Question For Diesel Truck Owners

[grundy53]

I have never owned a diesel but am probably going to be purchasing one relatively soon. I've seen quite a few being sold at around 100,000 miles. I've heard that a diesel is just getting broken in at 100,000- 125,000 miles. Is this true? At what milage would you consider it too high to purchase? Thank you for any help you can give me.

[sebek556]

as with any truck it depends on the owner's maintenance. But that being said, my dad's 99 cummin's has 290k still going strong

[gasman]

as with any truck it depends on the owner's maintenance. But that being said, my dad's 99 cummin's has 290k still going strong

 

My brother has a power stoke that is over 300,000 miles.

Personally I would like to look for a used one in the 40K to 60K mile range, but for th right truck, 100K would be OK also.
 

[JohnVH]

lower miles = more money, get what you can. I bought my cummins a year ago with 135k on it, awesome truck!

[uplandhunter870]

i dont personally own a diesel rig but ive been around/worked on/ drove a good number of them. at 100k i wouldnt say just getting broke in but would say its broken in.

as what sebek said it depends a lot on the previous owners maintenance diligence. my dad has an '03 F-350 with around 275k on it hes real ocd about regular maintenance, only part that has had to be replaced was the alternator (went out around 200k) hes used that truck to haul trailer loads of fruit over the pass to the west side when we were packing and selling our fruit ourselves that truck also hauls loads within its limits all summer long for the farm as well as towing his 20' alumaweld. i wouldnt hestitate to buy that truck if he wanted to sell it.

on the flip side of the coin i know a guy with a 2000 F-250 with around 175k on it and i wouldnt take it if he gave it to me free and clear simply because i know his maintenance, or lack there of, routine that truck has more problems than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs

if it were me id try to find one in the sub 100k range but if the previous owner was good about maintenance the 150k neighborhood wouldnt bother me

[6x6in6]

Not really a whole lot different than a gas power plant really.  Maintenance is key.  If you can get trusted service records I wouldn't think twice about a 100k+ diesel if all was well. 
At a 100k you need to think more about the trans (auto internals or manual's clutch) then the engine really, assuming the engine was well maintained.
Also, the little things add  up too.  U-joints, ball joints, axle shaft joints, steering components, brakes.  It all adds up.

Were you thinking of a specific flavor of truck?  Hopefully you'll be wise and say a Dodge.

[netcoyote]

I've heard that a diesel is just getting broken in at 100,000- 125,000 miles. Is this true? At what milage would you consider it too high to purchase?

I've purchased three Dodge Cummins trucks since 2002 so I feel that I have some experience to speak to your question. My first Ram was the 2002 that I bought new. I've done all the regular maintenance; oil changes, brakes, filters,etc. I liked the truck so much that when my daughter needed a truck to pull a horse trailer, I recomended that she buy a Dodge diesel. We found a used 2001 with about 80k miles and good maintenance records. The third Ram was a 1998 that I bought a few years ago that had 95k miles on it that I use to haul a travel trailer. This truck also appeared to be well maintained.

A few observations to get to your question. All three trucks needed to have lift pumps replaced. The stock Dodge pump just is not reliable and up to the task of supplying enough fuel to the injector pump. As far as I see on dodge forums, this is a common problem. One Dodge has an Air Dog pump and the others have FAST systems installed. If you get a Dodge with ANY miles on it I would recommend upgrading the lift pump as a starting point. If you wait too long on lift pump replacement, you run the risk of burning out your injector pump. Had that happen on one truck and that fix will set you back about $2500.

I read in forums that you still can expect injector pump problems somewhere after 100k miles. I'd just factor that into the price of a used rig. I replaced one on my 2002 but the others are still running strong at over 130k.

I've heard all sorts of stories about brakes on these trucks, but I think brake wear is purely a function of what quality brake parts are used and the drivers habits. My wife drives the 2002 mostly for pulling a horse trailer and we have driven it on a lot of steep mountain roads. Even at that, we still got over 70k miles on the original brakes before I replaced pads and rotors. Never go cheap on brake replacement parts and try to do the work yourself and you will be alright.

Steering boxes on older Dodges get a lot of stress and we have replaced one of those. There is an aftermarket stabilizer that helps this condition which I have installed one one of the trucks.

So, to get to your question, the whole reference to "just getting broke in at 100k miles" is a term that gets thrown around a lot but has little meaning in reality. You won't get a lot of agreement on what the term "broken in" means, let alone consensus on how that applies to a particular truck. Every used truck is different and has had a different history of use and maintenance. Generally speaking a Cummins diesel will last a LONG time with regular maintenance. You won't be spending money on engine rebuilds or head gasket replacement, but you will be spending money on all the other stuff around the engine.

Personally, given the experience I have had, I would not be shy about buying a Dodge Cummins with 100k miles, even 200k if I could be confident of the usage and maintenance records and it was a clean truck overall. Over 200k would be a little iffy, but again it depends on price, maintenance and what you intend to use the truck for. There are some good deals out there but you really have to do your homework and know what you are buying and be ready to buy if a good deal shows up. It won't last long.

That's one man's experience with older Dodge diesels. Like they say, your mileage may vary.

[Dhoey07]

I held out and bought mine with 44k on it and this is why.  I took out a loan on my truck and i wanted something left when i got it paid off.  So in 5 years my truck will only have 100k on it instead of 175k and being worth next to nothing. 
  And yes, diesel motors last a long time, but what about everything else on the truck?  Batteries, alternators, front suspension, trannies (if you're looking at a older auto dodge), etc....

[KimberRich]

I've heard that a diesel is just getting broken in at 100,000- 125,000 miles. Is this true? At what milage would you consider it too high to purchase?

I've purchased three Dodge Cummins trucks since 2002 so I feel that I have some experience to speak to your question. My first Ram was the 2002 that I bought new. I've done all the regular maintenance; oil changes, brakes, filters,etc. I liked the truck so much that when my daughter needed a truck to pull a horse trailer, I recomended that she buy a Dodge diesel. We found a used 2001 with about 80k miles and good maintenance records. The third Ram was a 1998 that I bought a few years ago that had 95k miles on it that I use to haul a travel trailer. This truck also appeared to be well maintained.

A few observations to get to your question. All three trucks needed to have lift pumps replaced. The stock Dodge pump just is not reliable and up to the task of supplying enough fuel to the injector pump. As far as I see on dodge forums, this is a common problem. One Dodge has an Air Dog pump and the others have FAST systems installed. If you get a Dodge with ANY miles on it I would recommend upgrading the lift pump as a starting point. If you wait too long on lift pump replacement, you run the risk of burning out your injector pump. Had that happen on one truck and that fix will set you back about $2500.

I read in forums that you still can expect injector pump problems somewhere after 100k miles. I'd just factor that into the price of a used rig. I replaced one on my 2002 but the others are still running strong at over 130k.

I've heard all sorts of stories about brakes on these trucks, but I think brake wear is purely a function of what quality brake parts are used and the drivers habits. My wife drives the 2002 mostly for pulling a horse trailer and we have driven it on a lot of steep mountain roads. Even at that, we still got over 70k miles on the original brakes before I replaced pads and rotors. Never go cheap on brake replacement parts and try to do the work yourself and you will be alright.

Steering boxes on older Dodges get a lot of stress and we have replaced one of those. There is an aftermarket stabilizer that helps this condition which I have installed one one of the trucks.

So, to get to your question, the whole reference to "just getting broke in at 100k miles" is a term that gets thrown around a lot but has little meaning in reality. You won't get a lot of agreement on what the term "broken in" means, let alone consensus on how that applies to a particular truck. Every used truck is different and has had a different history of use and maintenance. Generally speaking a Cummins diesel will last a LONG time with regular maintenance. You won't be spending money on engine rebuilds or head gasket replacement, but you will be spending money on all the other stuff around the engine.

Personally, given the experience I have had, I would not be shy about buying a Dodge Cummins with 100k miles, even 200k if I could be confident of the usage and maintenance records and it was a clean truck overall. Over 200k would be a little iffy, but again it depends on price, maintenance and what you intend to use the truck for. There are some good deals out there but you really have to do your homework and know what you are buying and be ready to buy if a good deal shows up. It won't last long.

That's one man's experience with older Dodge diesels. Like they say, your mileage may vary.

Good info and well written.

I've owned 3 diesels.  An '04 Duramax with the 6.6, an '05 F-250 with the 6.0, and currently an '05 Dodge 2500 with the 5.9.  Every one of them had their issues.  Like people have said, maintenance is key.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy one with higher mileage if I knew all the maintenance had been done.

[cohoho]

My thoughts are buy something with lower mileage, as the higher mileage vehicles might have an awesome Diesel that will last for 300-400K, it is the rest of the truck that is normal.   Chevy, Dodge or Ford, doesn't matter they all are the same in regards to front end and other normal truck wear parts that their gas engined Vehicle have...   If you buy a higher mileage diesel vehicle double check all the other NORMAL parts that go bad, i.e. ball joints, u-joints, rear-ends, etc....    Have it checked out at a certified mechanic.  Best money you'll ever spend is that 100 bucks or so for a complete check....  Price of all new trucks is absolutely ridiculous, I mean 50-57K for a new diesel Dodge or Chevy is outright crazy. 

I got an 06 Chevy I bought new in late 06 that has 180K, plan on running it till it hits 350K....  in 5-6 more years...

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Own 03 cummins in a 3500 Dodge.104,000 5.9 litter 24 valve. Front u joints went out at 75,000 up graded to free spin kit aka HUBS. Just installed Edge Juice programmer for better towing performace and fuel milledge. Like stated before maintenance,and more maintenance for any rig to be reliable. My plan is to die with this truck! There is only one diesal on the planet and that is a CUMMINS! If you had to have a ford or chevy truck you can install a cummins in those with an adaptor kit!

[et1702]

I think most people have already hit all the high points.  Yes, the factory lift pump on the earlier dodges will fail.  Best to replace with a FASS or other lift pump.  At 100K, it is likely that the factory lift pump has failed once already.  If so, and not caught right away, the injector pump will fail shortly thereafter.  FYI, the truck will still start and run even if the factory lift pump is dead.  The injection pump will still pull enough fuel, but it isn't designed to do this (which is why it fails soon after the lift pump goes out).  I know, as I learned the hard way.  This being the case, I have a 2001 Dodge that I bought w/72,000mi on it.  After, I had to replace the lift and injection pump at about 105K miles (i.e., right after the warranty was over).  I also added the steering box stabilizer kit mentioned previously.  Otherwise, I now have over 235K miles on her and she's still running strong, doesn't use more than a quart of oil between 3K and 5K miles.  I love my Cummins!  Oh, shes a six speed too, so I've replaced the clutch a couple times.  But, this stuff is just regular maintenance.  So, don't confuse regular maintenance issues with major problems when making your choice.

[grundy53]

Thank you everyone for your input. It is very helpful.

[Mulieman]

I have an '05-1/2 Dodge 6-speed manual with 190K on it. Only thing I have done is the carrier bearing twice (first one was installed wrong) and the front u-joints. I will definately buy another Dodge when I need a new truck. This one has hauled a lot as well. I have a 20' stock trailer and a 30' heavy flatbed trailer. They both get used to their capacity regularly.

[fillthefreezer]

also beware of trucks that are modded, ie: lifted, chipped, aftermarket intake etc as they have usually, not always, been abused