Not so much a question as a conversation starter...
I traded in my WRX for a Sierra 1500 with the LM2 diesel. Before anyone says anything about GM quality, I did my homework and I know all about it. I also did my homework about the LM2+10-speed (10L80) transmission, especially the long crank issue.
But unfortunately, at the moment, nobody is making a really good pickup. Ford's Ecoboost series has problems, especially with towing, and their V8 has taken a step backwards in quality. Ram/Stellantis quality is always a crap shoot. Nissan is rumored to be leaving the full-size pickup market all together. And even Toyota is having teething issues with the new Tundra. [The Toyota was my second choice, but the higher fuel cost offsets most of the reliability advantage. And besides, it doesn't matter; the Tundra has no availability, so I couldn't buy one if I wanted to.]
IMHO, the upside of the LM2 outweighs the down. The benefits of an inline-6 setup for simplicity and reliability give it a chance to have better-than-average service life (and it's made in the US).
In the first 3000 miles, so far it is living up to the hype. It is quiet and smooth as a gas motor, and I got 30 mpg (700 miles on one tank) from Colorado to Texas. And of course it is WAY more comfortable on long road trips than my WRX ever was. Like a living room on wheels.
Anyway, let me know any questions or comments on the LM2 or 1/2-ton diesels generally.
I thought about it until I saw the cost of diesel parts & having to learn a whole new skill set(zero diesel experience).
Granted the learning part isn't exactly a downside but having to do it on a truck that will most likely need work immedialty as my max price was $3k, not a good time to learn the ins & outs when it has to be done asap.
If I lived in an area of the country where super rot isn't a factor & older more simple diesels were available I could have been swayed but it'll probably be gas until I'm dead at this rate unless my uncle wants to leave me his 95 F350....even that's a bit too new but I really like the OBS look.
Agreed. I probably wouldn’t buy a used diesel truck for under $10k for just the reasons you mention. The best candidate would be the Ford 7.3 (a simple motor with virtually unlimited lifespan) but those who have them aren’t selling them, and those who are selling them want $$$.