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ORIGINAL: Mjd

My first piece of advice...................don't listen to a word that silveradotowpro said!!!!  Seriously!!!  Diesels do NOT use glow plugs for fuel ignition(it is ingited by compression pressure), and most larger diesel engines do not even have glow plugs.  They are used for heating the air in the engine so it will start more easily in cold weather.  The Cummins (not CumminGs!!!) in the Dodge pickups has been overall the most reliable, long-lasting engine ever used in a pickup, with the only real rival maybe being the D-max(hasn't been around long enough to make a fair comparison).  The 7.3 Powerstroke is a pretty good engine.  The 6.5 Chevy is something to stay away from.  If you are in college and you want something reliable, the 6.5 is NOT the ticket.  Glow plugs are a problem, which makes it a pain in cold weather.  Also, the newer engines have an electronic injector pump, which has been very problematic.  Finally, the engines are not heavily built, and usually last no longer than their 350 or 454 gasser counterparts when used for heavy towing.  If I were you, I would look for a Dodge with the 12 valve diesel, a 7.3 Powerstroke, or a D-max if you can afford it.  Also, a Chevy with a 6.0 or 350 would be something to look at.

Wow, I didn't realize how old this post is.  I hope someone can use this information!!!