Diesel vs Gas Class A — Total Ownership Cost
Diesel Class A versus gas Class A — five years of ownership, all costs in. Different game. Different winner. Numbers.
Round one — purchase. Gas — $130K. Diesel — $350K. Gas wins by $220K. Big head start.
Round two — fuel over 50,000 miles. Gas at 7 MPG and $4/gal = $28,500. Diesel at 9 MPG and $4.50/gal = $25,000. Diesel saves $3,500 on fuel.
Round three — maintenance over 5 years. Gas — $15K (oil, transmission, brakes, generator service). Diesel — $35K (DEF fluid, particulate filter, more frequent service). Gas wins by $20K.
Round four — depreciation. Gas loses 35% in 5 years. Diesel loses 20%. Diesel keeps $145K more of its value.
Total after 5 years — Gas: $130K purchase + $28.5K fuel + $15K maintenance - $84.5K residual = $89K spent. Diesel: $350K + $25K + $35K - $280K residual = $130K spent. Gas wins by $41K.
But — diesel is more comfortable, lasts longer, pulls hills like nothing. The $41K is the convenience tax. Pay it or don't. Comment what you'd choose.