Used diesel buying question
I have never owned a diesel anything. But, I'd like to move to a diesel, 4x4, crew cab, 2500/250. What can I expect to pay for a good used diesel truck that hasn't been beat down? Does the price di...
Forum Discussion
You don't say what your plans are for the truck, but if you plan on towing a fifth wheel, forget the 3/4-ton trucks and go straight to at least a single rear wheel 1-ton. A diesel 3/4-ton will pull anything but you will hit the limit for the rear axle with trailer pin weight very quickly. The costs differences are minimal. (The same probably applies to use with a truck camper, too.)
All three US brands make good trucks. If you're talking Ford Powerstroke, the 7.3 was a good, solid engine - it's the 6.0 and 6.4 you want to avoid if possible. With the new 6.7, Ford got it right again. Cummins has never made a "bad" diesel motor in my opinion and the GM Duramax, after a few pressure rail problems the first year or two, is one of my favorites, as well. The newer the truck, the more speeds you're going to get in the transmission. The more speeds, the closer the gear ratios and the better the performance with heavy loads.
For a good while, Dodge/Ram had a reputation for body rusting - especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels. That's probably not an issue any more, but check any used truck thoroughly if you're considering purchasing it. In the southeast, you won't have as much problem with salted roads as they do up in New England or the upper Midwest.
An oil change for a diesel is more expensive than for gas - but the diesel trucks go longer between oil changes than a gasser, so it's probably a wash. With current diesel prices what they are, I'm actually paying less for fuel since the diesel truck gets considerably better mileage that would a gasser pulling the same load. Repairs, however, are a different story. They are quite a bit more expensive than for a gasoline engine. On the other hand, diesel motors tend to be more reliable and run for more miles.
Finally, there is the issue of finding a "good" used diesel truck - especially in a work truck trim. These units tend to be purchased originally by companies or individuals who use them for business and you may come across many that have been treated like "it's not my truck." Don't limit your search to your local area (maybe look in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, etc.) and, if/when you find one you like, have a qualified diesel mechanic go over it thoroughly before making a decision.
Rob
All three US brands make good trucks. If you're talking Ford Powerstroke, the 7.3 was a good, solid engine - it's the 6.0 and 6.4 you want to avoid if possible. With the new 6.7, Ford got it right again. Cummins has never made a "bad" diesel motor in my opinion and the GM Duramax, after a few pressure rail problems the first year or two, is one of my favorites, as well. The newer the truck, the more speeds you're going to get in the transmission. The more speeds, the closer the gear ratios and the better the performance with heavy loads.
For a good while, Dodge/Ram had a reputation for body rusting - especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels. That's probably not an issue any more, but check any used truck thoroughly if you're considering purchasing it. In the southeast, you won't have as much problem with salted roads as they do up in New England or the upper Midwest.
An oil change for a diesel is more expensive than for gas - but the diesel trucks go longer between oil changes than a gasser, so it's probably a wash. With current diesel prices what they are, I'm actually paying less for fuel since the diesel truck gets considerably better mileage that would a gasser pulling the same load. Repairs, however, are a different story. They are quite a bit more expensive than for a gasoline engine. On the other hand, diesel motors tend to be more reliable and run for more miles.
Finally, there is the issue of finding a "good" used diesel truck - especially in a work truck trim. These units tend to be purchased originally by companies or individuals who use them for business and you may come across many that have been treated like "it's not my truck." Don't limit your search to your local area (maybe look in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, etc.) and, if/when you find one you like, have a qualified diesel mechanic go over it thoroughly before making a decision.
Rob
