Used Diesel Truck Recommendations

[BDildine]

I want to back up a couple things Jackalope and Yorke have said.

I have several customers that are going gas engines when purchasing new for work rigs.  The big reason is down time. I have one customer with 5 diesel rigs and one is always in the shop for a sensor or some other emissions crap. Down time kills more  than vehicle power or longevity because they are working rigs.

Be aware that if you do a delete other states have differing inspection laws and if deemed used for a commercial purpose it's a much bigger fine that for Joe Sixpack. 

Your only other option is to buy a used pre emission truck and just budget dropping in a new motor and tranny when the time comes. My brother is currently working on a 7.3  crate build that is complete to replace on one of his work trucks with 350k. They dont get a new one because the upgraded motor and tranny is $better spent than new.

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Your brother should build a Fummins

Fummins are $$$, the kits are the cost of a engine most of the time, sometimes more if you buy "everything". And the time to do, count on spending LOTS of time in the garage, or having someone do it for you (more $$$)
not saying dont do it, but if someone hasnt done the research and is aware of everything required along w costs, its a wake up call

[Matth]

I have ran a LOT of miles maxed out on weight with a 1 ton and trailer...  the biggest issue is more maintenance and the need to drive slower with attention to other drivers.  Imo trips 3-4 times a year with a modest load doesnt require a diesel, just working eletric brakes and a balanced load.

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I agree 100%. that is why i set an 8,000 lb cap, towing this amount with a 4700 lb vehicle on a regular basis is probably not a great idea. it is starting to sneak past modest for a 1/2 ton.

[Special T]

@Colin what will you use the truck for most of the time?this question is really an application issue IMO.  To me it seems like a gas 3/4ton is in your future. 2c

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[Colin]

@Colin what will you use the truck for most of the time?this question is really an application issue IMO.  To me it seems like a gas 3/4ton is in your future. 2c

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Well right now I'd be using a diesel the same as a 1/2 ton for the next few years. I think that i got a little ahead of myself and should wait until my business grows and forces me to upgrade to a diesel and trailer. I plan to run my 1/2 ton till the wheels fall off or I'm forced to get bigger.

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[huntnnw]

find it funny guys say the cost to maintain is higher. oil and a fuel filter plus you can change at longer intervals.

[Stein]

Lot more to keep a diesel on the road than oil.


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[jeffitz]

Wow my 99 F250 is 20 years old this year-
What an awesome truck- 7.3 Powerstroke 6speed manual 4WD
Probably 100,000 is off-pavement abuse
300,000 miles and its had 2 clutches and one set of injectors (only major repairs)
Not sure what i will do when its gone but its still so strong im not even thinking about it.  Its really a shame that these trucks cant or wont be built again.

[huntnnw]

Lot more to keep a diesel on the road than oil.


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owned diesels for last 15 years

[Mudman]

My 2001 Ford did cost me some money to maintain.  Auto Trans failures!!  My 05 and 06 Cummins have been the cheapest to maintain of any rig I owned except for my old Honda Accord and Ford Ranger.  BUT once you pass the 2007 emission eras the diesels get more $$ to run.  Not to mention a Cummins has 66% of the parts of a V-8 which = less breakage/wear.

[bearpaw]

I pull trailers all over the place, I like diesels for interstate pulling, and nothing pulls 9 horses to the mountain in a big horse trailer better than a diesel. I'm addicted to the power and speed, being able to tow and getting there in good time. But I agree that they cost more to run and to repair.

[Special T]

@Colin what will you use the truck for most of the time?this question is really an application issue IMO.  To me it seems like a gas 3/4ton is in your future. 2c

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Well right now I'd be using a diesel the same as a 1/2 ton for the next few years. I think that i got a little ahead of myself and should wait until my business grows and forces me to upgrade to a diesel and trailer. I plan to run my 1/2 ton till the wheels fall off or I'm forced to get bigger.

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if your combined GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Ratig is above 16K lbs then you must go over scales and get a commercial vehicle # for your truck.  This is a HUGE PIA that should be avoided if possible. Not to mention a commercial vehicle that is not a farm rig requires a CDL to cross the state line. that is over 10klbs GVWR. If the Truck is in the company name your screwed. If to tell th eofficer you are using the vehicle for commercial purposes your screwed (commercial vehicles have different definitons according to different states).  ID has signs statein ghtat you dont need to scale under 26klbs but washington is 16k, but "intertsate commerce laws are different that states rules. It is very difficult to deal with many of these nuances.

[Grit dog]

A lot of good discussion and reccomendations. Short story, for the OP, any newish 1/2 ton will get the job done comfortably, capably and on average cheaper overall than a HD diesel truck.
And you're not going to wear it out with basically average use like you're planning.

I have and have had a few diesels, personal pickups, and many gas 1/2 ton company trucks that on average I've worked as hard or harder than my diesels.
If you want way more power and capability than you need get a diesel. If budget is part of the equation, get a 1/2 ton. Or if you put on a lot of miles, it might make sense to get a 1/2 ton diesel.
3-5 years from now, all the big 3 will have had a baby diesel for several years and there will be plenty of used ones and bet they're 100% sorted out.

[Mudman]

Hold out if ya thinking of buying new trucks...  The EV trucks will be hitting the market.  The EV are so much superior in every way.  Auto Co's better take warning and get on the ball or go out of business.  Google the Rivian if ya curious!!!  What an incredible truck..  If prices are comparable it is the end of diesel trucks.

[Jpmiller]

Hold out if ya thinking of buying new trucks...  The EV trucks will be hitting the market.  The EV are so much superior in every way.  Auto Co's better take warning and get on the ball or go out of business.  Google the Rivian if ya curious!!!  What an incredible truck..  If prices are comparable it is the end of diesel trucks.

Interesting

[bearpaw]

Hold out if ya thinking of buying new trucks...  The EV trucks will be hitting the market.  The EV are so much superior in every way.  Auto Co's better take warning and get on the ball or go out of business.  Google the Rivian if ya curious!!!  What an incredible truck..  If prices are comparable it is the end of diesel trucks.

I had not heard about EV trucks so I googled it, sounds like they are coming very soon!