I'm considering buying a truck with 430k miles and a 6-speed, it sounds like it's been well maintained, this guy has had it since about 100k miles. He says the only thing he's done to the engine itself is replaced the head gasket, should I expect major problems soon or am I worried about nothing? Unfortunately I pretty much have to take his word because it's an almost 900 mile drive to look at it. Anything specific I should ask? Or am I insane for even considering it?

Truck is a 1999 4x4 3500 Dually, 6-speed, Extended Cab

Thanks for any comments!

 

I've seen many of these engines last long beyond that. However, I would not buy one with that kind of mileage without a plan and a budget for a replacement engine or rebuild.

I would have a hard time putting my faith in a 400k engine that I didn't personally know the history of.

 

I know a guy at our local shop who has a 98 with original engine that just rolled 1,000,000 miles. These engines are pretty bulletproof. BUT remember that people lie. I bought my 01 cummins with 160k on it and immediately flushed and changed all fluids even though it was a 1 owner "well maintained" truck. My theory is trust nobody other than yourself and what you KNOW has been done to it. If you do end up buying it, be sure to get it cheap and prepare for the worst. If I were in your spot I personally would pass and look for something lower in mileage, but thats just me. INSPECT EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BUY, there is nothing to save you if you buy a truck and it throws a rod 2 weeks later. Biggest things imo you wanna look at are the lift pump, injection pump, and torque converter. Good luck and let me know how it goes