What Truck...

[Ddouble]

So here's the specs

$15k budget
Diesel
4x4
Long Bed
Under 200k miles

What would you get?

[predatorpro]

A cummins duh! Lol

[Buckmark]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,192069.0.html

[TVHunts]

5.9 liter Cummins and be a little flexible on the mileage. Try to find one that has after market lift pump and reasonably fresh injection pump.   They are out there if you have patience.  My brothers 2001 is at 330k right now.

Good luck on the search!

[Rick]

So here's the specs

$15k budget
Diesel
4x4
Long Bed
Under 200k miles

What would you get?

Used diesel prices are insane.  I think you'll have a hard time staying within these parameters unless you're ok with something clapped out.

[TVHunts]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,192069.0.html

He's onto something there!  A lot of new parts and a very nice looking truck!

[rtspring]

15k isnt gonna get you much.  They dont come cheap. 
I would go gas if I only had 15k. 

Add 10k and you may well find a great deal on a used one if you have the time to shop

[Ddouble]

I like that Ford. It's a buddy that's looking and paying his cabin near Twisp burnt down last summer so now looking for a truck to haul stuff up to rebuild. He has something against Fords...

[coachcw]

go down to az right now and find a good old boy (sun bird ) that's ready to be done with the rv life !

[blackveltbowhunter]

Is he pretty mechanic savvy? To meet those parameters I think he could possibly find something in a standard cab configurations in a Ford 7.3 or Cummins 5.9. He will need to do some research but with the right mods, these are a couple pretty bulletproof engines. Trouble is he will undoubtedly  be in a rig 15+ years old and other issues that can plague trucks may need dealt with. If he goes in well researched, knows what to look for problem wise as well as solutions and is a solid mechanic or has budgeted for mechanic work, he will be fine. If he is looking for a truck that will be more worry and maintenance free he needs to up that budget or go gas IMO.

[Dhoey07]

I would have him look for a 5.9 cummins and be ready to redo he front end and buy a lift pump. If he buys one for 12k, and puts 3 into it, he should do allright. 

[baker5150]

I would have him look for a 5.9 cummins and be ready to redo he front end and buy a lift pump. If he buys one for 12k, and puts 3 into it, he should do allright.

 

There are a few out there in that price range with the mileage he wants.  I'd look into one with a manual trans or a built auto.
The rest of the upgrades needed aren't too costly if they haven't already been done.

A Ford 7.3 is a good choice as well but he may be disappointed in the initial power. 

I would highly recommend a 06-07 cummins with a 6 speed manual.  But his price range would have to increase.

[Bill W]

I'd go to Consumer Reports and look at the repair frequency for the various model years out there and use that to evaluate my candidates.

[Badhabit]

Spend a few minutes on Carguru's, Autotrader, Edmunds, Carfinder. Plenty of vehicles out there that meet your wish list and more for 15k. I just sold a 01' GMC SLT 2500HD 4x4 Crewcab with a duramax and allison trans with 224k miles for 8k.

[Buzz2401]

What are you towing that you need a diesel for.  Lots of gas trucks out there that will tow pretty good loads.  If you are towing more then 10k I'd say go diesel otherwise save your money and the heartaches and get a good gas motor.