Hey guys, my oldest is looking for his first vehicle and we've ran across a 1999 GMC crew cab long bed 4x4 1 ton with a 6.5 diesel.
Truck appears to have a decent body and interior with 205,xxx miles.
I do not know much about the truck as we've only walked around it in the parking lot.
Thought Id run this by you guys before we make any phone calls.
I did not see any fresh oil/trans/water drops on the ground nor did I see anything wet on the bottom of the truck/frame.

Im not especially fond of a 1 ton as a first vehicle... kind of over-kill.
Seller is asking $5,000.00.

Anyone have any input on a truck like this?
Things to look for, things to watch for or other known issues?

Thanks all.

 

keep looking. 6.5 don't start good in the cold, wont get that good of fuel mileage, no power, The later 6.5's had a lot of electrical problems.

I still remember chevy dealers around here wouldn't even put them on their lot. If you wanted one you ordered.

 

x2!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I remember my 6.5 it was a 94. owned it for for all most a year. got to drive it 3 weeks out of that time. the rest of that time it was broke down. turned me off diesels for many years after that..

 

Nice...
Thanks guys.

The low power is actually a good thing for a first time driver!
But I don't want to spend all his (read my) cash constantly fixing it.

 

I drove a chevy diesel with about 80K miles on it. The suspension was down right scary. The first time I made a turn to an on-ramp, I thought we were going to crash.

 

I am reading the posts of all the HATERS and laughing because i own a 1999 gmc suburban with the 6.5 and have close to 300k on the clock- yes it is low on power and all i have done is 1 lift pump under warranty and a pmd relocation- it has been a really good truck and nobody made anything like it at the time i bought it- not any worse than any other diesel truck- we all know that the dodges are by no means perfect- have a diesel mechanic look at it and choose for yourself- what did you expect from the guys on a dodge site

 

lol...
Yes, I considered the audience.
No biggy, the truck has 205,xxxx on the clock, so someone got some mileage out it.

I had a GMC 6.2 diesel that had 405,xxxx on the clock... the truck gave out before the engine did, but I have no experience with a 6.5 that's been married to all the electronics.

This is a first vehicle for my son, so I'd like something where he doesn't constantly pour money into repair bills.
(read - come to Dad for money to pour into repair bills) .

 

I dont HATE the 6.5 just wouldn't recomend it to anyone. Some guys have had good luck with the 6.0 power stroke but that doesn't mean that the majority of owners have.

 

I think you have your answer, right there. With 205,000 miles, regardless of how good it is or isn't, you are going to put money into it- especially a diesel, because they are generally more expensive. It may go the distance for him, but it certainly won't do it for minimum cost.

 

good point hodge!!
at 205k any truck/car is ready for some major repairs- suspension/drivetrain etc and i would think that 1 ton parts are not cheap- why such a large truck for your son?
a 1/2 ton would be less costly to maintain and i wouldnt recomend a diesel at the price of fuel these days unless he really needs it-good luck

 

And considering the rollover rate for pickups in general, a sedan would be a better choice for a new driver. When the stats are controlled for vehicle type and driver age it's not a good picture. My joke since looking that over has been: "eh, nice Jeep for the step-daughter . . . . "

 

Quick answer: interior room.
While only 15 years old, he's 7'2" and 380lbs and still growing.
He was given a 1986 Chevy full size 1/2 ton in which he simply does not fit.
So, we need something with both leg and head room... and, he's a diesel fanatic. (Cant imagine from where he got that trait ).

Yes, cost of fuel is a concern... current prices are ridiculous.
Also, I dont mind initial repairs and expect to find those on an older truck.
I just want to avoid repeated repairs on the same components.

 

Heck, I'M 6 foot even and I don't fit in most pickups. Not comfortably at least. I had to move the seat tracks back on the 98 Dodge with the extended cab just so I could get some leg room. I had a 80-something Mack that I couldn't drive without opening the door to get my foot on or off the clutch pedal. I definitely feel his pain!

 

I understand what you are getting at, but a 1/2 ton cab and a 1 ton cab are the same. He would have more leg room in an extended cab, because he can possibly put the seat back farther, but that is the only difference.