Which truck to buy??

[s2gots]

I've narrowed it down to 2 trucks I really like.
1996 dodge 3500 duallie extra cab auto 2wd cummmins diesel. 240k miles. Overall good condition, tailgate needs to be painted, and a/c doesn't work. 30k miles on rebuilt tranny and front end steering has been rebuilt. It will also need some brake work done. Asking $5500.00

1996 chevy silverado crew cab duallie 2wd auto with 150k miles. 6.5l diesel Drivetrain is all original. Overall condition similar to dodge, but no paint work needed. The a/c also dissent work. Asking $5500.00

There's equal pros and cons about both trucks- ones a cummins, the other a true crew cab. One has a crap load if miles, and the other not so much. Please give me tour opinion!!
Tia

 

[Leardriver]

Re: Which truck to buy??

The Cummins is a terrific engine, with a reputation for running a long time. The truck it's installed in isn't the highest quality, but in the age of vehicle you are looking in, condition is everything.

The Chevy 6.5 is a hated engine, and dealers won't usually even take one in on trade. They truly are in the "you can't give them away" category.

Are you truly down to a choice between only those two?

 

[s2gots]

Re: Which truck to buy??

They are the nicer ones that are with in my price range, yes!! Their on the high end of the range too...

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Which truck to buy??

I'm with Lear. Go with the Dodge. Has more miles true. But it also has a better reputation.

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Which truck to buy??

Do you need that much of a truck? What are you going to be hauling/towing?

 

[ehenry]

Re: Which truck to buy??

Dont buy a gm truck........the paint will come off and you're stuck with a truck that runs ok but looks like crap and the manufacturer wont stand behing their crappy factory paint job!

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Which truck to buy??

Diesel truck = DODGE/CUMMINS. PERIOD.

 

[s2gots]

Re: Which truck to buy??

Do you need that much of a truck? What are you going to be hauling/towing?

Yes, I need that much truck to tow my 3'x5
Trailer with a lawn chair strapped to it !!!
Lol seriously, yes I need it for my work, and planing to buy a 5th wheel camper in the future...

 

[sschefer]

Re: Which truck to buy??

I did a lot of looking around before I bought my 08 F350/6.4L diesel 4x4 Off Road with extended cab. I'm happy with it and the remaining warranty and extended warranty. So far the cabs been off once and while it was off they replaced 5 pages worth of things that are known to fail or were worn beyond spec's. It threw a check engine light last friday and the dealer just replaced all the EGT's, DPF and a host of other sensors. Both time there was zero charge and I was given free rental vehicles. Mines got 33,000 on it now, I bought it with 28,000 and yes it sounds like it's been in for a lot of work but the dealer is on my side and wants to get as much of the factory warranty work done before that warranty runs out in May next year. After that it goes on the Extended warranty and there is somewhat less coverage. So my point is that you can spend 5 or 6 grand on a piece of crap that may or may not get you to work everyday or you can put the money down on a much newer vehicle that you can let someone else pay to get the bugs out of it. Mine was 45,000.00 down the road and it's a 350hp/625ftlb torque beast of a truck. With the 8" lift and the ProComp 35's its up there a way's and a real head turner. Oh yeah, it pulls the boat like it wasn't even there.

 

[s2gots]

Re: Which truck to buy??

Not everyone can afford a $40-50k truck, let alone payments. Good for you....
I, on the other hand, can only afford so much.... These trucks are at my limit, and are the nicest ones close to me.
Someday I too may be able to buy such a nice truck... But until then, it's the bargain cl's!!!

 

[sschefer]

Re: Which truck to buy??

Not everyone can afford a $40-50k truck, let alone payments. Good for you....
I, on the other hand, can only afford so much.... These trucks are at my limit, and are the nicest ones close to me.
Someday I too may be able to buy such a nice truck... But until then, it's the bargain cl's!!!

I hear ya. I'm 58 and finally got the one I wanted. Try not to wait that long, they're tooooooo much fun!

 

[PS94]

Re: Which truck to buy??

I would say both your favorites are overpriced. They're 14 years old. Have a metric sh*t load of miles, and are getting old...If the truck is making you money, consider how much it will make you, plus what you're willing to spend on a toy hauler, and buy something a little more current. The Cummins is a great motor, but its like a candy bar. Toss the wrapper it comes in. the Detroit Diesel in the Chevy is a turd...and the fuel pumps are expensive. The Isuzu they put in now, is better, and the Ford Scorpion is amazing.. Contrary to popular belief, the 6.0L is a good motor. Ditch the EGR cooler as a first order of business.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Which truck to buy??

s2gots, based on what you say you need the truck for (hauling 5th wheel camper in future) the Dodge/Cummins is the obvious choice. You would be very unhappy with the performance of that GM 6.5l diesel. Especially if it's not a turbo. They are NOT in the same league as the Cummins or International engines of that time period, and never were intended to be.
Don't worry about the tailgate paint, you'll take it off and leave it off when you get the 5th wheel camper anyway!

 

[rbh]

Re: Which truck to buy??

+ 3 or 4??? on stay away from the 6.5 GM.
Like the cummins, but not dodge (tranny issues, front end issues ETC)
I like the older 7.3 turbo (after 93) internationals in the fords, besides the electronic injectors good engines very little elec problems in them.
ZR/zf??? trannies Taken out two hauling dirt/gravel (don't pop the clutch with two yards of gravel on :facepalm: )