02-19-2014, 01:36 PM
Popular literature says that the big three have gotten better; the engineering forums say that the imports have gotten worse.
I have a 2002 Dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins purchased new. Having previously owned a Chrysler car which was a POS, I only purchased the dodge ram because dodge had nothing to do with the drivetrain. The Cummins has a great reputation as a durable engine. Looked at objectively, it is an economy diesel engine. I am currently at ~82k miles. I had to replace the injection pump and lift pump at 60k miles. Not typical, but unheard of. I have kept up with antifreeze replacement and used long life, diesel antifreeze; the heater core is leaking. I have to put in refrigerant every spring to get cold AC. I had to put in all new brake shoes and rotors last year. The original pads swelled up, disintegrated and wore out the rotors. Seems like a lot of repairs for less than 100k miles. I very rarely tow with the truck but when I do it sucks down fuel with impunity.
My GM vehicles are all far worse. Lots of leaks. GM's wonderful combination of dexcool and plastic lower intake manifold gaskets. Worn out tie rod ends. Poor brakes. Radio digital encoders that quit working. Heater motor resistors. Etc.
I have a 2002 Dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins purchased new. Having previously owned a Chrysler car which was a POS, I only purchased the dodge ram because dodge had nothing to do with the drivetrain. The Cummins has a great reputation as a durable engine. Looked at objectively, it is an economy diesel engine. I am currently at ~82k miles. I had to replace the injection pump and lift pump at 60k miles. Not typical, but unheard of. I have kept up with antifreeze replacement and used long life, diesel antifreeze; the heater core is leaking. I have to put in refrigerant every spring to get cold AC. I had to put in all new brake shoes and rotors last year. The original pads swelled up, disintegrated and wore out the rotors. Seems like a lot of repairs for less than 100k miles. I very rarely tow with the truck but when I do it sucks down fuel with impunity.
My GM vehicles are all far worse. Lots of leaks. GM's wonderful combination of dexcool and plastic lower intake manifold gaskets. Worn out tie rod ends. Poor brakes. Radio digital encoders that quit working. Heater motor resistors. Etc.