I'm a Marine stationed in North Carolina and I'm having trouble finding a truck, I'm looking for just about any cummins that's in good condition, my price range tops out at no more than $12,000, I'm ready to buy, I just need some help finding one around here! Any help?

 

There's your problem. Unless you happen to get real lucky, you're not going to find a Cummins equipped truck in good shape for $12K. Even in NC.

Cruise through web sites like Autotrader.com and Craigs List. That gives you a good idea of what trucks are selling for in your area. If you've looked there adn can't find anything that meets your criteria, you might need to change your criteria.

 

In my area a used Dodge with a Cummins for sale is like a needle in a hay stack. Keep looking. The only one for that price is going to be in the 200,000 mile range at least. One in the 100,000 mile range can go anywhere from 15,000-24,000.

 

Here, with less that 100k, you will be looking at $25,000 and way way on up. There is even alot in that price range with close to 300k miles.

 

They're out there. You just have to be dilligent and see one advertised (usually on Craigs list) and beat these DTR nay-sayers that are trying to scare you away to the deal.

I just got a "farm" truck near here (in MN). Basically sound 93 1T, wrong size rubber, some rust and dings, runs like a scalded dog, for $1500. If I were to put about 5G into it, I'd have a pretty nice truck for 6 grand.

In a Cummins truck, older is not necessarily less reliable or strong. 200K on the clock is just broke in good.

 

For 12k you'd be extremely lucky to find an '03 or newer with a common rail engine.
Personally I'd skip the '98.5-'02 VP injection pump trucks and get a '94-'98 12 valve.
For 12k you could end up with an excellent 12 valve truck, might have to search the entire country to find it though.

 

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Nick:

I live in Holly Ridge, N.C. not far from Camp Lejeune.

There are two dealerships both by the name of "Gary's Auto Sales" with one being in Jacksonville, N.C. and the other in Sneads Ferry, N.C. These dealerships handle alot of used Dodge Cummins Diesel Pickups. Give Gary a call at the Sneads Ferry, N.C. dealership @ (910) 327-3070 and tell him what you want and what you can spend. He should be able to help you out.

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John_P

 

take a trip to TX, plenty of them out there

 

Tell Gary what you want and a few grand less than you want to spend...and go from there!!!

You should also check out the used equipment and Semi-truck websites and newspapers(found at most, if not all, truck stops). Often you can find a used fleet truck with an excellent service history from a smaller outfit.

 

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SIXSLUG:

I can tell you that if Gary doesn't have what Nick is looking for he can find one here on the east coast and he WILL deal as you told Nick!

 

If I had an extra $7k lying around this 12v would already be in the driveway for my kids to tool around in:

http://logan.craigslist.org/cto/3404234050.html

 

Nice! I hope he can find a nice rig, and as Always, this family thanks Nick and all troops for their service!

 

Thats where im originally from and im starting to think i may have to do that unless I can find one pretty soon, I find them all over the place down near Ft. Worth, I had a 2006 cummins but we sold it when I left for bootcamp, but I know from experience I can find one in my price range easily!

 

Here are some steps that might help:

1. Check Online Marketplaces: Look at Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or AutoTrader. Search near North Carolina for more options.

2. Visit Dealerships: Some dealerships or used car lots may have Cummins trucks in your price range. Share your budget and ask if they’ll let you know if one comes in.

3. Join Truck Groups: Find Cummins or diesel truck groups on Facebook, especially ones in North Carolina. Members sometimes post trucks for sale, and you can ask if anyone knows of one in your range.

4.Be Ready to Buy: Since you’re ready, stay prepared to move fast if a truck becomes available.

5.Expand Your Search: If you can travel a bit, you may find more trucks. Some sellers may agree to meet halfway if you’re serious.

Good luck!