Hello everyone! being my first post I would like to introduce myself and say thank you for having me on here!

Now I am not totally new to diesels in general, i myself have mainly been looking at getting a 01-05 Cummins! However my parents are looking for a diesel new also and I am kind of stuck on giving them some advice, so I come here.

My father has been looking at just about anything with a diesel (cummins, duramax, powerstroke) We have always been dodge people, but are willing to expand our options.

What i come here asking is, if they can not find a cummins. What is the next best option (i knw this might be opening up a can of worms) What type of problems do Powerstrokes and Duramaxes have and it what years/models? They plan on using it as a dialy driver and on towing a 18ft x 8ft trailer (or maybe one slightly larger/smaller)

Their budget is perferably under $15,000

Thanks in advance!

 

welcome to diesel bombers and check this out to help answer some of your questions https://www.dieselbombers.com/potent...uying-faq.html

 

We have had all the "big 3" diesels in my family and they are all about the same I would say. They all have their issues the earlier duramax had problems with the injector bodies cracking, the oil pump in the transfer case beats a hole in the side of the case plus the front end being IFS is kinda hard on tires. The 24 valve cummins truck has major issue with the lift pump going out and taking the injection pump with it, plus dodge automatic trannys dont last either. The powerstroke, If its a 6.0 has EGR problems. I would say if your budget is 15,000 I would probably try and find around a 2000 Ford 7.3 powerstroke would be your best bet and most reliable for your money. It all boils down to going out and driving all three and finding the one you like best and feels right to you. Hope this helps ya out!

 

It does help, any info is great!

As stated earlier I myself am looking at getting a 02-05 (maybe a little older) Cummins so i know mostly whats going on there, im not dead set on a Cummins but its pretty close!! (mainly because i dont know much about other trucks, and their problems!)

Also my parents would obviously like a Cummins being a mainly dodge family. However they are willing to settle on anything in their price range, that isnt burnt on miles, is reliable, and will get the job done!! (did find a 03 GMC duramax for $13,000...not sure of miles though)

 

They all have good qualities. Personally, I narrowed my search to a 2004.5 or 2005 Dodge after months of weighing the options. I personally don't think you would be disappointed in whatever you would get.

Originally that was the price range I was looking at and I wanted to find a late 2nd Gen (rear disc brakes) with a manual, but having an infant seat in the back forced me into a 3rd Gen.

Anyway, good luck on your search!

 

Well I know im semi set on a Cummins (I will look at a Duramax or Powerstroke if I find a good deal on one). My price range is about the same as theirs, but I havent seen any decent mileaged 2003+ Cummins lately (which may make me look at other options here soon) but i wouldnt mind a late 01 or 02 (like you said the brakes and also 53 block!)

This thread is mainly for my parents, and well I guess kind of for me too hah. Mines more of a toy/DD/Pulling trailer if need. Where theirs is more of a DD and pulling trailer!

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well after doing a little more research and talking to you guys on here is seems like Power/TQ wise all will get the job done.

But after talking with my mother and father a little more, they are looking for something that they wont have to sink any/TOO much money into (not just engine wise, but overall/everything) whats your input on this???

 

Just make sure they know what they are getting its all about how the last owner cared for the truck, If it's really clean, had all the regular service done, then everything should be in order, BUT buying a truck with higher miles always intells some kind of money somewhere no matter how well its been cared for. Stuff wears out such as ball joints, tie rod ends, U joints, random seals, which is nothing major Its just part of the higher mileage game. Even If you own a truck from mile 1 this kinda stuff is enevitable.

 

very true and I/We understand that. Mainly looking for what would have less problems both drivetrain wise and other areas and disregarding how it was mintained.(while still taking into account things where out)

for example, and just for example only:
6.0L PS F250 has say top end engine problems and brake problems
7.3 L PS F250 has tranny and pump problems
Cummins has tranny, and lift pump
Duramax has steering, and other mechanical issues...

kinda get what im saying?

 

For all out best durability my vote would go with a 7.3L Super Duty. Very few trucks out last ford trucks. I love dodge but I know, Ford builds a better truck and it will last longer hands down They out sell Dodge and GM year after year for a reason

 

if you want a dmax my brother is selling his. he replaced the front end and injectors. and its got a little under 120,000 on it it's in the for sale section under 03 dmax.