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3 Great Diesel Trucks to Consider

February 07, 2025 · 3 min read

Side view of a silver 2017 Ram 1500 Tradesman diesel

Used diesel trucks are not just purchases. They are a power move. You get all the torque, durability, and efficiency diesel engines are known for but without taking the financial hit of buying a new one.

Why Diesel?

1. Massive Low-End Torque

To understand how a diesel engine makes a difference in towing, just imagine you're at the bottom of a steep grade with a fully loaded truck. Moving that much weight uphill requires two things: enough force to get the truck rolling and consistent power to keep it moving without excessive strain. This is where low-end torque matters.

Diesel engines produce peak torque earlier than gasoline engines (1,500-2000 RPM vs. 4000+ RPM), meaning they can start moving heavy loads with less effort. As the truck climbs, the diesel engine's high compression and turbocharger ensure a steady power output.

2. Fuel Efficiency Over Long Distance

There's a reason why long-haul truckers overwhelmingly choose diesel engines: they simply go farther on a tank. For starters, diesel contains about 15% more energy per gallon than gasoline. They also operate at a much higher compression ratio, which helps them squeeze more power from every drop. Put those two factors together, and you've got an engine that's around 30-40% more efficient than a gas-fired one.

3. Durability and Reliability

Diesel engines have fewer moving parts than gas engines. For instance, they don't need spark plugs or complex timing components, eliminating some of the most common failure points. In addition, they're built tougher to handle the extreme demands of diesel combustion. With proper maintenance, diesel engines can run indefinitely.

3 Used Diesel Trucks to Consider

1. Silverado 1500 LTZ

Before 2023, the Silverado's Duramax diesel inline-six was already a bit of a powerhouse: 277 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque, and a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. But Chevy decided that was not enough. So, from 2023 onward, they cranked things up, squeezing an extra 28 horsepower and 35 pound-feet.

2. Silverado 3500HD LTZ

With a 6.6-liter Duramax engine churning out 450 horses and 910 pound-feet of torque, this beast can tow up to 36,000 pounds and haul a payload of 7442 pounds, and thanks to the Allison ten-speed automatic, all that power can be put to the ground exactly when you need it.

3. Ram 2500 Laramie

Hook up whatever you want because the Ram 2500 Laramie is built to handle it. The secret behind this capability is the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, which gives this truck the strength to tow up to 35,100 pounds.

If work needs doing, diesel gets it done. Simple as that. Contact Auto Kings - Bend in Bend, OR, to explore our inventory of pre-owned diesel trucks.

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Mar 07, 2025 in Auto Kings

Mercedes-Benz Combines Timeless Elegance with Reliable Performance

German marques offer a combination of performance, luxury, and style that has been perfected over a century of manufacturing automobiles. You can enjoy the best of these qualities at a reasonable price by picking up a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz from our lot in Bend. more Timeless Elegance and Reliable Performance in a Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz S-Class If you are looking for unparalleled luxury that doesn't break the bank, there is no better choice than a pre-owned S-Class. The seventh generation of S-Class sedans, which debuted in 2021, comes with Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation, 14-way power adjustment, and massaging functions for the front row and heating for the rear row. All models also come with a giant center touchscreen with MBUX technology, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although it is not a part of the Mercedes-AMG lineup, S-Class sedans deliver reliable performance. For instance, the base 2022 S-Class comes with a turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 with hybrid assistance that produces 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Some models offer a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 with hybrid assistance that generates 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Mercedes-AMG C63 Performance enthusiasts seeking roaring engines and scorching acceleration will appreciate everything a pre-owned Mercedes-AMG C63 offers. The base 2020 Mercedes-AMG C63 houses a hand-built, twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that kicks out 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Select models amp up the output to 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, allowing the sedan to achieve a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG C63 is also a looker, featuring a bold, muscular stance and the automaker's signature luxury design cues. The 2020 model's front fascia features LED daytime running lights, modern-looking LED headlights, and a chrome grille adorned with vertical slats and the three-pointed star badge. The sedan rides on stylish 18-inch aluminum wheels that give it a sophisticated appearance. Mercedes-Benz GLC Families looking to upgrade their travel experience can enjoy some of the finest luxuries at a discount by choosing a used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The SUV is traditionally known for its spacious and comfortable interior and reliable power. There are two rows of seats, with select models offering leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heating and ventilation for the front seats, and heating for the rear seats. The 2021 GLC houses a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 that generates 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a reliable towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Shopping for a Mercedes-Benz? Make a smart choice by investing in a pre-owned vehicle that offers the same great qualities as a brand-new model at a lower price. Visit us at Auto Kings in Bend, OR to explore our selection of used Mercedes-Benz models, all of which are in pristine condition.

Sep 23, 2026 in Bend Used Cars

Towing the High Cascades: How a 2018 Ram 2500 Longhorn Tames Mountain Grades

Towing the High Cascades: How a 2018 Ram 2500 Longhorn Tames Mountain Grades Anyone who tows in the Pacific Northwest knows the sinking feeling of watching engine temps climb as a mountain grade steepens. You pull out from the valley floor, hit a relentless 6% grade on Santiam Pass or Government Camp with an enclosed box trailer catching a headwind, and your truck drops three gears, screaming at 4,500 RPM just to hold 50 MPH. We hooked a heavy tandem-axle Haulmark enclosed trailer to our black 2018 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn and pointed it west into the Cascades to see if fourth-generation Ram heavy-duty engineering still holds the crown for real-world Northwest hauling. Quick Hauler Specs: 2018 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 Powertrain: 6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel Inline-6 Output: 370 Horsepower / 800 lb-ft of Torque Transmission: 68RFE 6-Speed Automatic with Tow/Haul Mode Max Tow Rating: Upwards of 17,000+ lbs (configuration dependent) Rear Suspension: Class-exclusive Five-Link Coil Rear Axle The Sweet Spot of the Fourth-Gen (DS/DJ) Platform Truck enthusiasts hold the late fourth-generation Rams in high regard for a reason. By 2018—the final chapter of this iconic body style—Ram had spent nearly a decade ironing out every quirk of the heavy-duty chassis. You get the rugged, proven steel-frame bones that built Ram’s modern reputation, paired with modern tech like the 8.4-inch Uconnect system, Apple CarPlay, and factory integrated trailer brake controls. It represents that rare sweet spot: fully modernized convenience without the hyper-complicated, sensor-overloaded feel of newer platforms. The Cummins Difference: 800 lb-ft of Pure Diesel Low-End The true test came halfway up the mountain pass as the highway narrowed to two lanes and the grade pitched up. Under the hood, the legendary 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbo diesel barely broke a sweat. Unlike high-revving V8s that need to hunt for redline to make power, the inline-six layout produces its wall of 800 lb-ft of torque right at 1,600 RPM. Leaning into the throttle to overtake a slow logging rig felt effortless; the boost spooled instantly, the 68RFE transmission held its gear, and the truck pulled the enclosed trailer uphill like it was running empty on a flat interstate. Coming back down the other side of the pass is where most heavy hauls get white-knuckle. This is where Ram’s Smart Diesel Exhaust Brake changes everything. Tap the dash button, lift off the accelerator, and the variable-geometry turbo backpressures the engine. It holds the heavy trailer back with a deep, commercial-grade exhaust growl, saving your service brake pads from glazing over and keeping the steering wheel calm into tight downhill curves. Taming the "Bucking Bronco": The Five-Link Coil Secret Traditionally, heavy-duty three-quarter-ton pickups punish your spine with stiff, multi-leaf rear springs. Ram broke the mold for this generation by swapping out leaf springs for a heavy-duty five-link rear coil suspension. On the road, the difference is immediate. When an empty enclosed trailer hits rhythmic concrete frost heaves on mountain bridges, standard leaf-spring trucks can hop and "buck." Ram’s coil-spring link design provides superior lateral axle control. It plants the rear tires, absorbs road chitter, and keeps the trailer tracking in a dead-straight line even when high-elevation wind gusts try to push you across the center stripe. Ranch Luxury Inside the Longhorn After hours behind the wheel wrestling mountain weather, stepping inside the Laramie Longhorn feels like walking into an exclusive high-desert lodge. Ram didn't use cheap synthetic vinyl here. The Longhorn is wrapped in thick, saddle-grade cattleman leather with laser-etched Western filigree, paired with real burnished wood trim and deep-pile floor mats with removable carpet inserts. With heated and ventilated bucket seats, you stay cool climbing through sunny canyon flats and warm when the evening mountain air drops near freezing. Ready to Hitch Up at Auto Kings A truck like this isn't bought to sit in a suburban garage—it's built to pull cattle trailers, haul race cars, move heavy cargo boxes, and cross Cascade passes without flinching. The exact 2018 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn featured in this run is thoroughly inspected, detailed, and available now on our showroom floor. If you are looking for a proven, turnkey heavy-duty diesel hauler built to work across Central Oregon and beyond, stop by Auto Kings in Bend or Redmond to see it in person and hook up for your next big run.