High Mileage

[dodgeking7131]

Hey everyone. Lookin to do some refinancing and debt reductoin. Lookin at some moderatly high mileage dmaxs I have 3 ram diesels in the family 2 of them with 200k on them and are decent enough. Im lookin in the 150k-200k mileage. any big problems to watch for? Or are they lasting pretty well? I just ask cause i notice all the trucks out there have the ileage im lookin for and was wondering why everyone was dumping the trucks

[More Power]

You'll be on your own for any repair work on a 2001-2003 LB7 past 200,000 miles. Injectors could be a concern, although reman injectors are available for a lot less than new ones would be at a GM dealer.

You might be able to acquire a third-party extended warranty, which would be recommended for those who are unwilling or unable to do their own maintenance on out of warranty diesel pickups (of all brands).

Jim

[Mark Rinker]

I'd say the Duramaxes are lasting as well or better than their Dodge counterparts. Have you asked the sellers why they are selling? I constantly shop used trucks for my business and find that many are trading up to the new '06 and '07 models.

If you do buy a high mile Duramax, here would be MY recommendations

1) Avoid the first year (2001) there is some data to suggest that they have a tendency to need head gaskets later in life. Also some programming improvements in later years.

2) DO buy an LB7 '02-'03 with 100K to 150K - you still have time to get the injectors warrantied by 200K - or better yet find a truck that has already had all 8 injectors done.

3) At the miles you desire, it should have a new water pump. If it doesn't, plan on it.

4) Check to see if xfer case rear half has been replaced. Early models knock a hole through the driver's side around 80-100K and if you catch it early can be fixed with the case half. If not, you replace the xfer case completely.

My .02 worth...