This is my 2002 GMC 2500HD Diesel. I have not heard diesel fuel is getting harder to find. You will pay a 3-5k premium on a diesel. But you get better MPG, more power/torque, less maintenance(longer periods between, no spark plugs) and a higher resale/better demand for your used vehicle.

Most pumps I fill at are separate from the gas pumps. When I go to fill, I see lines at the gas pumps and I am alone at the diesel pumps, or with 1 other trucker. Last years hurricanes in Florida, I towed my uncles boat from our house in Mass. to Florida. While filling in Florida, most stations were OUT of gas but HAD diesel. The stations that had gas had lines of vehicles dozens long. Not so at the diesel pumps. Got some nasty looks pulling ahead of the other vehicles till they realized I was going to thte diesel pumps. I keep excellent records and get 15-17 MPG with winter blended diesel. In the summer at is 17-20. Mixed city/hwy.

The Chevy behind it is a 86. Going strong on 20 years with 142,000 miles. 55,000 on the diesel with NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. Just a recall on the tailgate cables and fueal filter. I do all my own maintenance.

If I could do it over I would get the crew cab instead of the extended cab. It is a PITA to get kids in the back seat in a parking lot as the exteded doors open like suicide doors.