I agree....I also had an '04 D-max but I only had it for a few years.....it never gave me a bit of trouble but it was a low mileage truck.

Your example of the costs you put into the diesel over the years is why I opted for the 6.2. I just don't need it....hell I really don't need a F-250 but I like the styling and size of the super duty!

I hear Dodge has a V6 diesel in the works and that will really change the market. Truth is that the tow ratings on most 1/2 ton trucks is more than capable for most people on the road. The exception is for the people that tow 12k+ every day....I feel they really could see the benefits of the diesel. But from my talking to people lots of the guys that have the 6.7 dont need it they just want it.

 

Many moons ago I had a '76 Isuzu P'up Ext Cab Diesel that consistently got 48-52mpg until a big truck totalled it in 1980. I drove it 150 miles per day commuting to work and it never once refused to go. It had a better water/fuel separator system than today's GMs. Back in the early 80's GM came out with sleeved gasser engines running on diesel and they literally killed the diesel mkt in this country for 20 yrs. (excluding 18-wheelers)
If GM/Ford/Dodge would have gotten their heads out of their rectums they could have given the American public great transportation at reasonable costs years ago. IMO
Today I see an increasing demand for small diesel engines, but not sure the increased fuel costs due to EPA stds will ever make it possible on a large scale.
I've run a 1/2 ton van on Propane also, but fuel efficiency was terrible. I expect we will see (or you young folks will see) tremendous change in the next 10-15 yrs.