mostly still apply to the smaller trucks. EXCEPT for fuel economy and cost to own over a longer period. Due to a bigger difference in fuel economy between the gas diesel models in the RAM trucks. For example, the RAM 1500 4WD with the 5.7L V-8 is rated at 17 mpg combined.
Using the same numbers as quoted above for fuel costs, the cost of 50,000 miles in the HEMI is around $6,705 in gas. The cost of 50,000 miles in the EcoDiesel $6,136 in diesel fuel. A slightly bigger saving between the half-ton models. There will still be the added costs of DEF and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gas or Diesel Better For Towing?
Most truck enthusiasts will tell you the diesel is better than its gasoline counterpart when it comes to towing. The engines get better gas mileage, last longer and usually can tow more. Diesel Engines have a lot of low-end torque and can pull heavy loads up extreme grades with confidence.
Are Diesel Trucks More Reliable than Gas Engine Trucks?
Diesel engines “in general” are simply made to last longer because the engines require more robust parts to deal with the high-compression ratios and high cylinder pressure within the engine.
Which Trucks Have A Better Resale? Gas or Diesel.
In general, a diesel equipt truck will have a better resale. That said, you also have to take into account diesel trucks cost more starting out.
Conclusion
Gas vs diesel? It really comes down to what you will be using your truck for. How often and how long you’ll be keeping it. If you will be towing heavy loads, frequently and racking up miles for years then a heavy-duty diesel makes sense. Long trips or short trips? As far as the smaller trucks go, the biggest differences to diesels are longevity, instant fuel economy, and resale value.
Fun fact: Fleet and commercial sales manager Brett Osborne at Fremont Motors in Wyoming, sells almost double the number of heavy-duty diesel pickup trucks compared to gas.
Update:10/5/2018. You do not need a VIN inspection if you purchase a vehicle brand new from out of State. You will need the Manufacturers Statement of Origin that will come with the vehicle.
What is a VIN?
A VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number that is a 17 digit code, that is unique to your vehicle. It enables insurance companies, auto dealers, and law enforcement to bring up the year and model specific information on the vehicle.
Do I need a VIN inspection?
You will only need a VIN inspection if;
if your vehicle is registered in a different state
is a homemade vehicle
the vehicle has been rebuilt or reconstructed
is a kit car
any vehicle for which a bond is required ( A Bond for Certificate of Title is required for circumstances where the owner of a vehicle is requesting a Duplicate Certificate of Title or is not able to obtain a properly executed certificate of title upon transfer of ownership pursuant to 31-2-105. The Surety Bond is a one-time non-refundable instrument that allows issuance of a new title. A Bond for Certificate of Title is NOT required for vehicles that are valued at less than $2500.)1
How do I get a VIN Inspection?
Contact your local law enforcement office and they will be able to carry out the inspection.
In Casper, there are actually designated parking spots just for VIN inspections at the Hall of Justice. Located at 201 North David St. Casper, WY, 82601. You do not need an appointment, and inspections can be carried out during normal business hours.
If you need to register your vehicle in Wyoming, but the vehicle is out of state, you can contact a local law enforcement officer in your jurisdiction to perform the vehicle VIN inspection. Find the paperwork here.
What about Nebraska?
Nebraska is similar, you will just need to contact your local county vehicle office. A list of which can be found here.
The fee is around $10.00 for both Wyoming and Nebraska.
We’ve come a long way from a 3 on the tree transmission to some vehicles now having a 10-speed automatic transmission. Changes between gears in an automatic transmission, for the most part, should be mostly unnoticeable and smooth. Exceptions to that may be performance vehicles. Remember that the more gears your vehicle has, the more it will shift. Getting used to a 8, 9, or 10-speed auto can be a little different than what we are typically used to.
If you notice something unusual about your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by an expert to make sure. The earlier you catch a problem, the better before it becomes a bigger one.
Slipping gears
If you hear revving from the engine, or notice your RPMs (revolutions per minute) go up, but not your speed, or you aren’t even moving, this could be slipping gears. There is another time this could happen though, so if you happen to be driving on ice or snow, it may just be wheel spin as opposed to a transmission issue. If it happens on dry roads, you may want to get this checked out by a professional.
Violent and /or slow gear shifts
If your coffee is spilling during gear changes or your head slams into the headrest, there might be a transmission problem. You may also hear loud clunking noises. If it takes forever and an age to change gear this could also be a sign of a problem. For example, you plant the accelerator and expect it to kick down and it doesn’t, or going up a steep hill and it’s not changing to maintain speed. Again if this is happening you should have your transmission checked.
Burning smell
This may happen during conditions that are difficult. The transmission works very heard when towing. (If you do a lot of towing, a tranny cooler is a good idea). Most newer vehicles are equipped with a transmission temperature warning light. If this comes on, pull over, let is cool down and call roadside assistance. (The number for roadside assistance cover that comes with your manufacturer vehicle warranty will be in the owners manual).
“The ideal temperature for your transmission is 200 degrees. For every 20 degrees past 200, the lifespan of your transmission is reduced by a factor of 2. In other words, if you hit 220 degrees, you can expect to get about half the normal life out of your transmission. At 240 degrees, your transmission will last about 1/4 the time that it should. And if you get up to 260 degrees, you are down to 1/8 the normal life”, says, YourMechanic.
Leaking fluid
This one is difficult because some transmissions may have casings to where the fluid may never make it to the ground. In this case, it would be hard to tell if it’s leaking. Otherwise, you could try the cardboard test. It’s not a failsafe test by any means but a good place to start. Place a piece of cardboard or paper (that won’t blow away in Wyoming!) underneath your vehicle overnight. Re-check it in the morning to see if there are any fluid leaks visible. If there is, be sure to bring the piece of cardboard with you to your mechanic. Most newer vehicles now require special processes and tools to check transmission fluid levels.
Dash lights(s)
Transmission warning light
Oh… the dreaded lights that nightmares are made of. Nobody likes to see warning lights on the dash. If the transmission warning light or check engine light comes on, the vehicle may go into limp mode. Limp mode means it will not shift gear, to reduce the chance of any further damage to the engine or transmission. If this happens you should pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and call roadside assistance or your dealership.
Extreme climate conditions and servicing
Places where there are extreme climate conditions (such as Wyoming!), can cause early fatigue and breakdown of components. Seals and gaskets can become brittle or weak, and fluids can become ineffective. This is just one reason it’s so important to have your transmission servicing done. Some newer transmissions do not require servicing, however, be sure to check your owners manual and find out if it does. Living in an extreme climate or towing regularly may require more frequent servicing.
While the Toyota C-HR is technically classed as a ‘subcompact crossover SUV’ and the Fiat 500L is classed as a ‘mini MPV’, these two vehicles are similar in size and around the same $20k price tag. Both vehicles are FWD.
Trim levels
C-HR
Toyota C-HR, Photos: Toyota
The C-HR is available in 2 trim levels; XLE and XLE Premium. Both trim levels come with Toyota’s suite of safety technology called Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P). The XLE Premium has added Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It also has puddle lights that project ‘Toyota C-HR’. Heated fabric trimmed front bucket seats and color-keyed door handles are also standard on the XLE Premium trim level along with fog lights and Smart Key System. For more information on how the C-HR drives, check out our test drive article.
500L
Fiat 500L, Photo: FCA
The 500L comes in the POP, Trekking, and Lounge. Standard features on the POP include; ParkView® back up camera, premium low-back cloth bucket seats, and 16″ aluminum wheels. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making smartphone integration easy.
Trekking trim level adds body-colored front and rear fascias,17″ alloy wheel wrapped in all-season tires, BeatsAudio™ sound system, LED interior lighting and leather-trimmed seats. The Lounge edition adds heated front seats, two-way power lumbar adjustment, ParkSense® rear parking assist system, and a 7″ color touchscreen with UConnect 4 (for voice commands, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM® radio, and GPS navigation).
Powertrains and performance
Fiat 500Ls come with a 1.4L MultiAir® turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed transmission. Estimated EPA fuel consumption figures are 30 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city with a combined figure of 25 mpg. The Toyota C-HR comes with a bigger 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine, but not turbocharged. EPA estimated fuel consumption figures for the C–HR are as follows; 31 mpg highway, 27 mpg city and 29 mpg combined.
Toyota C-HR
Fiat 500L
Engine
2.0 L 4 cylinder
1.4 L MultiAir Turbo
Transmission
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
144 hp
160 hp
Highway MPG
31
30
City MPG
27
22
Combined MPG
29
25
0-60mph (seconds)
11.0 seconds
8.0 seconds
Space and dimensions
Toyota C-HR
Fiat 500L (Lounge)
Overall Length
171.2
167.0
Overall Width
70.7
79.4 (inc mirrors)
Overall Height
61.6
66.1
Ground Clearance
5.9
4.7
Seats
5 people
5 people
Front Legroom
43.5
40
Rear legroom
31.7
36.7
Luggage compartment volume
19.0 cu.ft
22.4 cu.ft
As you can see from the chart there isn’t a huge difference in the size between the two. The Fiat has more legroom in the back, whilst the Toyota has slightly more ground clearance. Neither of them have insane amounts of cargo room, but that’s not what these cars were made for. They are both hatchbacks though, which means access to the entire vehicle can be obtained by opening the tailgate. This is useful if you do need to pack something that’s bigger or longer by folding the seats.
Safety
A 5-Star overall safety rating is awarded to the Toyota C-HR by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The C-HR comes standard with, ‘Toyota Safety Sense-P™’ (TSS-P) which is a suite of safety technology. Included is;
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Automatic High Beams
The Fiat 500L, however, has not yet been tested by NHTSA so doesn’t have a safety rating by American standards. It was tested in 2012 by NCAP (The European New Car Assesment Programme) and received a 5-Star rating.
Price
Looking at the top two trim levels, the Toyota C-HR XLE Premium comes in at $25,350 MSRP (as per the Toyota website), and the Fiat 500L Lounge comes in at $25,140 MSRP (as per Fiat website). So just over a $200 difference before rebates, incentives and/or discounts. Contact your local Toyota or Fiat dealership for a quote. Fremont Motors has Toyota dealerships in Lander, WY and Sheridan WY. Fremont Fiat can be found in Casper and Rock Springs, WY.
Both of these vehicles would be a good choice as a first vehicle or fuel efficient grocery getter.
18th Annual Memorial Weekend Car Show, Casper- May 25th, 26th and 27th 2018
The 2017 Fremont Mopar Car Show on Memorial Weekend saw some heavy rain. Owners vigilantly and meticulously dried their cars to keep them looking good! Photo: L Baures
This year will see the Memorial Weekend Car Show run for the 18th year. Throughout the weekend there will be several car shows spread out across the city of Casper. The show will include all different types of vehicles, new and old, including;
Muscle Cars
Classic Cars
Classic Trucks
Street Rods
Rat Rods
Tuners
Trucks
If you missed the show last year, check out the 2017 Fremont Mopar Car Show article, and see some of the amazing cars that attended (even though it rained cats and dogs).
Fri May 25th
Fremont Motors All Mopar Show
2017 Mopar Car Show at Fremont Motors, Casper WY. Photo: L Baures
Open to all years of Fiat Chrysler vehicles. This includes; Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Plymouth, DeSoto, Imperial, AMC, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Maserati. The show will run from 10 am to 3 pm with an awards ceremony at 3 pm. Bring your car (registration at 9 am, 6101 E 2nd Street, Casper) or come down and be a judge, voting for your favorite vehicles. There will a BBQ food truck, an ice cream truck, and door prizes.
Other dealerships around the city will also be hosting shows. Greiner powered by Lithia Motors will be hosting a Mustang and all Ford show. Foss Motors Toyota will be hosting the Import Car show and Casper Buick GMC a GM car show.
For more info on the Mopar show, text S.Apel at 3072594624 (no calls please) or email [email protected].
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Registration at the Ramkota Hotel,800 N. Poplar, Casper, WY.Note: Registration closes at 4:00 PM – NO NEW REGISTRATIONS on SUNDAY
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Donut Derelict Cruise – Take a short cruise and enjoy some donuts and coffee at the destination. Leave from Crossroads Park across from Ramkota Hotel.
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Old Yellowstone District Cruise-In at 355 W. Yellowstone and along Elm St to Midwest Ave– Hosted by Yellowstone Garage and other merchants. An informal downtown cruise-in to be enjoyed by all car enthusiasts. Food, music, and vendors.
3:00 – PM– Cruise for Cash. Starting point will be at the Ramkota Hotel with three stops where entry numbers are drawn for cash awards.
Last cash award will be drawn at theIce Cream Social.
7:00 PM – Ice Cream Social – back at the Ramkota Hotel – hosted by Gail Zimmerman and the Ramkota Hotel. A live band, The High Gear Daddies will be providing entertainment.
Sun May 27th
NO NEW REGISTRATIONS
9:00 AM – 3 PM – Swap Meet – at Fairgrounds – Auto related only (separate vendor fee)
9:00 AM – 3 PM – Show and Shine – Organized parking on the asphalt of the Natrona County Fairgrounds. See map in goodie bag. Please follow parking instructions. Dozens of vendors including great food for purchase.
WROS means, “With Rights Of Survivorship”, which is used on vehicle titles in Nebraska.
Nebraska
The title to a motor vehicle will indicate ownership by more than one person. Names of the people on the title are separated by the word, “OR”. The term “With Rights Of Survivorship” may also be used.
This means, if one of the owners were to pass away, the other person on the title may transfer ownership of the vehicle. The survivor can transfer ownership by assigning the title to the next buyer. Submit a copy of the death certificate to the local county official.
The Nebraska DMV states that “Joint Ownership – Without Rights of Survivorship: Certificates of Title issued in Joint Ownership where the names are separated with the words AND or AND/OR, do not carry the same meaning as With Rights Of Survivorship.”
If the term With Rights Of Survivorship does not appear on the title document, the survivor name on the title cannot obtain a title in their name until a county judge decides, in probate proceedings, that the survivor has the right to ownership of the vehicle”.1
Wyoming
In Wyoming, If you are the heir to a vehicle and your name is on the title, you can apply for a new title solely in your name by visiting your county clerk with:
If you choose to sell the vehicle rather than transfer it in your own name, follow the steps prescribed above. You can also check Selling a Wyoming Vehicle. Provide the buyer with a certified copy of the death certificate. 2
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