Looking for a reliable diesel truck

Best for simple and reliable 12 Valve Cummins, with a manual transmission. No electronics, only a fuel shut off relay. 100% mechanical! :B

What are other good years of dodge trucks?

What should I look out for. I'm guessing I need to expand my budget, that's fine. I just want something that will last a long time.

Maybe I got lucky. I bought a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel 2wd with 162,000 on the clock 3 years ago. 2nd owner. Long bed extra cab in really great condition. Rails in the bed. Service manual. New Michelin tires and service history. $6500. I now have 212,500 and it keeps on get er done. Pull a 14,500 5er and never had an issue. Had a 7.3 and the 5.9 is now my choice. Look every day on Craigslist and be prepared to see some ****. Good Luck

I had the same dilemma. I found it to be almost universal that 2500s were lifted and chipped with oversize tires and wheels; all deal killers for me. A lot of the 3500s were farm trucks that had pulled horse trailers and had been ridden pretty hard. I did find a sweet deal but had to stretch to the mid 20s. Some things you might consider:

- 2WD trucks are not desired in the NW and sell for considerably less. Can't say where you live.
- Search CL for 5th wheels. Many want to sell their truck and trailer together but will sell the truck separately. I saw some extraordinary deals after the fact. Might get a hitch thrown in.
- There was a couple of years where the 12V Cummins had blocks that were prone to cracking. Get on line and do some research before committing.
- I ended up with a dually. Love it for towing, everyday driving is generally not a problem.

12v Cummins for sure, or any of the 5.9 engines really. An old 7.3 Ford. An LLY Duramax (started in mid year 2004). Or, even better an '06 or early '07 LBZ Duramax. These are probably your best choices for a good used diesel. However, $20,000 is tight. I think my '05 Chevy diesel 4wd crew cab is still worth about $20,000 on NADA and it's got 207,000 miles on it.

what about this

http://www.cypressdieseltrucks.com/1998-Dodge-Ram3500/Used-Truck/Auburn-CA/7383121/Details.aspx
I don't really like the idea of dual wheels. I can see me tearing stuff up all over the place.

Diesels really hold value pretty well. I looked a long time for a used truck but eventually relented and bought abasic new one.

Rbertalotto wrote:
Oh Boy! This ought to get good!...:B

You can tell from my signature which direction I'd suggest you go....

Good Luck finding a 'good" diesel under $20K.....I look all the time and I've never found one I'd consider good and long tern road worthy.

But you might get lucky!

That's good information. If I have unreal expectations, I need to know that. Thank you.

Oh Boy! This ought to get good!...:B

You can tell from my signature which direction I'd suggest you go....

Good Luck finding a 'good" diesel under $20K.....I look all the time and I've never found one I'd consider good and long tern road worthy.

But you might get lucky!