Opinion: best value HD truck under 20k?

Is a VAN a TRUCK???

Me Again wrote:
I would look for the newest/lowest mile GM 2500HD with Duramax that you can find that has had the injectors replaced.

I would tend to agree with this but was a very opened ended question and answers always end up as a brand war.

If he said he wasn't towing more than 7k then many options for 5.3 and 5.7 in good condition.
Fords seem pricier.

I would look for the newest/lowest mile GM 2500HD with Duramax that you can find that has had the injectors replaced.

the white truck was nice the others were not something I would like.

chevman

Here's some GM trucks with some impressive miles. Some look tired because of running on salty roads, but the drivetrains are still running.

Also none of these trucks have the MDS system

Link

Value is determined by what it costs you now compared to what you could sell it for later which would be net cost of ownership. 03-07 Ram with the 5.9 Cummins, they just don't like to depreciate. And, in my experience, are reliable and easy to maintain.

Stay away from lifted, oversized tires, and tuned rigs.

Like a bunch have said, it will really come down to condition. You will get a lot newer and lower milage truck it you can go with a gasser. My 2002 Chevy with the 6.0 has 241,000 miles on it, and has been a great truck. Drivetrain has been great, and has only been towed once, when the fuel pump went out at 195,000 miles. It's had normal milage type repairs, it had a leaking radiator, some oil leaks etc, but nothing major.

jdc1 wrote:
7.3 or 5.9 diesel. You won't be sorry. I've owned both.

My son has been in the automobile business for over 25 years, and specializes in pre-owned trucks. He agrees that you're right-on with the 7.3 Powerstroke or 5.9 Cummins. Those are positively the top two, hands down.

Also, service records mean a LOT when it comes to such a purchase, because you and I both know you won't be buying a spring chicken for under-20K!!

Best of luck in your quest.

If you are looking at diesel here are a couple of things to watch out for.
If someone tells you a 6.0 Powerstroke is bulletproofed unless there are receipts assume it is not. BTW to confuse the issue they were not all bad stock.
The younger Cummins owners tend to have all grades of deletes and tuners going on. Throw in a lift kit to really ruin it as a tow vehicle. Emission tests are becoming more and more common at inspection time.
A long bed in any brand is less likely to be juiced. Think well maintained municipality auctions.
A fifth wheel hitch in a truck is a good sign. And I don't mean a goose neck. Half of livestock and equipment haulers call a goose neck a fifth wheel. Don't drive 3 hours to look at a truck without asking first.
Have fun looking.

I'd go gasser since for 20K you'd be looking at something north of 150K miles in diesel (maybe even 200K). Ironically, I just looked up the KBB value of my 2014 6.4 Hemi, 4X4, CC, 95K miles - trade-in is still 27K!! You might have to go back to 2010-2012 or up in miles a lot to get to 20K. I can't believe how high values are on trucks. If I had 20K I'd probably go for a Chevy/GMC 6.0 - easy to work on, trusted drive train and tranny.