People always ask us, “Which diesel should I buy?” While the correct answer to that question always depends on the person asking it, there’s no doubt some diesel vehicles are better than others. For almost every year, make, and model there’s a golden version in which the manufacturer did almost everything right—and we’re here to tell you which diesels those are. For example, if you’re looking to buy a used Ford, look at the ’08 models with the 6.4L Power Stroke rather than the ’07 Super Dutys with the 6.0L engine. The ’08 Power Stroke had more power, less warranty issues, and included a beefed-up 5R110 transmission to handle the power. As you’ll read in this article, there are also certain Dodge and GM trucks that are better than others.
Our 10 best used diesel list includes a wide range of makes, and we’ve even thrown in some vehicles that get great fuel economy. So if we were in the market for a new vehicle, here are the 10 best used diesels we’d look for.
Corvette Killer: 750hp street truck
2006 to 2007 Chevy and GMC 2500 and 3500
Although GM has produced its heavy-duty diesel trucks for more than 10 years, as far as we’re concerned, the ’06 to ’07 Silverado and Sierra LBZ-engine-code Duramax-equipped models are the ones to buy. Early LB7-engine-code Duramax trucks (’01 to ’04 model year) had injector issues, and LLY-engine-code Duramax trucks (built for ’04½ and ’05) had cooling issues while towing. The ’06 to ’07 LBZ-engine-code models had all the cooling and injector problems ironed out, but without all the emissions devices that were found on the ’071/2-and-later LMM- and LML-engine-code trucks. With the right parts, these Duramax vehicles can make more than 500 rwhp with simple bolt-ons.
2003 to 2004½ Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500
Common-rail injection ushered in a new era of technological advancement for the famed inline-six Cummins engines that have been offered in Dodge pickups since the ’89 model. The new powerplants burn cleaner and make more power—yet they are still the simplest of the modern diesels. Unfortunately, the change to ultra-low sulfur fuel combined with increased injection pressures has led to reduced injector life in new diesels. When ’05-and-later 5.9L Cummins engines have malfunctioning injectors, they can cause melted pistons, which can ultimately lead to a full engine rebuild. But the earlier common-rail Dodges (’03 to ’04½) seem to give the driver much more of a warning (in the form of a bunch of white smoke exiting the tailpipe) before they pop any pistons. Over-the-road haulers will want to look for cast-iron, NV5600 six-speed-equipped dualies from this era for their next tow rig.
Most Durable Daily Driver: Ford Super Duty
1999½ to 2000 Ford Super Duty
Ford began offering the International-built 7.3L Power Stroke midway through the ’94 model year, but the late ’99 and ’00 trucks offer the best foundation for making horsepower. The first version of the Power Stroke was non-intercooled (’94½ to ’97), and the early ’99 engines came with the older-style high-pressure oil pumps. Buyers should note that California-spec ’97 trucks got split-shot injectors, and all ’97-and-later engines got a beefier block. By the time the ’01 to ’03 Super Dutys came out, International had begun equipping some of its 7.3L engines with the ill-fated powdered-metal connecting rods.
The late ’99 to ’00 model year is the jewel of 7.3L Power Stroke engines, due to having the proven, forged-steel connecting rods and 17 degree high-pressure oil pump (vs. 15 degree on ’94½ to early ’99 models) and being equipped with an intercooler from the factory. These forged-rod engines have proven they can handle more than 500 rwhp, be quite fuel efficient, and last forever.
Most Reliable: The Cummins 12-valve
1996 to 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500
The second-generation Dodges with the 5.9L P7100 pump 12-valve engines may just go down as the most reliable diesel trucks in history. It’s not uncommon for these pickups to make it more than 500,000 miles on the factory engine, and in most cases the truck rusts away and falls apart before the driveline does. Want power? These rigs are also some of the easiest to modify, with 400 rwhp available with just some bolt-ons, all the way up to 2,000 hp if the cash is there.
The best years to look for are the ’96 to ’98 models, which have updated transmissions and driveline parts, along with injection pumps that have more potential. If you’re looking for the small-block ’69 Camaro of diesels, it’s right here.