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 differ between brands (Chevy, Ford or Dodge)? I don't care about brands that much. I'd rather focus on a good, reliable, truck for the specific drive train. I know that some have a good reputation for reliability and some don't ex: (Ford 7.3 vs. 6.0). I don't need or want a sexy truck. I'd rather have a factory stock workhorse. Also, I understand that diesel ownership is more expensive than gas. Is this true and what is the reason?

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

The only cost difference is oil and filter changes. 10 quarts vs 5 or 6 for a gasser. My fuel filter is around 75 dollars depending on where I buy them. Diesels definitely will cost more IF you have to do any major repairs. Every thing else is a wash.

What years are you looking at?Payloads increased in 2011 which I imagine is a good place to start.Without doing any real research$20-$25 grand would be my starting budget number.

“Good used diesel” is a pretty broad brush. I’ll say between $10k -$60k. $10k being for a nice used 1st Gen Dodge Cummins and $60 being For last years super Lariat, Laramie low mile loaded crew cab.

Something like the Ford 7.3L has a "legendary" reputation due to the International T444e engine.But they are aging. The maintenance schedules and troubleshooting is quite well documented and known. If you keep up with the maintenance, they can easily go 400k-600k of well serviceable miles. If you are looking at these 1999.5-2003 models, it is best if you are comfortable with doing your own maintenance or know someone who can help you out. It would be easy to go broke looking at dealers to do all the work for you, LOL.This site is friendly and helpful for Ford 7.3L : FTE 7.3L Diesels 1999-2003

Used diesel buying question | Good Sam Community

Durb
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
I sold my 08 Titan and bought the pre-emission Ram in my signature. At the time I towed a 6,000# travel trailer. I know it isn't fair to compare a half ton short bed to a long bed dually but towing was night and day. Towing mileage went from 9 mpg in the Titan to 13.6 mpg. I have towed a 4,000# boat with the Ram and returned better mileage than with the Titan empty. Drivability with the diesel is fine, in my mind enjoyable. Noise is an issue. Granted it doesn't get really cold where I live but the seat heaters and exhaust brake make the weather a non issue. Maybe it is due to my year of truck but maintenance is easy as everything is very accessible plus not expensive. In four years reliability has been good, just filters and fluids. The depreciation down slope on the Titan was starting to get steep, the Ram is currently on a flat spot. I've been so pleased with the diesel that it was my single requirement when shopping for an SUV. Good luck with your search. Finding a clean pre-emission diesel that hasn't been rode hard, lifted or modified isn't easy to do.
falconbrother
Explorer II
Dec 07, 2017
Lantley wrote:
65003 really does not require a diesel. Diesel territory starts around 9K loaded.
With that in mind there is room for improvement. THere are options between your 5.3 and a diesel.
Consider a Excursion with 4.30 gears and a V-10.
In the long run you may already have the ideal vehicle if you don't want to sacrifice MPG's for better towing performance.
A better towing gas engine will deliver less MPG's.
With a meager 6500# load you could get away with a 7.3 PSD and have improved performance and MPG's. 7.3's can be had in the $10K or less range. As long as you are OK with a older vehicle they may fit the bill

I had a Honda CRV (toad) for commutting. Then my wife crashed her van and I used the CRV for a trade. The Suburban is pretty decent, all things considered. The biggest issue is pulling hills/mountains. With the 5.3 I have learned to get the RPMs way up, like 4 grand up. It doesn't feel natural but, the Burb doesn't really seem to mind. On my old motorhome I had a 454. The transmission was a T400 with 3 whole speeds. The thing didn't have a tach but, at 75MPH that old 454 was humming. Once I figured out that it would run all day taching at what sounded like 4k I stopped paying attention. I will say that the 454 was a powerhouse. It would pull the motorhome (28 foot) and the CRV up the mountain without breaking a sweat.
Lantley
Nomad
Dec 07, 2017
Rbertalotto wrote:
Find a 2006 Dodge in good shape and buy it. But be prepared for sticker shock. Easily the best year for Dodge or any Diesel pickup . Everything came together when Mercedes owned Chrysler. No DEF. No articulate filter. Minimal computer stuff. A reasonable reliable transmission and a near perfect Diesel engine .
Prices are a bit nuts for this model year but most feel well worth it.
TDR, Turbo Diesel Resourse has a monthly magazine on Dodge diesel trucks. Every month they have a number of pages on recalls and known issues with the various years. Usually there will be a number of pages on all model years and less than a page on the Generation 3 trucks. And usually it is about the radio or some lights or something minor..
Hope this helps with your search.

These seem to fall into my initial 20-25K range.
A V-10 Excursion can be had for less than 10K.
Rbertalotto
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
and if it gets cold in your area you're going to need auxiliary heat.

While I was having the new transmission installed I also had a BD Exhaust brake installed. With the brake on during warm up, it blocks exhaust gas and the engine heats up much faster than normal. Used to take about 15 minutes before I had heat in below freezing temperatures. Now it has heat within a mile or two.

How to spend $22K on a 2006 Truck!

http://rvbprecision.com/rv-projects/2006-dodge-ram-2500-upgrades.html
jamesroadking
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
I'm driving my first diesel. When shopping for one back in 2011 I just could not find any with less than 150K miles on em and they all still wanted $30K or more. I ended finding a leftover 2011 in January after the 2012's had come out and the Ford dealer was willing to reduce the window sticker down by more than $10 grand. I ended up buying a 2011 F250 Lariat with the 6.7 crew cab, 2WD with electronic locking rear axle, leather, heated and A/C seats for $42K. Gets 19.5 MPG not towing and about 12 MPG towing my 10K lb. towhauler trailer.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 07, 2017
Rbertalotto wrote:
Find a 2006 Dodge in good shape and buy it. But be prepared for sticker shock. Easily the best year for Dodge or any Diesel pickup . Everything came together when Mercedes owned Chrysler. No DEF. No articulate filter. Minimal computer stuff. A reasonable reliable transmission and a near perfect Diesel engine .
Prices are a bit nuts for this model year but most feel well worth it.
TDR, Turbo Diesel Resourse has a monthly magazine on Dodge diesel trucks. Every month they have a number of pages on recalls and known issues with the various years. Usually there will be a number of pages on all model years and less than a page on the Generation 3 trucks. And usually it is about the radio or some lights or something minor..
Hope this helps with your search.

Well this is about the best advice, depending on your commute.
Our 2001 Ram 2500 was was my commuter vehicle until I retired in June, commute was about 5 miles in the PNW, I would have good heat after about two miles. Even stock pulled our 8,000# first fiver very well, put a small chip on it and really towed well.
I would get 11 to 12 towing even our current 11,500# 5er, about 14 to 15 for my commuting, and 19 to 21 empty on the highway.
troubledwaters
Explorer III
Dec 07, 2017
A diesel is not good for short daily commutes (daily driver - how far?), and if it gets cold in your area you're going to need auxiliary heat. Just something to keep in mind as you ponder what to buy.
Rbertalotto
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
Find a 2006 Dodge in good shape and buy it. But be prepared for sticker shock. Easily the best year for Dodge or any Diesel pickup . Everything came together when Mercedes owned Chrysler. No DEF. No articulate filter. Minimal computer stuff. A reasonable reliable transmission and a near perfect Diesel engine .
Prices are a bit nuts for this model year but most feel well worth it.
TDR, Turbo Diesel Resourse has a monthly magazine on Dodge diesel trucks. Every month they have a number of pages on recalls and known issues with the various years. Usually there will be a number of pages on all model years and less than a page on the Generation 3 trucks. And usually it is about the radio or some lights or something minor..
Hope this helps with your search.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Dec 07, 2017
I purchased our 08 GMC 3500 DRW D/A with 102000 four years ago for $28000. Truck has been exceptional, only issue I've had is the number 8 glow plug I replaced last winter. Every December i change the engine oil and filter, tranny filter and fuel filter around $200 total. Every time I go to our local scrap yard the owner plunks down $32000, in cash, in front of me wanting to buy my truck. One day I'll take him up on his offer when I'm ready to buy an F450. Shop around, the deals are out there. Be prepared to drive to get a good truck, I found ours 3 hours away.
Lantley
Nomad
Dec 06, 2017
65003 really does not require a diesel. Diesel territory starts around 9K loaded.
With that in mind there is room for improvement. THere are options between your 5.3 and a diesel.
Consider a Excursion with 4.30 gears and a V-10.
In the long run you may already have the ideal vehicle if you don't want to sacrifice MPG's for better towing performance.
A better towing gas engine will deliver less MPG's.
With a meager 6500# load you could get away with a 7.3 PSD and have improved performance and MPG's. 7.3's can be had in the $10K or less range. As long as you are OK with a older vehicle they may fit the bill