I was just out looking at some pickup trucks, and when I went to this used lot they have a 1993 Dodge D250, it has 110K, power windows, power locks, ac, club cab, long box, 4wd, and of course a cummings diesel. The body was in pretty good shape for being that old, barely any rust, and where there was it was mostly surface rust.

First question, what do you think this truck is worth?

Second, this is my situation. I just bought a house a year and a half ago and it has a large driveway, it's paved and about 16feet wide and about 300ft long. It wasn't too bad my first winter, because we didn't get too much snow to shovel it by hand (took about an hour and a half), but by the end I just didn't shovel it. This year, we got a lot more snow and I had to pay someone to plow my driveway. This spring/summer I planned on purchasing a nice lawn tractor or a used 4wd utility quad to plow my driveway. Of course, I need a lawn mower anyway and I would like to have a second quad for my wife or friends to ride, but for a good garden tractor I am going to spend over 5K and with all the attachments close to 7K and for a quad I will end up spending around 4-5K. Also, I have a 1997 Dodge Ram with 8" of lift, running 37" tires and 4.56 gears. It's a bit difficult to tow a utility trailer with it and it's kind of hard to haul stuff in the bed because it's so tall. So, will this vehicle fit my needs (I'll use it to plow my driveway, haul some stuff, and to do some towing)?

Thirdly, what should I take extended time looking at when I go back and look at this vehicle? What are some of the common problems? What type of life will I get out of it?

Thanks in advances fellas...

-Matt

 

Also, about how much will it cost to setup a plow?

 

1. $5k to $9K, depending on how nice it is. You're not likely to get into a good running Cummins 4X4 for less than $5k.

2. Sounds like swatting a fly with a Buick. The truck can do all these things no problem. That little bit of plowing won't hurt the truck, towing a little utility trailer is nothing, the tow rating should be a little over 5 tons on the truck you're looking at.

3. Engine: watch out for oil leaks at the front of the engine up high. Could be a sign of a dropped KDP. Body: look for rusty floorboards, the cabs have a tendancy to leak and collect water on the floor. Also, if there is rust above the windshield, even bubbled paint, pass - they rust from the inside out there, you're seeing the tip of the iceberg. Trans: is it an auto or a stick?

 

Thanks for the tips....I think its an Auto.

 

Nothing special I know to look at on an auto, just look for red fluid that doesn't smell burnt.

 

What kinda of MPG should I expect to see?

 

You should see 16 to 22 empty. I know what your feeling I just sold my gasser do it all truck. Honestly your gasser sounds cool for a toy, no offense, but mpg, loading it etc become a PITA. Bite the bullet and get a diesel. It will ride harsh. LOOK for roof rust. If taken care of 350k miles is no problem. the rest of the truck will fall apart before the engine. Personally I have 2 first gens. On the plus you will get, easy HP gains, a real transfer case, 205, no computers. and if you already have a Dodge well then they havent changed since 1974 basically other than the CTD and your familiar with there issues and characteristics. I paid 7k ,3 years ago for a 93 2wd in xlnt cont 73k, and 6200 for my 93 350 4x4 dually with 174k in decent cond. It will vary per the area it seems. good luck and you will learn lots here.

 

I think you should get it! Wannadiesel is right - it can do all the things you are looking for.

I got a deal on my truck - $4500, but I think I lucked into it.

Let us know what you decide!

 

Welcome Matt,
I think with that mileage, more chassis problems would be evident than engine problems. Check the cooling system for any signs of over heating or repairs. Anything major could have contributed to harming the engine or transmission. Make sure the injection pump is dry. This is towards the front, drivers side of the engine, with all the fuel lines attached to it. If the lift pump is wet, it's an easy replacement. The lift pump is on the side of the block, under the fuel filter. Check the inner cooler and it's plumbing for damage. Take it for a spin, and stomp on the throttle. If it hesitates, then puts you back in your seat, and you don't hear any wierd noises other than a whistle, the turbo is probably ok. You should pull the rubber intake off the turbo and check the blades though. Make sure they're clean and spin freely. No side to side play. A very slight in and out play isn't bad, so long as the blades can't touch the housing. A lot of idle/ starting problems can be a cheap fix. See if you can take it for an over nighter if a dealer owns it. Check back if you notice any problems to trouble-shoot. Also, my oppinon is with the money you spend on this truck, you get more than the same spent in some of the other brands. Say it gets totalled.... this engine will still bring some good cash, the others with compareable mileage won't.

What part of Michigan?

Don