Sledge i have a 94 cummins with 310k miles on it drive it everyday haul my 2 car trailer with it alot never had one problem other then last year i had to put a tranny in it.As far as more money in maintenance everyone says that but i cant really figure out how it really cost more.
I mean you change the oil 7500-10,000 miles fuel filter 15,000 miles and air filter 10,000-15,000 miles and you get about 5-10 more mpg compared to a simalr gas truck so the extra fuel savings will pay for the maintenance hence maybe a diesel is cheaper to maintain.
I will tell you get a older cummins or a later 99-03 7.3 powerstroke as far as a chevy diesel goes i dont think you want to spend $15,000-$20,000 for one do you.Because thats what it will cost for a duramax a good one 07 or later all ones before then are junk.
If you want a 2500hd then go with the 8.3 gets about 2 miles less per gallon than the 6.0 and has alot more power and torque.



I am looking to get me a 03-04.5 cummins within the next year i hope.