Buying used (250/2500), what to avoid (engine/trans known issues)

[Lineman North Florida]

Thats funny about giving the 6.0 chevy gassers away,not around here they don,t.Nice truck IMHO and thats coming from a ford,dodge person.OP,I would try to find a good used 3/4 ton in a gasser model..

Same here in Florida, they seem to hold their value well around here, I own a 2015 Chevrolet 2500 HD 4x4 and it is constantly hooked to a gooseneck flatbed, stock trailer or boat and gets about 10 or 11 towing which is better than some of the older ones but it is not a fuel economizer. You have to be careful on gas mileage and purchase price stories, one always goes up and the other comes down.

 

[CreekyB]

If you can find an old Gen I or Gen II Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel that the seller is not too proud of they are perfect for occasional haulers. Being older diesels without a lot of extra emissions they take to occasional driving fairly well. That driveline is easily a 500K driveline if properly cared for.

1989-1993 Generation 1
1994-2002 Generation 2

There are a ton of aftermarket choices for these engines. The biggest issues with them is you will either find a hulled out truck with an excellent driveline for ok money or a very well cared for truck with an excellent driveline for stupid high money. They are sought after in some circles and tend to hold their value.

 

[davrow]

Thanks everybody! Most often use will be once a week dump run, then maybe 4 times a year hauling tractor. Other than that just the odd haul of bricks, rocks, bags of concrete that sort of thing. Anything too big or too heavy for the van (my daily driver).

Appreciate the insights.

Dav

 

[bspeedy]

As a happy diesel owner, I would advise you to go with a gasser. Diesels want to run long miles with heavy loads. Ford V10 is a great engine. I would not get the 5.4 V8 due to limited power. The GM 6.0 gas is a good choice as well. For the use you describe and your budget, a regular or extended cab truck with 8' bed would be good. I'm a manual trans guy, but you may not be so inclined. Maintenance and condition are more important than mileage.

 

[Tomtint]

Around here, it would be tough to find a reliable turn key 2500 4x4. Maybe one with 150k + miles but that would likely be a problem waiting to happen. Our roads are salted and Calcium Chloride is dumped on them like water. .. It devoures trucks and cars. Personally, I would look for a mid west or Cali truck that has been maintained. .. eBay or Cars.com.

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

Thats funny about giving the 6.0 chevy gassers away,not around here they don,t.Nice truck IMHO and thats coming from a ford,dodge person.OP,I would try to find a good used 3/4 ton in a gasser model..

Here is So Cal they are worthless. Massive difference in price, and they are almost always super clean and low mileage. Nobody wants them, everybody wants a diesel. Same thing with V10 Super Dutys and Excursions, diesel commands a massive premium over the gassers. Had friends buy low mileage clean gas Excursions and Cummins swap them.

 

[davrow]

Around here, it would be tough to find a reliable turn key 2500 4x4. Maybe one with 150k + miles but that would likely be a problem waiting to happen. Our roads are salted and Calcium Chloride is dumped on them like water. .. It devoures trucks and cars. Personally, I would look for a mid west or Cali truck that has been maintained. .. eBay or Cars.com.

As sikmusicfreak8 notes, there seem to be plenty of them here in Temecula (So Cal). Enough one can actually be picky. Thanks again! :thumbsup:

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

As sikmusicfreak8 notes, there seem to be plenty of them here in Temecula (So Cal). Enough one can actually be picky. Thanks again! :thumbsup:

I didn't even notice you were local! Ive had quite a few co workers and friends buy very clean gassers for next to nothing, you should have no problem. Good luck.

 

[coobie]

Here is So Cal they are worthless. Massive difference in price, and they are almost always super clean and low mileage. Nobody wants them, everybody wants a diesel. Same thing with V10 Super Dutys and Excursions, diesel commands a massive premium over the gassers. Had friends buy low mileage clean gas Excursions and Cummins swap them.

Buy a semi load and bring them to Michigan you would double your money.

 

[dodge man]

I would stay away from a diesel, just because of your $10,000 price. You can find a 10k diesel, but you had better know what your are looking at. Being a Dodge lover I'd like to recomend one, but the advice of looking for a 6.0 gas chevy 3/4 ton is pretty good advice, they are common. Also so of the earlier Ford Super Duty with what I think is a 5.4 gas. To be honest, I've driven one and they don't have enough power to get out of their own way, but they are often priced to sell and no more often then you would tow, would probably get the job done at a great price.