Previous truck: 2002 Dodge/Cummins 2500. Bought used, found out lift pump was toast shortly after buying it when I installed a low fuel pressure light kit - and the pump had been bad for who knows how long. That was replaced under warranty. Problem is, running for an unknown amount of time with less than ideal fuel pressure damaged the injection pump. 6 months later (and now out of warranty), I paid out of pocket for an IP - $1800. No other issues in 4 years of ownership. Sold it for $1000 more than I paid for it after driving it for 3 years. Odometer was just under 100,000 miles when I sold it.
Current truck: 2007 RAM 3500 SRW Megacab. Bought used, engine had over 4500 hours on it when I got it, but odometer was at about 40,000 miles (lots of idling). So far I have fixed broken wires in the driver's side rear door twice ($5 - did work myself), and had some front end suspension components replaced (ball joints and U-joints) which were covered under warranty ($0). I have done the brakes (just pads) and also replaced the ignition switch ($100) as out of pocket expenses. Other than routine stuff like oil changes, that's it in 3.5 years of ownership. Odometer is just under 100,000 miles now.
No horror stories here.
2010 Cougar 322QBS 5er
2007 Dodge 3500 SRW Megacab, 4x4, 5.9L Cummins, 3.73, 48RE auto HYPERTECH MAX ENERGY or DIABLO PREDATOR tuning MBRP 4" Turbo back Scangauge2 for Boost, Coolant temp, Rail press & Trans Temp
Torklift Stable Loads
I just turned 50K on my gasser V10. Had trans fluid changed, coolant system flush, new brake pads all around, and front rotors, Brake fluid flush, replaced fuel filter. $1400 at dealer.
They all cost money.
'12 F350 SB, CC, SRW, 6.7 PSD, 3.55 RAR, 6 spd auto, Ultimate Lariat pkg
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
I bought a 2000 Ford Excursion with a 7.3 diesel in 2006 with 68k and now have about 150k on it. Replaced tires, brakes, batteries and wiring harness under the rocker covers. The only "nightmare" I had with it was a brake line that blew out resulting in a total brake failure. Other than that, I've really had good service with it and am real happy with it.
Bill J., Lexington, KY
2006 Starcraft 2500RKS 25' Travel Trailer
2000 Excursion Ltd. 7.3 PSD
2000 Ford E350 7.3 PSD
Haven't had my new to me '08 6.4l long enough yet (10Month's) to comment but no problems or complaints yet. Hoping for a long term relationship and because of the savings over buying new I have the money for some repairs. These things are mechanical ojects which require repairs at some time or another! JMHO
The pre DPF system diesels are less complex electronically and more user friendly on repairs. Typically less costly to own too with better fuel mileage. Think a 6.0 maybe less risky than a 6.4 in a Ford. LLY & LBZ in the GM are the most reliable but pre- 2006 LLY can be an overheater that can be modified to remedy. No comment on the Cummins but my experience with the B series 4 & 6 cylinder in industrial/construction equipment has been trouble free for the most part.
#1. 1993 Chevy 2500 6.5 turbo diesel.
The only thing that blew up was the head gaskets. They let go at 130K on the clock. Put new headgaskets in and upgraded to studs and put a new timing chain in for PM. New injectors at 100K for PM. 1 or 2 sets of batteries??? The radiator was junk at around 100K. It's got 155K on it now with nothing else done to it. Runs and drives like new.
#2. 1983 Cad with a 5.7 diesel. Was not running when bought at around 130K. Put new glow plugs and a fresh set of batteries in it and it lit on the first turn of the crank after setting for over 7 years. New water pump at 140K. New fan belts at the same time. About 170K on it with nothing else done to it.
I have a 06 LBZ D-max I bought new and at 50K the power steering hoses and tranny cooler lines are junk. Also the intermediate shaft and steering bearing is junk. Truck has never been off the road. I guess you could say I've had better luck with my 5.7 Caddy than my LBZ.
Never any big engine mechanical problems other than the HG's on the 6.5.
Pick the brand and year of the diesel you buy with care or you might not be as lucky as me. If you don't know how to do this find someone who does and who does not have brand stars in their eyes. It's important.
~ Too many freaks & not enough circuses ~
"Life is not tried ~ it is merely survived ~ if you're standing
outside the fire"
whjco wrote: I bought a 2000 Ford Excursion with a 7.3 diesel in 2006 with 68k and now have about 150k on it. Replaced tires, brakes, batteries and wiring harness under the rocker covers. The only "nightmare" I had with it was a brake line that blew out resulting in a total brake failure. Other than that, I've really had good service with it and am real happy with it.
How does one have a "total brake failure" with a modern redundant brake system? They have had redundant systems since the 70's.
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.
We have sometimes considered a Used Diesel TV then stayed with our Gasser.
First TV was a 2007 Chev Avy 5.3L 3.73, had it for a year, during that time we went from Manitoba to Florida and back on a one month vacation totalling 4,200 miles, no problems.
Traded that in and got our current one,
2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 (new shape) 6.0L 4.10 with factory NHT heavy duty trailering package (driver's handbook states 10,500lbs pulling).
Moved home with that TV pulling our TT from Manitoba back to New Brunswick....totalling 3,200 kms (2,000 miles) over 2 weeks, again no problems.
We stick with our Gasser at present as all we have done is changed the oil when needed on our current TV.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 2007 (new shape)
4x4 Crew Cab VORTEC MAX (L76) 6.0L V8 4L70E 4.10 axle
factory NHT Max Trailering Package.
2010 Coachmen Freedom Express 280 RLS
"...a Waldorf Salad?, sorry we are fresh out of Waldorfs!".......BASIL FAWLTY.
Bought the 1997 F-350 PSD in 2000 while still under warranty. Changed coolant, oil, tranny fluid, etc. and the right rear electric window quit working. Clear coat paint deteriorated on hood and roof and had to be repainted. New brake pads in the front. Right rotor turned. That's about it..I don't think it's the age of a diesel drive-line that needs to be considered but the overall mechanical parts. IMO..
Support the Country you live in or live in the Country you support
2003 Sierra SP 26'Toy Hauler
1997 F-350, PSD, 4X4, red Crew Cab, long bed.
2007 Arctic Cat Prowler, Arctic Cat 500
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I guess you could say I've had better luck with my 5.7 Caddy than my LBZ. 
They have had redundant systems since the 70's.
