My name is Brian, from Tucson, Az. I'm looking to buy a used diesel truck. Leaning toward a Dodge, but I'm not 100%. I would like some advice on which years to look at. I'm looking for reliability, fuel mileage, day to day driving. Truck will be a daily driver used for light maintenance and handyman type work. Under $10k. Thank you.

 

You should get lots of good pointers, and a ton of opinions. I don't foresee you getting one definitive answer, though.
Whether it be Dodge, Ford, or Chevy, any truck under $10,000 will probably have age on it, miles, and need something. Any truck in your price range will be an older one, when all of the diesels got respectable mileage.
That being said, you will probably find yourself in a 12 or 24 valve, second generation truck. For what it's worth, the 12 valve will probably cost you the least in parts and maintenance, of any pickup diesel. The rest of the truck may be another story. Again, all three makes will need something done to it. So, do you have the budget to fix one up? If not, you may be better off looking for a gas engine truck in your price range- you may find a newer, fresher truck for your money.
I found my 94, with 163,000 miles, for $6,300. I have probably put somewhere around $3,000 in it since I bought it, doing most of the work myself.

 

I love my CTDs but I wouldn't buy a diesel unless I were towing or hauling a lot. I had a 97 215hp 5spd. - the KDP (dowel pin) and trans mainshaft/OD were the only week points. I fixed them before they caused problems and that was by far the best vehicle I ever had. 21 mpg empty and 18 with a small 5er. I've gotten to love my early 03 (10-02) almost as much. My vote for Dodge would be 97-98.4 12V (simple mechanical fuel system, hydroboost brakes and the manuals were higher hp then the autos) or 03.5-04.4 HO or SO (no emmissions and usually better mpg then the later CTDs). Manual or auto is your choice. I would take a 5spd over the 6spd for your use and either auto (47 or 48RE) should be fine for you. Craig

 

You will have a hard time finding a diesel in good shape for 10 grand.


I'd highly recommend a 1500 Dodge or GM or an F150. Long bed regular cab V8. You can find a nice one in the 10 grand price range, they will nearly hang in capacity with a 3/4 ton when you start loading the bed up. Not very popular but great work trucks. Not being a popular configuration helps get you in that 10 grand price range as well.

 

Saw this morning a 08 GMC 1500 long bed regular cab V8 under 75K miles on it. Chrome wheels, bumpers and grill. Good tires, tow hitch, and good shape all around for under $10,000.

All it needs is some window tint and I'd throw a set of upgraded gmc aluminum wheels on it to get rid of the chrome steelies.


Gives me a mind to buy it and let one of my workers drive it, or I can drive it since it would ride so much better than my truck and save me on fuel. It is a long bed too.

 

I just posted my 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD 12 valve for sale on the site. Check it out. Great truck, excelent condition. You won't find a better truck. Bought an 07 3500 to replace it.

tinker

 

If you are going for a diesel with that budget, the only good option in my mind is a Cummins.
The only other diesel trucks you'l find for less than $10k are 6.5 Chevys or high mile 7.3 Fords and maybe the odd Dmax with a cr@p ton of miles or a FOrd 6.0 diesel (stay away from these unless you want to rectify ALL the issues $$$).
For a DD though I wouldn't totally write off a GM 6.5TD. Move the PMD and a couple other minor fixes and they're a good motor with a good truck under them. Not ideal for heavy work, but decent mileage (17-20mpg hwy).