Buying a Used Diesel Truck

I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks. Other brand had a few problems from 2003-2007 with the PSD 6.0 engine.
With the change in emission in 2007.5 they all had learning curves and for the most part, had problems till 2011. GM and Ford went to DEF type emissions and it was a game changer.
All three now use DEF and have very good ratings.

How new of a used diesel are you looking? None are perfect, but there are those to steer clear of.

The Ford 6.0 and 6.4 are to be looked over VERY CAREFULLY. unless you can turn your own wrench. If not best to steer clear.

Duramax had some minor issues in the early years, but the 07 LBZ is the holy grail of the Dmaxes.

Ram the Cummins 5.9 is one of the most reliable diesels in a HD pickup. the early 12 valve had a issue with the Killer dowel pin, I would place a bet most have been fixed.
The Gen 2 24 valves had issues with the Bosch VP44 injection pump, corrected with a larger after market lift pump.
3rd gen had some early injector issues.

My signature has what I drive , and would buy another in a heart beat, they seem to be going up in price lately.

Good hunting.

45Ricochet wrote:
I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks...

Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?

ScottG wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks...

Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?

Would the 48RE be enough of a difference? Also, wasn't there a pretty good power bump on the HO?

BillyW wrote:

ScottG wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks...

Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?

Would the 48RE be enough of a difference? Also, wasn't there a pretty good power bump on the HO?

03's had the HO with 48re - same exact setup as 04.
Even better is that we have the NV5600 6 speed! :B

ScottG wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks...

Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?

Probably looking at about 3 years old. Just enough to get past the steep gradient on the depreciation curve.

One question.. We're seeing 3 year old diesel trucks with 70-80K on the clock. I'm guessing that this is probably not a bad thing for a diesel? would that be correct?

Thanks for the advise.. please keep it coming! :)

Best thing is to do what you're doing.... poke around the net and take it all in. There is a ton of info from owners of the various trucks.

Lots of good info here but a lot of "my brand is the best" BS. Try to check out brand specific sits. For Chevy/Duramax go to www.dieselplace.com

I'm not sure of the Ford & Dodge but I'm sure they are out there. I always figure when doing internet research for a big purchase like this you can make around $100/hr or more just by educating yourself and making a wise purchase. Shooting blind by listening to salesman you are doomed. Get educated and go in armed with knowledge and you'll do well. Good luck.... these modern diesels are amazing.

Miles on a diesel are more of an issue than many will admit. Don't buy into the hype that 200k is just broken in. Many will have expensive issues well before then. I would look for a truck with a comprehensve and long lasting warranty. Not bashing diesel at all, because when you need one, nothing else will do.

danojeno wrote:
Miles on a diesel are more of an issue than many will admit. Don't buy into the hype that 200k is just broken in. Many will have expensive issues well before then. I would look for a truck with a comprehensve and long lasting warranty. Not bashing diesel at all, because when you need one, nothing else will do.

No, don't buy into the the 200,000 miles plus for diesels!! Mine only has 269,000 miles, still pulling an 11,000# 5er without issue.

The Ford/Navastar 6.0 and to a lesser degree the 6.4 has destroyed the reputation of high mileage diesels.

I didn't think twice about the Cummins engine when we picked up our 01 Ram three years ago with 234,000 one owner miles! I spent more time making sure the Ram wrapper was still in good condition.
My neighbor at the RV storage yard has a 96 I think, with almost 500,000 miles.
If you want a diesel that will go the distance, steer clear of all, but the 7.3 Fords, stick with either a Cummins or DuraMax.

smcrea wrote:

ScottG wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
I'd be looking at a 2006-07 GM Duramax or a 2004-07 Ram with the Cummins engine, both pre emission trucks...

Kinda curious why you left out the 03 Ram since it's pretty much identical to the 04?

Probably looking at about 3 years old. Just enough to get past the steep gradient on the depreciation curve.

One question.. We're seeing 3 year old diesel trucks with 70-80K on the clock. I'm guessing that this is probably not a bad thing for a diesel? would that be correct?

Thanks for the advise.. please keep it coming! :)

What is your budget? Your still looking at $40,000 to $50,000 you can come close to that on a year end new deal.