Im thinking of buying a 1994 6.5 turbo diesel pick up I dont know much about diesels so I was just curious if you guys could help me, it has 247000 miles and has had a newer transmision put in it and when I test drove it everything worked fine, runs good it has good power, but Im worried about the milege on it. How long do these deisels go before getting expensive to fix?? I just need some info on these type of pick ups, he is selling it to me for 4 thousand





thanks


Ben

How good are your mechanical skills and do you know with 100% certainty it's not been abused, lot of miles there. Go to one of the used vehicle guide sites Kelly Blue Book, Edmunds etc., plug in the vehicle details, yr, body, miles, options etc. to see what it is worth, also this from a dealer or private individual that makes a difference, also weed out sentimental value, that doesn't do a thing to get you down the road.


6.5s can be good but need proper care and feeding, repairs are expensive if you can't do a lot yourself. Spend a lot of time in this forum search all the way to back to last year, we have hit most of the problem areas at one time or anotherEdited by: Turbine Doc

Nearing 300,000 seems to be where all the work really begins. How long does a head gasket last? On the other hand, I've met 6.5 owners with 400,000 to 600,000 who swear they have done nothing to it except drive it everyday.

Hmmm for my first go around with a 6.5 it maybe best to find one with 100,000 miles or less. It would be nice to get to know the truck before stuff happens but with any used truck stuff can happen. Unless you like swapping truck often I would want something to hang on too for awhile. I have had mine 8 years in June. 164Kmiles. I think the 6.5 are good value for someone who doesn't need a real heavy tow rig. The 6.5 parts are mucho less than many PowerSmoke or Cumins Parts. PowerStroke injectors are about $185 ea times 8, I can just about rebuild a 6.5 for the cost of PS injector change. 6.5 injectors each 35-45.

IMHO, i think the higher miles is a sign of a good working motor!


Most guys that i know of had problems under 100,000 k.


I have 400,000 on one of my trucks which runs flawlessly!


It does however need an inj pump........which i feel is something common to replace on these motors.


Lift the oil fill cap while the motor is running and check for blowby.......if everything is good there is some good deals to be had on high mile trucks!