High VS Low Mile Diesel Trucks | What Should YOU Buy?

Wondering if low mile diesels are worth the hype? Lets take a look as I compare a 390k mile truck to a 56k mile truck so see what’s really worth buying! Whether it’s a Cummins, Powerstroke, Duramax mileage matters, but not as much as you think!
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[@JustDiesels]

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[@bryanfloyd9183]

got 478k on my second gen. Drives like dream. Doesn't matter how many miles a cummins has as long as its taken care of

[@michaelbenoit248]

Same for any old 7.3 Powerstroke or any old diesel that’s had cavitation additives. I’ve had a 400k mile 7.3 Powerstroke, kept the stock tune, & it was pretty damn reliable, after all the main electrical issues fixed & new sensors, & most wear components. For some it’s worth it to get a low mileage & some it’s ok to get a high mileage. I’d rather get a low mileage truck not cuz of the engine & drivetrain, but because the body of the truck has less wear on it/door hinges window motors, & other stuff. My 7.3 idi is prone to cavitation so I added in some DCA additives, I check it once in a while & seems fine. I never work it hard at all, & just daily it, it never gets over the N in normal at all, maybe a little more on the Highway w the AC on.

[@oldcroneysgarage9739]

@@michaelbenoit248 those old 7.3 diesels are good engines. Wish they put as much thought into the 6.0 as they did the 7.3.

[@bobjinkle3840]

I’m well above 400 on my 4th gen, my odo stopped working at 398 or something. motor hasn’t had any issues trans is a different story..

[@stevenllewellyn8906]

That’s amazing, I’m sure the motor will greatly outlast the body.

[@codyjakobi7609]

I’m pushing 650,000 miles out of my 2nd gen and all I do is the basic maintenance and only replaced the lift pump once… Idk how but them 5.9 just keep chugging

[@gargamel3278]

I always prefer high mileage. Hasn’t failed me yet. Especially diesels.

[@michaelbenoit248]

A higher mileage truck says that it’s been cared for, & tended to. My 93 f250 w idi would love a 5.9 12v under the hood or a dt360, my idi as of now is in decent shape, almost zero blowby to be seen. It needs injectors but that’s beside the point, it does smoke blue when cold, but smooths out. I’ll get getting stock rebuilt injectors on order soon from R&D.

[@pjtv995]

Exactly you can also find better deals on the higher mileage ones. Most people are afraid of high miles, I think it’s a badge of honor

[@iCE-yr3wy]

@@pjtv995 that's like 300k plus of memories

[@Towing417]

I like whichever truck has been worked harder. I bought a 97 2nd gen, 1 owner old man truck that was meticulously maintained. As soon as I put it to work it was one repair after another. My 94 has 488k miles on it, it's never seen an easy day its first 200k were with a concrete pumping company. If you've ever seen a concrete pump you know they weigh almost 10k. The second owner was a tractor owner operator and so it spent another 150k hauling different pieces of equipment and dump trailers around. The last 130k miles were put on by me, I'm a mobile mechanic and so it drags a service body with all my tools and equipment on board. It weighs a little less than 11k as it sits. Long story short I believe it has another 200k or more in it before the motor gets opened for the first time.

[@dmaxdan]

"Obviously the body is horrible on this one" -Looks at my salt belt 2nd Gen with Rust reduction mods......

[@donovanmclaughlin4709]

You forgot to mention the really high miles trucks that are beat the crap that go for a ridiculous amount of money 😂

[@Kevinwatches]

@Jesse Mims My 1997 2.3l Mazda B2300 is at 300k miles, all original LoL But I need something to haul and so I can completely restore the Mazda!

[@oldcroneysgarage9739]

@Jesse Mims here I can find them from 3-15 grand in great shape. Currently at the time. The price might change as the market for them goes up

[@carterbell7346]

@Jesse Mims man all the time or duramaxs with just a set of wheel on then with high miles going crazy prices

[@dacarter70ify]

@Jesse Mims lol so true..... Owners selling high dollar clapped out trucks like there name is Carmax 😂

[@quentin536]

@Jesse Mims the best part, is that you aren't joking lol

[@enriquesmith4294]

Some of the best trucks I’ve ever had have been 220k and 280k. 0 blow by 7.3’s. Also- an unknown miles 12v. I’ve also owned and worked on 7.3’s with low miles- anywhere from 40-120k. The high mile ones, in my experience, were healthier trucks. I believe because they were highway miles, not around town majority of the time. Also, had a 6.7 powerstorke with 327k… ran awesome. Burned 0 oil.

[@jpippinator]

I don't think you can brag about mileage on a 7.3 until you get above 500k. Even half a million miles on that engine is normal and nothing to write home about.

[@melvingibson4525]

Maintenance and ownership history is more important than miles

[@mikesilva2593]

Just purchased my 4th gen at 100k. 1 owner. Inside extremely mint. First diesel. Already started replacing fluids, suspension, and steering components. Your videos helped me out a lot brotha 🙏🏾. Just wish you made more 😂

[@JustDiesels]

I’m going to get back on the one a week train!

[@mikesilva2593]

@@JustDiesels I’ll be watching brother !

[@Josephhutton93]

Well stated. I have owned an absolute gem 2001 cummins 6 speed with 26k original miles and now I have a 2001 cummins with 297k. While the first 2001 was obviously much nicer and just a conversation peice. It still needed a complete front end rebuild with moog parts twice before I sold it at 75k miles in 2019. Maintenance is key

[@michaeljanuary6901]

Okay honestly, what do you think that 26k gem will be worth, if you sit on it for another 10 years?

[@Josephhutton93]

@@michaeljanuary6901 I bought it with 26k miles in 2015 and sold it in 2019 with 75k miles. Not sure what your getting at

[@MechRider89]

your first mistake was using moog parts....moog its utter junk.

[@thegman4759]

@@Josephhutton93 you should've kept it man it's only going to be worth more and more as time passes but everyone has things that come up

[@fastinradfordable]

@@MechRider89 a truck that needs anything rebuilt twice in 75k Is junk

[@littleredridinghood5622]

I sold my 2001 loaded Laramie 24v cummins with 101 KM for $15,500 .. bought a 1998 loaded Laramie 12v cummins with 420 KM for $4800 .. I just LOVE the 12v

[@michaelbarrett1914]

I bought a '96 FSeries in October 2019 w 26,200 miles on it in a silent auction for 16k. I have been offered cash for it with the lowest cash offer @$40k. They began rolling in during the beginning of 2020 when Covid hit and have not stopped. The truck has a Quigley Conversion that cost 10k more than the truck w/ the emergency vehicle package. I knew it was exactly what my dream truck would be, but i had no idea i would be able to tic off every box i had. The truck works great for my bee business with the aluminum flat bed, the Dana 70's are amazing, i can haul and tow way more than i ever dreamed of, and i never have to worry about ekectronics going out because it doesnt have power windows or locks. The only down side is because with an aluminum flatbed during winter if i dont have a couple thousand lbs weight on the back it doesnt do to good off road during winter because the back end doesnt get enough traction. The other downside is it isnt the greatest over highway speeds having 5:13 gears. It seems to be best to keep it 65 and slower just for the RPM's of the motor...which are right around 2500. I would like to get the thing where i could drive it between 75 & 80 mph at about 1600 rpms. I dont know if thats possible with the E4OD 4 speed automatic thats in it. I may need to find another 6 speed manual transmission or install an Allison in it. At any rate, with no more miles on it than it has, im fairly certain that my 4 yr old grandson will be driving it. Im looking for a vegtable oil to diesel fuel system to become a psrt of my business to ensure there is always a fuel system for it.

[@samj7442]

I’ve got a 24v from a 1 owner and just got to 350k and it’s still holding up great !

[@jaspergross6866]

The only way I will buy one with that many miles is for the motor only. Yes the motor will last 600k but nothing else on the truck will. Buy a low mileage gasser and do motor swap. My current truck I have less than 3k into it. Bought a school bus with a 12v and an Allison trans for 1700 and a gasser donor truck for 500. A few hundred for conversion parts and I was good to go.

[@thegman4759]

Ball joints from a gasser to a diesel is way different

[@freq4323]

I bought a 1994 Ram 3500 as a donor for $2,000. 665000 miles. The engine had no blow by. 5 speed transmission shift did good. Frame is Rusted off behind the spring shackles and all around the fender Wells and Rockers were completely rusted out and gone. For whatever reason the heater did not work. A few of the leaf springs in the rear were cracked but I could still haul a pretty good load with it. I ended up driving that truck for another nine months before I disassembled it and it was a very reliable

[@michaellarrick8881]

Awesome video bro. Honestly I never really thought about how high mileage trucks may actually be better to buy. Good point of view.

[@jmpnjessie]

I bought a Cummins diesel. Just told it basically needs to be rebuilt. So....here I go! I'm hoping your videos will guide me!

[@shaneross7428]

You have an extremely badass channel. Keep up the great work. I've had a 99 f350 7.3 with 385k miles on it before I sold it.

[@mansour3250]

Your videos are informative, well made and impartial as always. If I may suggest, I think they will be way better with no music.

[@JustDiesels]

The issue is that with no music you hear every little scuffle and shake and noise my clothes make. I promise it’s better with music haha

[@freqwenz9383]

Where I’m from, people still list their second gens for $20k+ with 300k miles. I love these trucks but god damn.

[@slimdog72]

Well said. My 1996 4x4 Cummins has 330,000km. The clutch was done before I bought it, but the 2nd gear synchro is gone.

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

I bought a lower mileage (130k) second gen with a banged up bed for a good price and a built trans threw a flatbed on it called it good and I use it and enjoy it tow with it. I feel like it’s a good balance of being kept clean and not being afraid to tow with it or work with it. My first gen is clean with 190k and I still do work with it. I have them to enjoy and use

[@gorehammer1]

I bought a 7.3 with 100k over 2 years ago. I have had to replace stuff that would probably still be fine on a truck with 400k just from being used regularly. I don’t regret my choice but I could have probably saved 8 grand and had just as good of a truck if I got one with higher miles

[@domusdebellum3042]

im on a strict limit. 12 valves or less. miles are generally not an issue.

[@CodyMechanix]

They’re less of an issue on 24 valves.

[@workingshlub8861]

dont let mileage scare you....if it was taken care of you can tell from the first startup ....good chance most of the known common problems have already been taken care of...

[@thatdragonhd3317]

My 2nd gen is sitting pretty at 45k miles and I just want to keep it as nice and stock as possible

[@eternalbeing3339]

Lucky

[@whateveryousaygroomer131]

Only got 315,000 miles on my 01. Front end hasnt been touched in 10 years and the track bar is just starting to get loose. Trucks seen air and has been on many sketchy backwoods recovery's. Or just drunk flooring it drifting, flying through mud trails and bogs, you know, standard weekend stuff. Trans locked up from heat (no tranny fluid driving down the road) still original trans. Previous owner had it p-pumped and twin turbod pushing 800 hp and 1500 tq. If Dodges were half as bad as what chevy and ford fanboys said, i wouldnt drive em.

[@blackisback74]

I have 978,000 miles on my 7.3 powerstroke and it still runs like a champ.

[@boomer1049]

What miles did you buy it at?

[@brad6779]

Bought a 2nd gen 24v Cummins with absolutely no rust with 285k miles. Paid $10,000 and it has a built transmission, bigger turbo and many other upgrades. I feel like I stole it from the previous owner at that price

[@2gd532]

Same here. Built trans, bigger turbo, injectors, head studs,edge juice tuner, fass fuel pump. About the same miles and price. Things an absolute blast. I definitely stole it 😂

[@tylermassey8735]

So being new to diesels. I guess it's safe to say most diesel truck owners are biased on what to drive. From what I've been researching, the older 12/24 Valve Cummins or the 7.3/6.0/6.7 is the go to? Granted I'm still learning but if I were to buy a used diesel, where would be a good place to start? Or what should you look at before buying?

[@pugetsoundsolosailingadven596]

As a diesel mechanic, I bought a higher mileage truck that was bone stock. Been driving it cross country for my business for years and it hasn't skipped a beat. Will work to get a million miles out of it. Anything low mileage I have seen has been tuned or modified (atleast in my area) and I have seen so much damage from the high-school boy mods where they want all the extra power, but don't do any of the proper upgrades for the extra power.

[@tylerm9528]

my 2000 has just shy of 210k miles. it shifts better than brand new. the trans is stock, only issue it ever had was torque converter locking up. switched out the TC for something next step up, changed fluid every 30k miles and its been nothing less than amazing.

[@DaJoost075]

Just bought a 2001 with 231k miles and was taken care of but unfortunately my lift pump and injection pump both went out so i slapped a air dog on it and put a new VP and drives like a dream. Bought the truck for 12k for perfect interior and paint with no rust

[@evanthatrashman8260]

Great video I just saw a 05 2500 4x4 550,000 mile single owner for $12k, thinking of getting it

[@drwombat]

Can you do a video on risks for purchasing a 94-02 ram 2500 with regards to parts availability and ability to get what you need to do repairs outside of consumables/serviceables?

[@barrettpruess2312]

Bought my 24v with 290k it has 350k now, drove it on a 26 hour trip never skipped a beat. 24 valves are some of the best value diesels imo

[@corylee8967]

Have 741k on my 2nd gen.. was resealed head to toe at 532k. 5speed.. street duel disk. 100hp IJ, Fass 165 lift/filter, methanol injection, and some intake mods.

[@squatchpnw2331]

I've been thinking about getting a high mileage second gen. Thank you for making this vid

[@JustDiesels]

Glad I could help

[@user-el4ii7zq6l]

I had a low mileage 98 4door 5 spd 3500 12v about five year ago! Still have it but have driven it a lot. Has compound turbos nitrous and supporting mods with about 50k miles on the build!

[@SALTYDATTO]

Awesome video! Appreciate your take on this.

[@payloadperformance9706]

Will you be putting on a bigger trans cooler on your Ram? I’m doing the biggest one the B&M has because I know heat is the Achilles heel for the trans in our trucks.

[@JustDiesels]

That definitely helps if you're seeing high trans temps! In my experience the biggest thing that causes that though is a stock trans. A built trans that puts down power effectively instead of turning it into heat goes a long way!

[@mvcg-cl4cr]

Trust me, buy a mishmoto! They mount in the same spot and my trans runs 20* cooler than stock. No bs. Im really glad i got one

[@payloadperformance9706]

@@mvcg-cl4cr i would but I already ordered the B&M 1.5” thick trans rad 😂 I’m going to do a video on that.

[@zfine1450]

@@JustDiesels Moving that catalytic converter away from the transmission helps with heat issues as well, especially in trucks that spend a lot of time in traffic.

[@matticus6339]

I agree with you on all this, to many get caught up on mileage but like you said its more an issue of maintenance with a daily driver and all. You could have a 60,000 mile engine that has never had an oil change vs 200,000 that has been taken care of and the 200,000 is the better buy. My 1999 24V 5-speed 4x4 is around 245,000 and still chuggin.

[@livingeveryday777]

Just about at 300k on my early 3rd gen and it’s driving better than it ever has, and it’s getting better mileage as well. 2nd owner

[@callsignmohas5190]

I got a second germ a year and a half ago with 174,000 miles on it. Phone stock very well taken care of and I paid $15,000. The truck now has 223,000 miles on it with an air dog lift pump sinister diesel intake horn 40 over injectors gauges a new throttle positioning sensor in the new front driveshaft. Even if the vehicle has decent miles on it and it has been taken care of. They are still over 20 year old trucks and things will go bad with time.

[@lyndonhamby7432]

You’re truck is a gem ☝️👍👍

[@rickshiandmoku4128]

Bought a 09 dually with 320k on it. Paid 9k for the truck. We have put 50 thousand miles on it and probably only put about 2 grand into it. A lot better than paying 30k for a 3rd gen with like 80k that's still gonna need work

[@silentoutlaw8241]

Awesome video man, I'm looking to buy a 2nd gen and this helped a lot. I knew I was going to have to get a high mileage truck because I cant afford to fork out 30k for my first vehicle and this made me feel much better because I was worried about having to do a bunch of work when I buy it

[@raunchymangos7468]

Go high mileage 7.3

[@JustDiesels]

I'd personally prefer a high mileage Cummins having owned both. The Cummins engines are simpler and in my experience easier to work on and less prone to issues. That said the 7.3 is still an incredible powertrain. You're basically comparing the two most reliable 90s diesels so you can't lose!

[@raunchymangos7468]

@@JustDiesels I'm bias to the obs fords. I've just been working with them since I was taught how to use a wrench. My first truck was 01 5.9 but there's just something about the 7.3 that I trust with towing! But, You're right both great engines and it comes down to personal experience and preference.

[@BuckInchuteranch1]

My 7.3 IDI runs “strong” as ever, I believe those rubber parts(bushings etc.) dry out and crack with less use.

[@Bad_Financial_Decisions]

My 99 2nd gen has 430k miles and I got no blow by which I’m stoked about but the transmission ehh can’t say the same lol but I plan to build a transmission soon.

[@MrMurph111]

I just bought an 01 quad cab, Laramie loaded 4x4 longbed with 120k miles…zero blow by for $5,000. Interior is mint with one minor crack in dash. Body wise has some rust in bed wheel well but that’s to be expected for Alaskan truck. I agree with maintenance and my reasoning is I can do the maintenance items/upgrades I want to do without losing too much money in the end. If I put 5k into it I feel the truck will be worth 10k easy, so I’m not burning money. Your truck is really nice but I’m sure you paid up for it too.

[@jakeb8557]

My most reliable never had an issue has been the high milage ones. My 97 has 511k and doesn't skip a beat. Hell the cleanest one I ever owned was a 97 1 owner reg cab that had 305k when I got it. And I just flew to STL and bought a 08 with 338k from a guy that put 200k on it. Then my 99 with 32k I got outta texas started leaking from everywhere and was a big headache from sitting for so long. Like you said it doesn't matter the mileage if it's not been maintained.

[@jacobpage7783]

Love your videos! You should do a used diesel buyers guide video

[@JustDiesels]

Working on it!

[@LimaTangoZulu]

I fly a rental airplane and operate a tractor that both have over 7-thousand hours. The airplane has had one engine and a few props in that time. The tractor has had a radiator. Both have had lots of fluid and filter changes, and anything that’s a gasket or made of rubber has been replaced. Overall both are mostly original. Maintenance is key, not mileage.

[@Florida_Living1]

Little late to the party but I just bought an 04 f250 6.0 with 248K for $2500 it needs a few little things but runs and drives really solidly. I feel like i got a really decent work truck for a steal.

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Glad you’re back brother 👍👍

[@hwork50]

I bought a 1998 12 valve with 210,000 miles. The problem was is that everything needed to be replaced other than the engine. I had to replace the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, vacuum pump, and on and on and on. I am happy with it now but it was a ton of work.

[@bossman2108]

Same. Ball joints, fuel pump, etc. Engine good.

[@akraix182]

This is typically my stance on a high mileage truck. The engine sure its reliable, the trans are usually whooped, ball joints, wheel bearings, steering, u joints, engine accessories, front and rear diffs, all have those same high miles. Body parts, pins, door seals, body mounts, rust, depending where you live. These parts all have a hard life under them. Today’s market where people are asking 10k plus for a 25 year old work truck is bogus to me. I’ve owned and restored a variety of diesel pickups.. yeah the higher mile trucks aren’t not worth it but not for their price tag these days. Just my opinion

[@warrenb8228]

I just bought a truck a year ago with almost a quarter million miles on it. But it’s almost 30 years old. To me that says it’s been consistently driven that entire time. It was a single owner truck and the man was elderly, interior was clean and the engine bay looked completely factory and well maintained. If the vehicle was that old and had half the miles, most people would assume it was a better buy, I say no. If it has multiple owners with less miles I would see that the truck was sitting for a long time, possibly years. Which means it had or has a mechanical problem that no one wants to spend the money to fix.

[@codyostertag8831]

@JustDiesels bro! can you make a video about the 4th gen cummins?? i’ve got a 2011 with 250k, got in brand new in high school and wanting to know your thoughts

[@davidtweedy8036]

After looking for five years, I finally found my first GEN Cummins diesel. 1989 and 1990 are the only years in this body style with the Cummins and very difficult to find. One of those very fortunate moments finding one 👏🤗 wasn’t cheap but way better than buying a brand new one and I don’t care about being the first one to the top of the hill👍 I am curious about the front end of your truck needing everything replaced with only 60,000 miles🤔

[@DeputyDeppe]

First gen Cummins goes to 93, does it not?

[@davidtweedy8036]

That it does👍but 89 and 90 are better looking and much more sought after, far more rare hence their values

[@zephead4835]

I'm so glad I came across your comment. I've got a chance to buy an 89 250 with 197 k miles,auto trans, four-wheel drive for $1000. It's owned by an older gentleman so this truck appears to be completely stock which means no one's ever monkeyed with it. Body panels are rusty, (that explains the ridiculously low price) but the frame, bed and cab floor are good. Like you I love that first gen body style available for only 2 years and yes they are rare. A-should I buy it? B- what problems should I expect to find and does this truck have the potential to put me in the poor house? The truck has no tags on it and no for sale sign on it it's been sitting for 2 years. I drive past this truck almost every day and I know no one has touched it in a while. I stopped by and had a conversation with the owner, who says he bought it new and has a lot of paperwork in the house he just has to find it. I have not heard the truck run but the owner says it ran good when he parked it. If I get this truck(fingers crossed!) it will be my first diesel, so it would be great if you could tell me some of the things you've learned about your truck. Now I'm just hoping he doesn't change his mind.

[@davidtweedy8036]

@Zep head the motor alone is worth 5 K so I wouldn’t hesitate in the least to buy it for $1000 wow. I would look for a donor truck to put the diesel drive train in but you have to know what you are doing or take the time to educate yourself 👍rusty trucks are no bueno! My motto has always been clean straight only!! Clean straight trucks with a rod knock I am good with. Knocking rods can be fixed. No matter what guys tell you, rust cannot be fixed! Where I live rust free trucks are very common but if you go to places like Salt Lake City or Detroit Michigan forget it, you cannot fix those vehicles! Poor house potential?? Yes but that truck is worth $1000 easy and if you are patient you can find a donor truck. Patience and education… If you don’t have the patience and or the money you would be better off flipping that truck in my opinion

[@zephead4835]

@@davidtweedy8036 Thanks for getting back with me. I appreciate your thoughts. I'll let you know what happens.

[@travisgallatin5201]

Awesome video, Andrew. I’m impressed with that shop truck!

[@JustDiesels]

Not bad for 387k miles with a 53 block! Granted it has a new dash, re-done seats, etc etc. It's gotten a lot of love over the years!

[@LoneWolf-kw3ol]

Ive got a 98 laramie 318 (210k) and a 99 gov model manual 318 (97k) The 98 hauled concrete for 20 years, shes rough but she runs and drives without an issue and purrs like a kitten The 99 was a fish and game truck for 60-70k miles and an old man bought it at auction. Shes got a good 15 grand into her in new parts, and ive put another grand into it myself. When she runs she is an absolute BEAST. Problem is, i cant ever keep the damn thing running and as soon as i fix a problem a new one pops up. High miles can and usually will be better, just depends on the owner.

[@LoneWolf-kw3ol]

Biggest difference in mine is the 98 has a long crank, and when she decides to work the 99 will fire on the first crank most of the time, and always by the third crank.

[@andrewhixson2235]

Even if you get a automatic. you can just a a manual swap. On older trucks there pretty easy to do.

[@ryangarrett7281]

Yeah done it myself. Few lucky trips to salvage yard and presto. Mainly for clutch reservoir and pedal assembly.

[@mikestrucks]

Great video as usual Andrew👍🏻 I’m totally Agreed ! I had to replace a ton of stuff on my 3rd gen when I bought it with 19.000mls ! To be honest,I had to do less work on my 200.000km dually 😅 Keep going like this and keep them clean 👌🏻👍🏻

[@jonnyg44]

Look diligently, single owner lb7 103k $13.5k I found last year. Guys mom passed away and he need a write off for inheritance so he bought a new duramax

[@roboman3678]

As long as the higher mileage truck has service records, and reviews etc. And you are willing to or have the cash to pay to get major issues fixed if they crop up sure. They are diesels the engines are meant to run for a long time. A low mileage sub 100k truck with little service history. Or just the minor maintenance done. You are going to have to replace seals gaskets etc at some point. There is a better chance the one with 200k plus miles has had work done and seals replaced etc. The sub 100k mileage truck might have been maintained the same with seals gaskets etc. But you pay less on higher mileage you might have more maintenance overall. But weigh your options and then decide. I will buy higher mileage maintained and just be ready to replace seals etc as required. And then the transmission eventually.

[@weq7]

A lot of mechanics on KZbin say unless you do serious work, you should not get a diesel. Because the repairs when they do happen will be very expensive. What do you think?

[@JustDiesels]

I say that’s false. If you think about it, 90% Of the parts on a diesel truck are actually shared with gas trucks, with the exception of the fuel system. For example both have a transmission, both have an alternator, and both have failure points. The key advantage diesels have is being a low RPM engine. That means less stress and less wear over time, which is why you typically see diesels performing well even with extreme high mileage.

[@qomco]

But it really does depend on what type of motor it is...some diesel injectors are expensive...

[@ben3926]

What kind of rims/tires are you running on your 1999 truck? I can’t tell if there 35’s, or 33’s.

[@Dtyler171]

All vehicles are a ticking time bomb, nothing is gonna last forever. With that said, it's a mixture of maintenance and luck. My bet would be on the ultra high mileage as being better maintained, though.

[@J.R.in_WV]

As far as two trucks priced the same (in the “good deal” to “cheap” range an average guy will pay for a DD) you usually end up with two “options” overall : either very High miles, with no or very little rust or low to average miles with more rust. For me very high miles with zero rust is ALWAYS > Less mileage, rust issues. In most cases rot is what kills these trucks, not miles.

[@RockstargamesgtavI]

I have 600 k on my 2018 Cummins Limited megacab long bed dually still drives good and has 40 inch tries on it stock motor

[@skull2333]

Im thinking about selling my 99 Ram 2500 5 Speed with 220,000 miles. Front bumper needs a lil work and a few spots of paint need work. Got quoted about 500$ to fix that stuff. Other than that its amazing. Think $12,000-13,000 is a fair price?

[@Directcars950]

Think about this... A truck with low mileage does not mean that it’s reliable, it could have a ton of issues especially an older truck that shows me that it’s been sitting around But, a truck with high mileage shows me that it has been HEAVILY maintained in order to make it to that mileage

[@churro_g93]

Eeehh. Could go both ways.

[@automotiveandmore]

Are you going to make videos on the newer small diesels in half ton trucks like the LM2 Duramax? Videos are good but I feel most of us have newer diesels compared to older ones.

[@JustDiesels]

I’d need to get my hands on one!

[@automotiveandmore]

@@JustDiesels if you are ever in South Florida I'd partner up with you so you can review.

[@michaelheskett3119]

way, way back in the day the lotus f1 team would use 100,000km engine blocks from road cars because they figured if there was something wrong with the block, it would have failed already. id be willing to bet that the same would hold true for a high mileage cummins.

[@phendrix9476]

Especially if the Cummins is a 53 block. Haha

[@jaredchewning3478]

My 99 Cummins has 390k the only problem is has is it leakes some coolant on the passenger side front below the thermostat due to either a warped head or bad gasket. I’m assuming the gasket.

[@kuhndog-1196]

But would you say the same for a 3rd gen? I want pick up a 06/early 07. Obviously maintenance is king but as far as fuel system goes, that is what worries me.

[@JustDiesels]

Yeah although those trucks are very picky about injectors. Anything over 150k with no added fuel filtration is probably ready for a new set. It's also very common to see those trucks with cheap re-man injectors which is a no-go in my opinion!

[@kuhndog-1196]

@@JustDiesels that's the concern I have with them. Guess I'll need injector money lol

[@baker967]

I had a 01 with 149xxx miles on it and the auto trans went and the rings were shot. It was fleet maintained. It's always a gamble. I also had a '16 6 speed 2500 and i kept it such low mileage that I didn't want to drive it and that's kind of a shitty feeling to have a work truck kept as a garage ornament instead of using it

[@wreybinrios5098]

I bought a 2004 5.9 Cummins manual transmission 4x4 long bed with 155,000 miles for $8000 with a lill bit of rust

[@two_toned_rooster]

Imagine being able to buy a truck more than 5 years old and not getting a rusted out sh*tbox. This message was brought to you by Canada gang.

[@Patriotx-gx4ce]

Excellent channel.

[@nolanporcelli3238]

You gunna go bigggg brother!!!!

[@PewPewDoc]

You also need to talk about mileage with piston ring wear.

[@antn8387]

my first gen early 6.0 powerstroke is unstudded & SCT tuned at 284k original axles, motor and trans. it did have all the injectors, waterpump and a couple suspension bits replaced tho.

[@LILH6604]

What wheels are on the low mile truck? I love those

[@jongib6096]

Looking for a used late 4th GEN now! new to this so Im worried about buying high Miles to fit budget :/

[@Texas12valve]

285k on my 2g's odo. But its actually about 320k. Only problem is it's tcase has blown up twice. Neither was its fault though

[@surfstarcc1]

I still can't believe you have a second gen with that low of miles on it!

[@BlakeRobison-jh3ft]

Buy a desial for 10 grand put 10 into it never buy a new desail truck never ever

[@grahamnelson203]

I'm looking at a well maintained 2013 6.7 del Cummins. 450k miles, it was a professional rv hauler. Owner has full maintenance records. I'd like to get 10 year or 200k more miles towing my 5th wheel. Price is $14.5k. Thoughts/ opinions appreciated.

[@JustDiesels]

450k is a lot of miles for that price. I’d say find another truck that’s a little lower if you plan to get 200k out of it!

[@grahamnelson203]

@@JustDiesels I've heard of these trucks doing a million miles. Any way of telling if this one would?

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

As Just Diesels says maintenance is key. But so is abuse and or use. Someone mentioned hugh idle hours despite low mileage as something to look for and take into consideration. A hotshotter truck is often well maintained and has high amounts of interstate mileage which is good. Although some get grossly overloaded and overworked. Shop these but be careful. Conversation with and questions to the owner can be revealing or confidence inspiring. RV & boat transporters are often good finds as they are usually also fleet or well maintained per DOT & company requirements and should have good records. These trucks also generally have high amounts of interstate miles but are generally not overloaded like hot shot trucks can be. I transport Airstream & Forrest River travel trailers and Gladiator boats for the Mfgrs taking new units from the factories to their dealerships nationwide. 846,000 on my 2014 Ram Ecodiesel. I bought this truck for it’s incredible fuel economy prior to falling into this business. Fortunately despite the 1/2 ton platform it works well because the units I tow generally are not overloading the truck. As with any modern emissions diesel an aftermarket tune that shuts off EGR and often more is good for longevity and just as important minimizing repairs & downtime. Truck forums specific to the motor are often great resources to know what to look for best remedies shops prices etc.

[@grahamnelson203]

@@vernlochtefeld1626 thank you for the thorough reply. I ended up finding a beautiful 2000 f350 7.3 powerstroke. One owner vehicle with 200k original miles. This truck was her pride and joy. The interior shows it, it's like new. I'm loving it.

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

Great motor & truck. Well known motor with lots of upgrades available to make your experience with it even better. Have seen a couple of these with real high miles one over a million. Most are fazed out of the RV transport business now but still a viable platform to work with.

[@mattharding1313]

Any Cummins on the east coast with 300k is going for 9k and thats a steal.

[@roneldridge1783]

I do have a 1998 12valve. My buddy purchased at 130,000 I purchased at 160,000. Now I sit at 326,000. Although I have always put synthetic and maintained all to make a dependable daily driver it’s still shows some age. Paint it huge flaw on truck. Looking for a over all price range for a 1998 4x4 quad cab 2 door daily driver to this day. Any ideas where to start.

[@roneldridge1783]

I am thinking if selling and I know it’s rare only make handful in a half a year production

[@jakethomas1458]

What do y’all think of a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9 Cummins 6 speed with 324xxx on the odometer orginal motor and trans for $13500?

[@brettsharbono3022]

If you buy it from an old grandpa dude go for it no matter what. We all know what a grandpa truck looks like. Old guys love and maintain their shit usually keeping everything bone stock, that is all.

[@Stonks93]

My 6.0 got 220K miles fully stock runs like a dream. Just normal routine maintenance glow plugs coming next.

[@tarpontail2750]

The only one of the two that is a ticking time bomb is the 1999 it has a 53 block made in Brazil prone to crack

[@tylerarmstrong6332]

Great videos, impressive truck 👌🏽

[@mvcg-cl4cr]

A well maintained rig is alot easier to work on that a low mileage truck that sat and every external part is seized solid. Ball joints on my 3rd gen i bought with 70k, took me 3 days and alot of headaches.

[@dbag222]

Is that a local 12 sticker I see on the back window? Lol

[@garzadelagarza]

Nice video and good information, and that truck left me sighing.

[@Balakay9435]

Hell Yeah Brother