Buying a Used Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck- What to look for

For the past few weeks I have been fixated on buying a used Dodge 2500 Diesel truck. After locating from California to a small town in the Southwest I finally feel the need to get a full size truck. When you look at mileage on mid and full size trucks the gas prices will scare the heck out of you. But, looking at buying a used diesel it seems to look a little better, but there are more things to consider. The cost to maintain a diesel is significantly higher when compared to a gasser, however the longevity of a diesel outweighs the gas engine.

So why do you want one or need one?

1. You have something heavy to haul or tow.
2. You just like the power
3. You love diesel and you consider yourself a diesel head
4. You want the consistency of the Cummins
5. You want a work truck that will put the rest to shame
6. You look down on Powerstroke and Duramax

Here is a list of positive points to consider when buying a Used Dodge Cummins Truck:

1. Listen to them sing: Nothing better than listening to the Cummins sing for diesel heads.
2. The Dodge Cummins will last forever if properly maintained
3. Tow anything, anywhere
4. Good MPG for the size of truck and towing capability
5. Manual transmissions on the Cummins seems to get better ratings than the Automatic
6. The cabs of many Dodge 2500 and 3500 are well detailed and comfortable
7. Mod to your heart desires- this includes going for stacks, suspension lifts, power, and mpg
8. It's as much a tool as it is a vehicle
9. It has a Cummins (did I say that already)
10. Power and then more power

Here are some of the negative points with the Dodge Cummins Truck

1. Diesel prices are higher than they have ever been, last check around here is $3.65 a gallon.
2. Dodge death wobble- the drivetrain outlasts the vehicle's running gear
3. Dodge made some flimsy parts- like the cracked dashes you find on many used 2500's
4. Expensive oil changes, filters, and servicing
5. Lift pumps are pricey and will have to be replaced at some point as well as injectors and other parts of a diesel engine
6. Price- used Dodge Cummins 2500 and 3500 models (with under 200K miles) can be $10-14K
7. Transmissions- to replace can be expensive (though most say the manual is better than the auto)

The best thing to do when looking to buy a used Dodge Cummins is to watch the local classifieds to find a one owner cummins with under a 200k on the clock. It does not really seem to matter which year it is, it all has to do with the history and overall mileage on the truck, which determines the value. I mostly try to find 2001-2004 2wd 2500's with under 200K on the odometer for around $10-12K, but they go fast and if a dealer gets a hold of it they will clean it up and try to sell it for around $13-15K.

Also try to find out what the truck was used for. Obviously a newer truck with a ton of miles is probably towing a 5th wheel or some sort of trailer. If it was a light trailer then the truck is safer to buy than one that was hauling really heavy loads. You won't really know this info unless you are dealing with the original owner.

All in all the Dodge Cummins is a truck that is highly valued by it's owners but can be abused by some all the same. I wouldn't go for any used trucks that have been heavily modified or used for off road use. I always look for a truck that has been handled respectfully not one with racing stripes of big suspension lifts- it doesn't mean those trucks are not well cared for but you can tell what kind of driver the owner was by the bumper stickers and that sort of thing.

Dodge Cummins trucks that show a lot of use will have torn seats, center console, and lots of dents in the bed and quarter panels. If you are searching for a farm truck these types of vehicles may work for you- though if the owner doesn't care for the interior, did they care for the engine and drivetrain.

Overall, in my opinion the Dodge Cummins truck is the very best full size truck that a man could buy, hope ya'll find a good one! And let me know your experience with buying a used Cummins in the comments below.