Two years ago I was making a decision whether or not to buy a CTD. I did not tow anything at the time, and was not sure how much I would really use a pickup truck. I came close to buying a new 2004 CTD, but decided to lease a 2004 Silverado, 1500, Xcab, SB, 5.3L, 3.73 4x4. The end of lease is in March 2006.

Now I do tow a cargo trailer to haul equipment that I sell, the weight is usually under 6,000lbs, but I will average 20,000 miles per year towing and 5-7,000 miles empty.

The current truck does ok, it is under powered on the hills. I do want to upgrade to 3/4 ton for better brakes and capacity. I want to buy a used truck and wonder if that is a good idea with a diesel?

With the weight I haul what gear ratio is best for mileage?
What can I expect to pay for a 2-3 year old truck with low mileage?

 

For 6k, 3.55's or 3.73's are fine. If you get a 2nd gen (98-02) get a fuel pressure gauge so you can tell when the lift pump (supplies fuel to your injector pump) is going, and doesn't take the IP with it. If you're only looking 2-3 years old, you might be better off new with all the rebates on 'em right now.

 

There are about 20,000 owners here that would say "YES" to a CTD. I have had two CTD after a GM and Ford Diesel, never a gaser. Been driving diesels since 1978.

I would not be afraid to buy a 1996-98 12Valve Cummins with 200,000 on it.
That vintage truck is the most reliable on the street. There is one problem with it up front. Its a dow pin in the timing gear face than will work out if used for heavy towing. Other than that it's bullet proof. Its know as the "killer Dow Pin" "KDP" There is lots on info on it at this web site. These trucks have been know to go to 1.3 millon miles towing trailers out of Indiana. One guy said, well the last thing I did was change the water pump at 750,000.

The 98.5 through 2002 model years have problems with injection pumps and Lift pumps. Properly maintained, they are fine. I own one. They are a much louder than the 2003's and up.

The 2003 to present are common rail high pressure fuel systems with electronic injectors that open and close on the command of the computer.
1/2 the noise and much more power.

So if you tow, you might consider a Dodge with the cummins. You'll never go back to a gaser once you've owned one of these.

Mileage; pre 98.5 17 city 21 hwy with 3:54 rears and automatic trannys.
2500. 98.5 to 2003 about the same. 2003 to present not much change. The newer ones come with 3:73 gears and 17" tires. If your towing heavy you'll want the six speed manual.

Go to a place that has one you like and drive it.

Dave

 

My driving habits are pretty similar to yours.

If you get the diesel you wont regret it. It will last longer, and pull better.

 

Owner of the dealer I work at threw me the keys to a used CTD years ago for the weekend. After towing the trailer I knew I HAD to have one!! You WILL love towing with that CTD.

 

This is very true as far as buying new over a 2 or 3 year old truck . Bought a 2004 demo for $31,000 . It had less than 3,000 miles on it and full gooseneck hookup . The MRSP was $43,000 . You'll get a lower finance rate which will also make up the difference and every year has new improvements to the truck . Check the for sale section at hotshothauling.com . A couple of used trucks sold there at very low prices lately .

 

That sums it up.

I spent a good year or more figuring out what to buy (truck vs car, full size vs mid, gas vs diesel).

I came to the conclusion that once you need more truck then a stripped down 2wd mini-truck - it's time to go to a full size diesel.

It costs more up front but you end up with
- a bigger and safer truck
- more capable truck
- operating expenses about the same (I'm getting better MPG w/ in this 3500 then I did in the little Ford Ranger it replaced)
- and to cap it all off - if/when you sell it you not only get all of the upfront costs back, you often get more then the original "diesel premium".

I ended up deciding to get a Dodge ('03 3500 SRW, 4x4, 6spd) and have to say it's one of few big purchases I don't have any second thoughts about. If it gets wrecked or stolen I'll be ordering a near identical one the next business day.

 

I just bought a 2004 Dodge 2500 with a CTD and a 6 speed. I tow a Jayco TT that weighs in around 6500 lbs. That CTD doesn't know it's back there. I just got back from a 390 mile trip in some hilly (for Missouri anyway) country and I never took it out of 6th the whole time. I averaged about 12.5 (computer) for the trip.

I've always been a big fan of the Cummins. I've owned 2 of them in Kenworths and now this one.

As far as price, it varies by you location. I'd get on autotrader.com or a similar site and see what everyone is asking. I gave 24K for my '04 with 30K miles on it.

 

I drove a 90 something back in 92 when I worked for a livestock panel manufacturer. That truck was a hog. It would pull a load of 16 foot livestock panels and a squeeze chute on an 18' goose neck like it was nothing. Now I was able to afford one for myself. I just recently bought a 99 2500 auto. I wish it was a stick now for towing purposes, but it pulled some 6% grades without dropping under 45 mpg with 6k behind it. My gasser is for sale now.

 

I tow 5-6k daily and 9-10k on occasion. I'll never go back to a gasser EVER!

My Work and my toys are only getting bigger. Besides where else can you get a one ton 4x4 that gets 16-22 mpg avg???

Rick

 

I couldn't have said it better myself!

 

Are you suggesting a fuel gauge is not necessary from 2003 and up?