[cellularmitosis]

> they go a ton of miles, then need a major overhaul, then go a ton more miles

Yup. Not unusual for big rigs to go a million miles between overhauls.

Even for "consumer" diesels, the engine typically outlasts the vehicle around it.

I drove a '97 Dodge which had 300k on the odo, got tired of the poor interior and upgraded to an '06 with 200k. I even threw a mercedes diesel into a 67 chevy pickup, because diesels are great :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFd1ZL2hgMY