isu elvi

Having all but the common rails in our fleet, I really have to say that mileage is not a factor. The 1st pretty much all depend on body and rolling chassis condition as the vast majority of these dont seem to be bombed beyond belief in our area anyways, the 12 2nd generations obviously a great truck as the 24 valves. Any electronic diesel, 24, CR, dirtymax or PS, I would have too look at very closely, as the plug and play bug has bit too many people that dont know any better. To me the 24 valves are not a deal breaker because of the vp, its the front end. I love mine to death, but just cant seem to get the front end perfect, its not bad, but it still leaves something to be desired, but that would go for most any 2nd generation 4x4 i believe. I actually like the 1st generations 4x4 design much better. I guess it all comes down to the truck as a whole, bumper to bumper, and who had it previously. I do agree with general concensus on hot shotters and such, they are generally very well maintained rigs. My .02

Dartmouth 12V

I would not worry about mileage. I would carefully inspect three things though.

The drivetrain. When buying boats, it is standard practice to take an oil and fuel sample and have it analyzed. This would be a relatively easy way to make sure that there isn't anything going on with the engine or fuel system. You should be able to hear or see most other engine problems during your test drive. Personally, I wouldn't buy a modified engine since that can have all sorts of problems associated with it. It is also worth looking at the tranny, transfercase and diffs. You can pull the plugs and see how the oil looks and whether there is metal stuck to the magnets.

If it is a 2nd gen, I would go through the front end very carefully and see whether it is going to be expensive in the near future. Also, check wear parts like brakes and tires since they are somewhat expensive and time consuming to replace.

The other thing that I would look at is rust. I am lucky that there is a local guy who is really good at doing bodywork and doesn't charge me a lot but it is adding up and he will definitely be getting more of my business in the next few years.

Scotty

I was thinking the same thing. I think one can tell after a little checking if an RV hauler truck has been looked after or not. I looked at one yesterday. It had 300k on it. Quad cab 04 6 spd 3500 single rear wheel 4x4. Can buy it for around 12K. With the parts I have around here and my experience, I could make it work real nice. As mentioned...I think other parts would need refreshing...like the drivers seat cushions and maybe interior. I can put leather with heated front seats in for a grand now. I have access to a rubber floor for free...brand new...was removed from a friends truck [1500 work truck] and he put carpet in.

For me any of the trucks are fine as long as I know where it came from and check it out closely. Theres a lot of trucks that do not have a reliable or factual history out there.

Scotty

MFEUSAF

i just looked at a 04 with 417000 on it. i thought that was absolutley crazy. they are only wanting 11k for it so. who knows.

patdaly

LOL, My lowest mileage gasser is my 94 Caprice with only 184K.......

Man, 40K would be brand new for me......

As for the truck, I don't really consider miles, other than to beat them down with price.

mudwisr2

I found a 98 QC 4x4 12V 5 spd with 220k and the trans is having all new synchros and 5th gear fixed now. Havent gotten to look at it in person yet but will today, hopefully.

96_12V

Wow - this is an old thread. Suprised you found it.

Sounds like a nice truck - those are hard to find, probably like this thread was.

Red3quarter

For me it would depend on how the truck was used by the previous owner(s). For instance, I would by my truck from a someone. 156k, clean, some heavy towing, not beat up and almost completely original. I would consider any gen truck to about 250k mile maybe more, depending on the truck. As long as its been cared for, to me, its still a good truck.

Andyinchville

Interesting thread....ALL of my vehicles have were bought around 150K....even gassers!

I have the most miles on my Ford E150 van ......271000+ miles (I used to deliver express mail so mostly highway miles (190 per night)...

I would buy based on vehicle condition / how well it runs... not necessarily based on miles.

Andrew

mudwisr2

Its fairly easy to find an old thread when you started it

That truck sold before it was available to be test driven. I knew that was going to happen.

96_12V

Cool - didn't catch that first time looking at it.

Oh - the 450k '01 dually I looked at in Indiana a year ago - it sold in one week.

mudwisr2

Lets bring this one back to life.....

schamran

It all depends on circumstances. I would be more interested in clutch/tranny to be honest. Just having a conversation with the seller will tell you a lot if you really pay attention.

ofcmarc

I didn't think twice about buying mine with 198xxx on it.

RAMRODD

I personally don't think I would ever buy a used diesel. A truck could look perfectly clean and yet could have had a history at the track or sled pulling.