Feb 16, 2024
A black 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is shown from the front at an angle while towing a loader after leaving a dealer that has used trucks for sale near Spring, TX.

Whether you commute into Houston for work or make regular trips to Anderson Elementary to drop off forgotten homework assignments, your travels around Spring require a vehicle that can handle almost anything. Many drivers who prioritize power and performance are drawn to diesel trucks due to the many benefits that they have to offer. The best advice we can give you is that if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it’s in your best interest to buy used, as you’ll be able to get the power and features you want for far less money than buying new. If you’re looking for used trucks for sale near Spring, TX, Parkway Chevrolet has what you need, and if you’re wondering about purchasing a diesel-fueled truck, here are some pros and cons.


PRO: Fuel Efficient


Whether driving in the city limits or eading down I-45, you need a vehicle that can handle various travel challenges, especially when unexpected delays wreak havoc on your daily commute. Fortunately, diesel engines are exceptionally fuel efficient, allowing you better fuel economy than some gas-powered competitors. On average, diesel engines can get up to 35% more MPG than gas-powered vehicles. Diesel engines are ideal for drivers who need a powerful and capable vehicle yet don’t want to stress about the rising fuel costs.


For many Spring drivers, a capable truck is needed; however, the most competent trucks on the market aren’t the best for fuel economy, and this is where diesel trucks stand out from the rest. If you look at any truck’s lineup, the diesel powertrain is almost always the most efficient. This is particularly true in trucks such as the Chevy Silverado 1500, whose Duramax diesel engine allows for exceptional fuel economy to match its performance. So, when your job site is in the next town over, or if you are a frequent Houston city commuter, a diesel truck will offer you the efficiency you demand, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money in your wallet at the pump.

A silver 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD High Country is shown from the rear at an angle.


CON: Torque-Centered


Diesel trucks prioritize torque over hp, so many drivers utilize them for challenging tasks on the job site, on the trails, or in their backyard while completing a home improvement project. This results in acceleration taking a backseat to the level of power that’s prioritized by a diesel. Diesel engines work differently than traditional gas engines, operating at a higher compression ratio, resulting in more torque. This feature allows diesel engines to tow more than many other types of engines, perfect for working hard on the Well Remodeling site.


However, diesel is lacking in this respect for those who want to shoot off the line with thrilling speed. It is common for many newer diesels to offer prioritized performance. Still, if you’re looking for a more athletic driving experience, you’ll find that in gas engines more so than in diesel-fueled ones. The good news is that when you shop on the used lot, you can find the diesel truck that offers what you require in your daily drive, even if you’re looking for a performance-enhanced option. Don’t forget that buying used opens up your selection to include many different makes and models, and if you’re in the market for an enhanced option, you’ll get to enjoy it for a much more reasonable price.


PRO: Reliable & Long-Lasting


Buying a diesel truck is it if you’re searching for a significant investment. Diesel trucks are known to be highly dependable, offering a ride you can count on for miles. Because of this level of reliability, diesel trucks can perform well past the competition in terms of mileage. When you buy a diesel, you’re setting yourself up for miles upon miles of trusted performance, and it’s no accident that diesel engines are like this. There’s a reason behind it.
For one, as we mentioned above, diesel engines prioritize torque, operating at a higher compression ratio. This means that diesel engines are built with durability in mind to handle this high-level compression. The fuel that allows it to operate also helps to lubricate its moving parts, allowing it to perform at its peak day in and day out, perfect for those completing daunting tasks on the construction site. Most trucks tend to last longer than other vehicles, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s running well just because a truck is still running at the 300,000-mile mark. You can expect optimal output with a diesel, even at high mileage, especially when you keep up with routine maintenance.


CON: More Expensive


Diesel engines carry higher sticker prices than many of their gas-powered counterparts, but it’s for good reason. Diesels offer impeccable power and performance, built for demanding tasks and challenging travel scenarios. Their durable builds come at a price; however, diesels tend to last longer than other engines, so the upfront cost is worth it for many. Remember, when you choose to buy used, you enjoy this level of efficiency and performance for less money than buying new, which leads many Spring travelers to the used lot when diesel is on their priority list.


The expenses also carry over to the pump, as diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. However, diesel engines are extremely fuel efficient, so although the upfront fuel cost may be higher, you achieve better fuel economy as you roll down the Grand Parkway. Diesel engines can also carry higher maintenance costs due to the complex components of their internal makeup; however, it’s important to note that diesel trucks need less overall maintenance than gas-powered trucks. This allows you to travel longer in between trips to the service center.

A silver 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD High Country is shown from the front at an angle.


PRO: Lower Emissions


In today’s day and age, vehicles with low emissions are precious, especially in improving our environment. When you choose a diesel, you can contribute to this cause, as diesel engines emit fewer CO2 emissions per gallon of fuel than gas-powered vehicles. This means that a diesel engine offers a cleaner way to travel, whether on your way to Pundt Park with the kids or on a weekend camping trip to Little Island. You don’t need to own an EV to enhance the quality of our environment, making diesel trucks incredibly popular with those who need a hard worker that doesn’t cause pollution.

Diesel Trucks for Your Spring, TX Travels


Maybe one minute, you’re utilizing your vehicle as a dedicated workmate for your job with CALIBER, and the next, you’re shuttling your kids off to all their activities, from Little League to dance rehearsals and everything in between. This requires a vehicle that can offer the driver both efficiency and power, making a diesel truck ideal for many different travel scenarios. You can use intense power to help you complete demanding tasks, incredible efficiency to stress less while stuck in traffic on the highway, and reliability like no other. Choosing a diesel truck delivers many benefits, so if you’re looking to harness these benefits for yourself, we recommend checking out a used diesel truck. When you buy used, you can enjoy top-level power and efficiency for an affordable price, making it easy to say yes to demanding tasks, long commutes, and anything else you have to deal with as you make your way to all your Spring, TX, destinations.