[A/S] rating diesel noise - interior

["Richard McFarland" <estatewagons@xxxxxxx>]

Herb - definitely a subjective topic...so here is my free 2 cents.

You ask about noise - so I won't go into all the angles people use to
shop - ie.
*the way it looks sitting at the curb -
*the way you look driving it -
*the statistics - fuel consumption - fuel capacity - horsepower - brakes etc
*the way it handles
*the way it fits into your overall needs - full time driver - or hobby use 
etc
*the way the seats fit you - your back, your seat etc.
*the drivetrain package (obviously high up on a trailerites list)
*the noise it makes - some want more and some want less and some
probably don't even think about noise...

So - if you aren't familiar with owning or riding in a diesel - I'd sure 
take some
time to familiarize yourself as best you can - prior to buying.

Why not go to a couple of busy dealerships that have a busy truck service 
department and a
lot of new trucks on their lots for sale.  Not a big problem as trucks are 
such a large
part of the market these days.

Then - just hang out with your wife and listen.  If they are new - it will 
be obvious - if
they are used - you could take notes - then check with a salesman as to what 
year they
are.

Outside is not exactly what you asked - but it does have some correlation to 
inside.

Then consider what type of interior you want.  Carpet vs. full rubber 
flooring (in a base model).
Insulation packages - upgrades.
Leather vs. cloth. vs. vinyl.
Door panels - fabric or hard material.
Each manufacturer will probably be different - so consider them 
independently.

In the past - the classic rating was - Dodge was the noisiest and Chevy/GM 
the quietest.

That has changed dramatically in the past few years - with Dodge working on 
their drivetrain
and Ford switching to their 6.0 Powerstroke.  In fact - the noise has a lot 
to do with the type
of fuel delivery system design the manufacturer uses.

Also keep in mind that two identical trucks could be parked next to each 
other - and they might not
sound the same.  Go figure.

I have only spent time around the the Powerstokes (pre 6.0)

Actually - it's sort of a pleasant hum once you get used to it.  I worked on 
diesel powered tour coaches for
nearly 20 years...so I am sort of bonded with the sound of diesels in 
general.

However - I know I could never handle the Dodge sound.  (That's just me.)

Oh - and don't forget to take into consideration the potential interior 
noise differences between a standard cab -
an extended cab and a crew-cab.  Different types/sizes of interior space - 
so different types of noise handling.

I recently read about a new high end sedan that has an inherent drivetrain 
noise - and to deal with it - the engineers
installed a noise cancelling system in the radio - through the speakers.

Happy shopping.  RL