Newb contemplating Eco Diesel

[JimboAnz]

Hey guys and gals, new here, and Ramless. Contemplating an ecodiesel in the future due to good MPG numbers. Currently own a 2015 Tacoma, 4.0 V6, heavily offroad modified, and I get 13-14 MPG which is horrible. Love the truck, but I would love to have a truck that gets better MPGs. I drive my truck for work, and I generally drive conservatively.

Reasons behind contemplating the 1500 Eco Diesel
Full size comfort
Great MPG (24-27 ??)
Hopes of longevity with the diesel. I am a fanatic about fluid changes on schedule, oil, diffs, tcase, etc.
I would like a tow pig to tow an offroad vehicle down the road. nothing crazy, I dont think I need a cummins (said no man ever )

Concerns
Longevity / reliability. I have seen a lot of people saying the motor is garbage and unreliable. Generally the ones that complain are the ones with issues, you never really her from the ones with no issues. The 2016 Tacomas came out with a new 3.5L v6, and a lot of people ***** about it, but a lot of people have no issue and never hear about the good ones.

Would consider new and year or two old used. I like new so I know the maintenance has been kept up with though.

Would love to hear some first hand experiences and opinions on this motor

Thanks for having me,

Jimbo

 

[MADDOG]

Welcome to RamForum.

I haven't heard anything significantly negative about the ecodiesel except for a bit of a disagreement between Ram and the EPA over reported vs. actual mileage figures and some "discretionary" programming by Ram to inflate those numbers a bit. All that was sorted and ecodiesel production seems to be increasing this year.

My bro-in-law and sister both have ecodiesel trucks. His is a 2014 and has about 80k miles on it and he tows small construction equipment, a boat, a TT and a covered trailer with it up and down the hills and valleys of NW Oregon. He's reported that the truck it solid, he's had no issues except for some computer flash updates and a failed headlight capsule.

Sis's truck is brand new and she bought it because 1) she wanted her own truck, and, 2) his ecodiesel has proven to be a good truck.

I've driven her truck with a full 5' wide x 12' long stakebed trailer attached, heaped high with wet firewood and it did quite well on some steep grades. While not as powerful as my Cummins, I wouldn't be ashamed to run one if I didn't tow as heavy as I do.

For me the weirdest aspect of the ecodiesel is that you can barely hear it run.

 

[tidefan1967]

There's one member on here (Verndiesel) who made it to like 350K miles before replacing his Ecodiesel and I don't recall him having any major problems and most of his miles were pulling a load I believe. I'm pretty sure he's still on the original tranny with just filter changes. Use a good 5W40 motor oil and spend the money on a GDE tune and I don't think you'll have any problems.

 

[Harley Harrold]

 

[Joe w.]

Welcome

 

[Jonathan Spino]

I'm a new ED owner myself but initial impressions of the truck are good. For some real world numbers I generally get about 22 MPG around town in my ED but I've always been a little hard on the gas pedal. When my wife drives it numbers are closer to 23-24 MPG. I did a 800 mile round trip road trip recently and got 25.5 MPG with the cruse set at 75 most of the way and a bed full of standard vacation supplies (no trailer). Hope it helps your decision and welcome!