I know that many of us financially need to buy used and with miles if we are going to switch to diesel so naturally we have some fears about possible major repairs and the expense; possibly the potential for bigger expense that with a used gasser. Just wondering how many of you have had these nightmares come true or has it been the opposite; that is, few if any problems over a period of years? I'm not talking about the repairs that come up once a year or so that might cost in the $500 range but the big, frequent ones of $2000 or more. So far my 2007 Chevy gas half-ton (now with 65,000 miles) has just been problem free for 40,000 miles.
85,000 on a 5.9 Cummins,1996, recently replaced radiator about $2000, cyl head, exhaust manifold, turbo charger about $2500 and fixed the "killer dowel pin" which was about to come loose. Could have been worse, did all the work myself.
1996 HR Endeavor LE,Cummins 5.9 230hp, Allison 3060,
Front-Yamaha Enduro, Rear-Honda Helix Geeser Cruiser + 2 bikes,
22ft 1977 Cruiser in tow.
1 DW, 2 kids.
1 old dog, 1 fat cat.
I wasn't thinking this far ahead!
Jayco-noslide wrote: I know that many of us financially need to buy used and with miles if we are going to switch to diesel so naturally we have some fears about possible major repairs and the expense; possibly the potential for bigger expense that with a used gasser. Just wondering how many of you have had these nightmares come true or has it been the opposite; that is, few if any problems over a period of years? I'm not talking about the repairs that come up once a year or so that might cost in the $500 range but the big, frequent ones of $2000 or more. So far my 2007 Chevy gas half-ton (now with 65,000 miles) has just been problem free for 40,000 miles.
I bought my '05 Ram 3500 (with CTD) SRW in 2008. 20K on the odometer when I bought it. So far I have:
Replaced the OEM batteries ($212)
Replaced the OEM tires (badly weather checked sidewalls, $1150)
Replaced the cab clearance lights (multiple leaks when raining, $135)
Replaced the inner door gasket on the driver's door (trying to stop a so far elusive water leak in the "A" post, $127)
Replaced front brake disc pads and rotors (rotors were warped and cracked, $500) 40K miles at the time.
The only powertrain repair so far: Replaced leaking tailshaft seal in transmission ($120). All other powertrain expenses have been maintenance items: oil, filters, coolant change. Oh, and I had one brake system flush/refill done with the front brakes.
I never had expectations that everything would be perfect. I saved a ton of $$ by buying a used diesel with 105k on the clock. At the time a new Dodge stickered out at nearly $50K. I got my rig for $18K. I budgeted $4K for repairs and upgrades. So when the truck needed repairs there were no nightmares as I figued it would occur.
The newer trucks are even better so I'd be confident you can find a nice used rig that will be pretty reliable.
2009 Komfort 256TS
2001 Dodge Ram 3500 QC 4x4 Cummins DRW
2005 Dodge Durango Limited AWD HEMI
2001 Sebring Convertible
1995 Miata M-Edition
2005 DRZ400
1 Wife 2 Boys UW & Bellevue College
1 Trixie (Bichon Frise)
Only 23 years to retirement!!!!
On this site one hardly ever hear of serious diesel issues, kind makes me wonder. There is a lot of RV traffic through here to and from Alaska and it is not rare to see a rig hanging from the back of a wrecker. A lot of diesel pickups up north here, and the diesel shops are not starving.
96' Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5.9 Diesel 170,000 trouble free miles, about half towing 11,000 lb Avion.
Sold it to get a 1 ton for our new fifth wheel. Our 2003 Ram diesel 1 ton now has about 140,000 trouble free miles on it.
I've been thinking about buying a used diesel for some time but have hesitated, in part, because of some of the horror stories I've seen on this and other web sites. Had an interesting discussion with my brother (who sells Fords) the other day and asked again about all the 6.0 motor problems. While he does agree the 7.3 and 6.x motors do better on resale, and the 6.0 motor has a bad reputation, he told me to look at the Chevy and Dodge forums for enlightenment.
I did just that and notice there are diesel complaints on those websites, too. My bro's opinion is there are a large number of people who spend entirely too much time complaining on a variety of forums and a much larger number of people who don't and are completely satisfied with their diesel purchase; we just don't hear from them. Perhaps he is correct.
On the other hand, we all know diesels are more expensive than gassers when they need repair. I have 106,000 miles on my F150 5.4 gasser and just about fell over when I was just told I needed a new right exhaust manifold for about $1000, so you can imagine what I would do if I had to shell out a couple thousand every so often with a diesel. Bottom line, though, is if I want to pull anything bigger than my current 30 foot FW I'm going to have to suck it up and shell out the big bucks for a used diesel, and hope to get one that lasts a while without serious repairs.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
Hi: I have a 2004 Dodge 5.9 diesel with 81,000 miles on it. I towed a 5th wheel (under 10.000lbs) about 25,000 miles (the rest of the milage is without tow). No major problems to date just maintance and one new set of tires. Jim2007
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2 Boys UW & Bellevue College
