mudwisr2

I know these trucks "last forever" :hyper:, but what kind of mileage would make you pass up a truck if you were looking to buy a reliable daily driver/tow rig???
Consider this question for:
1. 12V
2. 24V
3. CR

Thanks in advance

rebal

for me i would need to know the trucks history. I have seen them tore up before 100k . but most of the time age is the reliability issue a. a friend of mine just bought a 05 with 300k on it dirt cheep last winter and it has run fine with only 1 problem but that hasn't stopped the engine. my old 90 12v I drive every day with 700k on the clock and the engine runs perfect .would i drive it across country? yes, but but it would need a new tranny first . a good maintained truck is the key. for me.my.02

Philabuster

Truck history has a lot to do with it. Stock truck with 300k on the odo vs a pulling truck 'put back to stock condition' with 50k miles. Which would you rather have?

mudwisr2

Ha Ha, I dont think I would want either one, Philabuster. Point taken, though.

wannadiesel

12 valve - no limit if it seems to be running good.

24 valve - wouldn't touch one at any mileage, I don't trust a VP44 any further than I can throw one.

Commonrail - 200k.

mxdsl183

the motor may hold, its the rest of the truck i would worry about....

kas83

A 94-02 Ram, about 50k miles. The motor, on the other hand, 250k on a 12 valve, 200k on a CR, and unlimited miles on VE(don't make enough power to hurt the motor ). The crack about the VE is purely meant as a joke, they are great motors and make good power. Would probably take a 24 valve if it had a new VP and upgraded fuel system. I like the Cummins, no matter what generation.

It's what's wrapped around the motor that makes me cringe......

Valv

I will take a 200k truck from a RV hauler anytime, but not a 80k truck from a stop and go city driven.
Engines, and transmissions last forever when used for long, constant usage.

I just bought a 160k truck form a cattle hauler. THE BEST truck I've ever had, and it's my 6th CTD.
I had a 2001 with 235k 2nd gen from am implement hauler, and was my 2nd best truck ever.

The one I just sold was city driven, and a constant money pit, so were others before.

Check the usage, ask questions, and don't be afraid at all to get something it's been used for hauling, these are the best manteined vehicles.

mudwisr2

I agree about the hauler being a better truck, most of the time, Valv. Keep the opinions coming in.

96_12V

Maintance and history matter greatly. So does driving style. I'm pushing 340k and while others compain about the Dodge, it's been great, still no squesks, rattles, etc. I have done ball joints, radiator, and brake work. If you factor that into your budget you'll not be caught off guard. I would not recommend the 24V units, overall.

RowJ

One owner... well maintained... driven regularly.... I'd go 200,000 on any model, before I started looking closely at everything.
Just a personal thing but I don't like vehicles that sit for a month or more between usage!

RJ

HOHN

+1.

A truck that's been used for hauling will have very little wear and tear on the interior for the mileage. Since all the parts have been kept in motion, all the stuff stays lubed. The engine sees little to no wear even after tons of miles.

Heck, my truck probably has more wear on the engine at <70K with synthetic oil than would a hauler with 200K and dino oil. It's all about the lack of cold starts.

If the Dodge part is good shape, I wouldn't worry much about what the odometer says at all, regardless of year. Yes, the VP trucks are probably the least desirable, but they will work well and are reliable.

I can't say that I'd put ANY mileage limit on a CTD if it appeared it has been maintained and not abused. No truck however new is a good bet when abused. That's why I'd stay away from a 3rd gen. The "chips" and such for the 3rd gens make so much power that the newbies slapping them on have often hurt things badly.

Take note on this and other CTD forums-- the 3rd gens have a higher failure rate of hard parts (pistons scoring, spun bearings, etc). Not because the engine is inferior--but rather the owners are abusing the trucks more than ever.

High mileage CTDs can be great bargains because of the durability.

96_12V

I looked fairly closely at an '01.5 2wd 3500 quad-cab about a year ago that was selling for around $8995. It was a one-owner truck that had been originally purchased & fully maintained by the same dealer that was selling it used. They had all the records, and the owner was a classic-car restorer who transported cars back form across the country on a car trailer, never used a fifith-wheel. The deal "maker or breaker" was that the truck had 455k on it then. It had no rust, minor if any scratches, and even the interior looked great. I'm sort of glad I didn't buy it with diesel prices doing what they have done, but what a great work truck for a long time for someone.

Copenhagenjunkie

I wouldn't care about mileage. I would pay more attention to the body and interior.

wcbcruzer

For a 12v, 200k miles if there's no rust and the front end is in good shape (4wd). I wouldn't own a 24v. For a gasser, 40k miles is my limit.