Buying a Used Diesel Truck

[smcrea]

Hi,

Question:

If I'm buying a used diesel truck for towing our travel trailer then what should I look for when choosing the truck?

Any warning signs:

Is it a good idea to get a vehicle inspected and if so any recommendations. We live in San Diego but will look locally and up in the LA area.

With regards to Ford and Chevy/GM.. anything like DO not buy older than xyz?

It's my understanding that a Diesel will go on and on and on and 100K is just about run in. Is this true?

What tends to break first so we can check

Any Advise is welcome

Thanks!

[ScottG]

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

[TurnThePage]

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?

[ScottG]

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?

[rhagfo]

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]

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.