which year tuck to buy

[SDobert]

I've been dreaming about a cummins since the early 90's and now I'm getting serious about it. My problem is which one should I go for. What years are considered the best. I want a extended Cab long box , is the 6 speed better, will carry a light camper in the summer and want the better fuel economy and power of a desiel. Should I go for a third generation? Any advise is welcome. Stephen in Alaska

 

[bballsam]

Stephen, if you don't want a new one, I've got a 99 QC, LWB for sale!! See
classifieds. I'm in Garden Grove, Ca.
Sam

 

[DPelletier]

It depends what you want to spend. If you want the best, get a new '04. 5 600 6-speed. An '03 or '04 HO 6spd is the same truck with slightly less power 305/555 compared to 325/600, but the general feeling is that the 305/555 trucks get slightly better mileage (2 mpg?). If you want a 2nd gen truck, my personal favourite is the '01. 5 or '02 ETH DEE ( HO, 6spd). These trucks had rear disk brakes, and the 6 speed is THE transmission to have.

If you're looking older yet, the '98 12valve 5spd is desireable (and rare), then the '97 - '96 12v 5spd and so on.



Good luck

Dave

 

[DEickhoff]

Stephen,



Welcome to TDR. I am sure you won't be disappointed in this website or the people on it. Everyone is eager to help and very knowledgable. Where in Alaska are you located? I am in Kodiak.



Again Welcome!!!!



Dawna

 

[dpuckett]

If money were not the issue it is, I'd go for a 96-98 12v 5 speed. The 913 pump has one of the most aggressive pump cam profiles of any P7100s out there. Plus, mechanical controls are a BIG plus in my book. and coming from a 1st Gen that has seen better days, even the relatively archaic 94-97 body and interior are an update for me. I'd be real happy with a tach. Try to get a deal you can live with, and dont worry too much about high mileage (200K+), at least not the engine. The rest of the truck depends on how it was cared for and maintained.



Daniel

 

[Duluth Diesel]

For me, if I was buying a used truck, I would try like hell to find a 1998 (not 1998. 5) quad cab. Newer dash, 12 valve engine, rear cab doors. If you're looking at a used 24 valve, go 2001 or 2002, they seem to have less problems.