First Diesel purchase advice
 

Hello, I am in search of my first diesel truck. I have owned gas up to current but would like to join the diesel world. When it comes to buying a gas truck, I feel fairly confident in what to look for and avoid in used vehicles. Unfortunately as I look at diesel trucks, I find that I am concerned to what to look for to make sure I don't get taken. I hear a lot about turbo or injectors being out but not sure what to look for. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am looking for a mid 2000's 3/4 ton 4x4, tend to lead towards dodge but open to ford or chevy/gmc as well. Thank you in advance.

Gordon

Man, do a little research. There's hundreds, if not thousands, of threads across the internet with advice on this.
There is no, "end all" of what to look for. Each truck is going to have different weak points.

For a mid 2000's ford, it's the egr/head bolts. For a mid 2000's chevy, it's the injectors. For a mid 2000's dodge it's the front end suspension / tranny if automatic. See what's been replaced or rebuilt. Run the carfax. If it's in good shape, the same will apply as when looking at any used vehicle.

Thank you @Josh923, I have done a fair amount of research, unfortunately it seems to leave me more confused finding conflicting information. Thanks again for the feedback!

I'm in the same place as the OP. I have done my best to educate myself but wanted to see how many people had experience with the Big 3 in this category?

2003-4.5 CTD: Read for hours without hearing a thing about injectors or rods with this iteration, sounds like the best pre-emissios 5.9

2000 PSD: Something about this year being the most advanced without some failed improvements until the 6.0 came out. I love the idea of this truck but it is literally the most boring looking truck after the OBS.

2005 Duramax: Definitely the highest priced out of the bunch for my area due to year and refinements. For my budget (South of 20K) This is a stretch and a matter of waiting for a deal but still has it's issues. As a new-to-diesel guy, overheating issues don't sound half as daunting as tearing the whole dang top end off to get to injectors...yeesh.

I have no brand loyalty (maybe a little prejudiced of Fords after seeing great deals only to read for hours about 6.0 problems) I just want a truck to occasionally drive and haul the camper a few weeks out of year, go to the dump etc.

If anyone has owned all three and has reasons to like one over the other, I'd love to hear it!