I want my first car to be a 3500 dually duramax allison (i would settle for a 6.5 as money is a very good motivator)
First, though, i need to get a clue.
so, heres a list of questions:

What is the max mileage limit that you wouuld buy on a truck? What is a tipoff for a bad car or lemon etc (not like CARFAX and crap, just visual signs)? Whats the price gonna be? Should i get cloth, or leather (when im 16 ill haul around my sisters who will be 16, 13, 8, and 3 or my parents and friends)?
ETC, ETC.:shake:

Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks to everyone

(oh, BTW, i live in Colorado and plan on exploring some serious mud so 4WD is a must)

Its not so much the mileage, more how it was maintained and used. Try to find a well cared for truck, once you start looking arond you'll see the difference. Most good trucks come with some type of maint. records if the owner cared. CARFAX is only good if damage went through an ins co, trucks get damaged and fixed all the time on the QT. Look for overspray on the frame, etc.. and around the trim for a poor masking job, if you see this it might mean a troubled past. Excessive corrosion or mildew in the cab, and under the dash may mean prior water damage, stay away from that electrical nightmare! Looking at fluid levels and condition is also a good idea. Good luck.

Check that the bed is aligned with the body, the tires, brakes, fluids, driveline, u-joints, alignment, wheels for no welds or excessive rust, frame for no welds or excessive rust, the lights, the maintenance records, for a smooth and straight ride, the physical wear and tear inside and out, and how smooth the motor runs, no cracks in the windows, the mirrors are in tact, no overspray or odd colored paint (where mentioned above) as well as in between the bed and the cab.

Just a few of my thoughts.

try to find a truck that was previously owned by an older person. from expierence i have found that for the most part a younger adult or teen hot rods more. i recently bought an 05 that a doctor had and only used it to tow a camper twice a year. look at overall apearance, dings or dents, rust, etc. maybe run a carfax just to make sure it hasnt been wrecked, check all the fluids over good, make sure 4wd works, make sure all the windows and electrics work. as far as getting a dually, i am not so sure they are as good in the mud just because they dont track as well. also they are wider and slightly heavier. gm makes a 3500 single rear wheel also, check into one.

hey dreamer, i was just like you at your age. im 21 now, and have this truck as my one and only. my advise to you, is dream, and dream big. i still want my dually, but i dont need it. my 3/4 ton is just fine for what i need it for. yeah, i plow, hit the mud holes, and want a gooseneck flatbed/dump. but, like i said, my truck suits me perfect. i just miss my ext cab from my dakota. i read through your garage, and by that, im thinking a 6.5 will be your best bet. but a D/A can be had for cheep. just look for all of the aforementioned(?) signs in a used truck. Good luck! and good choice for a first vehicle. it took me two to get to this one. first one was free, lasted me 6 months, then i got what i could afford. lasted me a year and a half. then i got this one. im working on year three now, and loving every minute of it!

Ken