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What would be considered high mileage for a diesel?

Kerrslight

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Kerrslight Enthusiast

Kerrslight

Posted
Posted

Looking to trade in my 14 Sierra to clear up some debt due to hard times in the Oil and Gas patch. That being said, one of my favorite body styles is the 06 Silverado. Never had a diesel before, but always wanted one. I drive about 30,000 highway miles/year so I could justify a diesel. My budget will be about $20-25k, so I'm testing the waters a bit to see what is out there. I see a good amount of trucks over the 200K mark, but don't know what to think about it. I've always had a gas truck so I'm used to that mileage, but don't really know what is considered "high mileage" for a diesel.

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

diyer2 Senior Enthusiast

diyer2

Posted
Posted

Picking an average for miles per year would be the simplest. 12k, 15k, 20k, per year x years old = miles. This is a tough decision IMO. The big question to me is how well was the maintenance? At 200k miles, trans, wheel bearings, rear axle bearings, u joints, etc.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 Senior Enthusiast

SouthernSilveradoGuy85

Posted
Posted

Diesels tend to last longer, but then you have to look at the rest of the truck. Diesels from what I've read and seen also tend to cost more to maintain. Personally I would only get a diesel if I needed one for heavy towing, but that's just me. Not trying to talk you out of it, it's your money, just making you aware if you didn't know.

Kerrslight Enthusiast

Kerrslight

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Picking an average for miles per year would be the simplest. 12k, 15k, 20k, per year x years old = miles. This is a tough decision IMO. The big question to me is how well was the maintenance? At 200k miles, trans, wheel bearings, rear axle bearings, u joints, etc.

 

I agree with you on that. If/when the time comes I will have my mechanic do a good looking into anything before I buy it. Ideally I'd like to get something under 150,000. That year model is a hard truck to come by though.

 

Diesels tend to last longer, but then you have to look at the rest of the truck. Diesels from what I've read and seen also tend to cost more to maintain. Personally I would only get a diesel if I needed one for heavy towing, but that's just me. Not trying to talk you out of it, it's your money, just making you aware if you didn't know.

 

Right, I understand. I do tow frequently. I don't necessarily NEED a diesel to tow the things I do, but I would be doing it with ease. I still haven't completely made up my mind on what route I'm going to go yet. Just trying to get some feedback for now and see where things go.

davester Senior Enthusiast

davester

Posted
Posted

Do you really want to step into a vehicle with significantly higher maintenance costs with "Looking to trade in my 14 Sierra to clear up some debt due to hard times in the Oil and Gas patch", particularly if you don't need to?

Kerrslight Enthusiast

Kerrslight

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Do you really want to step into a vehicle with significantly higher maintenance costs with "Looking to trade in my 14 Sierra to clear up some debt due to hard times in the Oil and Gas patch", particularly if you don't need to?

 

If I were to sell my truck today and pay off my note and potentially pay cash for something else, it would clear up my monthly payment. That being said, I'm not too worried about the maintenance cost as long as I can find something that is in relatively good shape. Currently the only maintenance I'm paying on my truck now is oil changes since it is still "new". I understand the maintenance is more expensive on a diesel, but without a monthly payment I should still be saving money. Sure, it all depends on the truck as well.

 

Like I said, I'm not in a rush to make the switch. I'm in the curiosity stage of the game. Just trying to see what is out there and get all the facts, should I make the switch.

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