Hi, I'm looking into getting my first tow rig and have very little knowledge of todays full size turbo diesel trucks. Whatever I buy will be kept stock, and be used to pull a toyota buggy to and from the trail and thats about it. I live in a higher elevation and routinely pull fairly steep grades, hence the need for a diesel.

I've had my eye on a couple ~2006 3/4 ton fords and dodges. I know brand loyalty is huge, so if we can look at this from a neutral perspective that would be great. it seems that you can get one of these trucks with around 100k miles for about $20k. That doesn't seem like too bad of a deal, unless I'm totally missing something here. Do these trucks start to crap out after 100k?

Also, most of the trucks I've been looking at can be found here: www.northtexastruckstop.com Any experience dealing with these people? Something I should stay away from? Thanks!

100,000 miles on any of the diesels is low miles as long as they havent been hopped up alot. I have read that the powerstrokes and duramaxs will go upwards of 500,000, sometimes more, miles before major motor work is needed..........if it has been services regularly. Cummins' will go a few more miles more. My 97 powerstroke has 314,000 and still runs like a red-assed-ape.

If you are looking for a nice cummins, a freind of mine has an 02(?) with alittle over 100,000 and only wants around $14,000 in Colorado.

I am not trying to use this thread to sell a truck. Just trying to help.

100K isn't really that many miles on a truck but is is normally where the factory warranty ends. The 6.0 liter fords have had more than there share of problems so do your research carefully before buying one. Many times the trans ends up being the weak link, if the truck has been worked hard it may be done or close to it at 100k.

what about the rest of the truck? when i start seeing 180-200k i start to think that every part besides the engine is reaching the end of it's service life. but yet i see trucks with 200,000 miles still listed for $10,000. what have some of you with high mileage trucks ran into?

The biggest thing to remember is just because all 3 modern diesel engines have been hyped up to last 300-500k blah blah blah....... That doesnt mean the rest of the truck will be problem free up till that point. If you buy a truck with 100k on it you can expect it to need a few things. After changing all fluids and filters, you can sometimes expect to be replacing things like suspension bushings, engine accessories, shocks, etc etc.. My CTD has 150k on it and just recently got a lift pump and injection pump, needs a track bar and shocks, and I replaced a few AC parts and a tranny cooler line. The cummins wont make a peep for years but all the shit bolted on around it..... :laughing:

The biggest thing to remember is just because all 3 modern diesel engines have been hyped up to last 300-500k blah blah blah....... That doesnt mean the rest of the truck will be problem free up till that point. If you buy a truck with 100k on it you can expect it to need a few things. After changing all fluids and filters, you can sometimes expect to be replacing things like suspension bushings, engine accessories, shocks, etc etc.. My CTD has 150k on it and just recently got a lift pump and injection pump, needs a track bar and shocks, and I replaced a few AC parts and a tranny cooler line. The cummins wont make a peep for years but all the shit bolted on around it..... :laughing:

i'm running into some stuff like that with my jetta too. sure, the diesel in that will last till about 300k, but the rest is starting to concern me. i'm at the point now where it's clutch or trade it in. and i want a truck anyway.

thanks for all the advice! I figured all the normal wear items would need to be addressed as in any vehicle, my primary concern is for the big $$ items like trannys, tcases, etc. It's really a tossup right now for me between ford and dodge. Guess I'm just going to have to drive them both and decide which I like.

100K isn't really that many miles on a truck but is is normally where the factory warranty ends. The 6.0 liter fords have had more than there share of problems so do your research carefully before buying one. Many times the trans ends up being the weak link, if the truck has been worked hard it may be done or close to it at 100k.

I've been reading up on the 6.0s and it seems like ford worked most of the bugs out towards the end of it's cycle. Most things I've read suggest getting the newest 6.0 you can find. That's my understanding at least.

I've been reading up on the 6.0s and it seems like ford worked most of the bugs out towards the end of it's cycle. Most things I've read suggest getting the newest 6.0 you can find. That's my understanding at least.

I like the ford interior over the dodge, but ya gotta love the cummins.. Both have solid axles which chevy does not. Keep these things in mind.

I'm at 215k on my 05 Cummins.....