Another n00b with a bunch of questions

[4Driver4]

Hi guys,

I've been poking around and I managed to answer some of my questions, but I have a few more that perhaps you can help with.

I am an primarily Audi guy, but a bought a suburban a few years back to haul my Miata to the track. The suburban is tired, and it's time to move on. I'd like a diesel for the towing power, but my wife loves the SUVness of the suburban. Hence my appearance here.

I'm thinking of going 7.3 litre, but maybe I should consider a v10? I read fuel mileage estimates for each, but I don't know how much stock to put in them since ecomony seems to vary so much with speed (I try to do 75-78 most of the time). Related to mileage, range is an issue. How big are the fuel tanks? Do they vary between gas and diesel, 2wd and 4wd?

I had initially planned on going 4wd, but it looks like the 2wd models are significantly cheaper. Any advantage to going 2WD? Better mileage? Bigger fuel tank? I like the idea of 4wd for New England weather, but I remember using the suburban 4wd more than once or twice in 3 years.

Any other misc advice? Thanks in advance!

Tom

[Hoowasat]

Tank is 44 gallons regardless of 2wd, 4wd, gas or diesel. My vote would be for a 4wd because they're not all that much extra in price, and the X is heavy (almost 4 tons), so 4wd may become invaluable when you need it.

Gas or diesel? I wanted a diesel, but the numbers made a V10 the logical choice. BTW, stay away from the 5.4L gas V8 if you're towing. The diesels do get better MPG, but due to the premiums one must pay ... higher purchase cost, higher fuel cost, higher maintenance cost ... there are no savings at all until one has driven the truck at least 175K miles to 200K miles. Nada, zip, zilch, zero savings ... all costs more when you calculate cost-per-mile. So while the V10 gets worse MPG, it's costing me less overall because I'm long tired of a truck by the time I've put 150K miles on it. Some will say the higher purchase premium will be recouped at resale. So what? With 175K miles on her, the rest of the truck is awfully "tired."

[4Driver4]

Thanks for the response. Interesting take.

One other thing I am considering is the range.

Can anyone help with answers on economy between 2wd and 4wd? If I tow at 75 how much worse will that hurt than towing at 50?