Hey guys im 17 and ive wanted one of these trucks bad since i was like 12 and i live in michigan im lookin for a regular cab 5 speed 1995 to 1997 12 valve with some upgrades already on it off craigslist most have around 260k miles . Im just kinda worried will this truck parts break or how expensive the maintenence is because im only 17 i dont have tons of money for stuff like that can someone help me out and give me some advice ?!

 

Welcome to the DTR Lukas. You're in the right place for info. I have a 3rd gen, but dad has a 96 12v 5sp he bought new. Totally trouble free dead nuts reliable truck. We live in Colorado so we don't have the rust issues you do up North. I'm sure the 1st gen guys will chime in soon and help you out. Good luck!

 

If you are able to do your own work, they are generally not too bad to keep up with. Autos will not like abuse without upgrades, but even without abuse they need maintenance, along with the rest of the truck.
If it looks like it was taken care of (matching tires, no Mickey mouse repairs, no duct tape) chances are it will last quite a while with regular maintenance.

Tab the kdp, change fluids and drive it!

 

I have 97 5 speed and it has been a supper truck. Just remember regular maintenance in more than a car. Oil change is 12qts and the oil is more $ tires are $200 each. But the miles you get for what you spend is very practical. Good luck I hope you get what you are looking for.

 

You might find the buyers guide a good source of info. Genosgarage.com look under tech, it's a free .pdf file.

 

I have a 90 D250 5 speed manual with 230K miles and before I bought it, it sat for more than a year without starting. It runs great, no major problems, just some things from it sitting around. A mouse built a nest in the clutch, so that needed replace, little bit of wiring was messed up, brakes were gone. But it is mechanically sound and running like a champ still, and I even abuse it more than I should. These are good pickups and if you come across any issues, these are incredibly easy to work on and parts dont seem to bad either. If you find one that someone wants to sell and has been sitting for a while, change the engine oil before you drive it, then buy it lol

 

I would stay away from any truck that has been heavily modified to produce more power. Such a truck will have seen hard abuse. Ideally try to find one driven by an old guy who took good care of it and didn't much modify the engine.