Hi everyone. Im new to Diesel Bombers. Got a few questions about the 6.5 diesel. I am looking at a 1994 6.5 Suburban with 227,000 miles. Very clean. PMD has been relocated. Has turbo master. New torque converter and various other parts. Very well maintained. Hes asking 4500. Is that a good price? KBB is only like 2000 for this in my area. Im just not sure on the value of these. What specific things do it need to look at when i check it out?

I am a Cummins guy and dont know much about these engines. I am looking for a diesel suv for my family and this is more in my price range. Not looking for a high horse power machine. Just reliable and somewhat economical. Thanks.

Chase

 

Not really sure Chase I purchased a 1995 with 300,000 Miles on it for the same price here in Ohio I guess its all in what you want when they get this old LOL

 

Check the warm oil pressure, Look at the tires, the engine oil cooler, the exhaust. Find out when the injectors were done last - they need to be done every 100,000 miles.
Find out when the glow plugs were last done and what was used. Only 2 makes of glow plugs can be trusted in the 6.5 - Bosch duraterms and Ac Delco 60G's If there is anything else in there just change them and be done.

Check the radiator hose for pressure.

Short list. $4000 can be cheap if it doesn't need any of this work. It adds up in a hurry on a $2000 vehicle.

 

Seems pricey to me. It is my understanding that the 6.5 diesel went through multiple iteration and the 94 model was improved upon a couple of times. that said jrsavoie is correct: if it has only one or two owners and was babbied, has newer injectors, batteries, and glow plugs it could be a good price.

I got my 1999 6.5 for 4k. It did not have many owners but the previous owner did not take care of her cab and I am still chasing around moisture damage. The saving grace is that the engine only had 142k and was taken care of.

The other thing to think of is that the engine is at the end of its life. Every one has an opinion but I would assert that 300k is a good high average run for a 6.5. especially one that you don't know what happened during the first 200k. Price in a new 6500 or rebuild.

 

A new set of 265/75R16 load range E tires is about $1000 worth. Everything adds or detracts from the value.

I give huge bonus points if I find a vehicle has been run on synthetic engine oil most of it's life. Points off for 15w40.

From what I have seen the engines that have been run on synthetic are in better condition at higher mileage than the engines run on dino oil their whole life.