Advice on buying a 2005 Diesel Quad Cab4x4

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UnsatFC

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My father in law is looking into getting a 2005 Quad Cab 2500 4x4 diesel long bed. He will be coming up to NJ from FL soon to visit and might be driving this thing back. He asked if I could take a look at it for him however I don’t know much about the diesels. Does anyone have any advice on what to look for in these beast?
 
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BWL

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Really check the front end. Ball joints in particular as they tend to wear out fast. U-joints especially on the driveshaft. Front wheel bearings and seals are pretty common problems as well. The front end of those years don't really hold up well under the weight of the diesel.
 

SHOOT2KILL

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Raise your right hand and repeat after me....I solomely swear to NEVER buy or allow a family member to buy a 13 year old DIESEL pickup truck...AMEN
 

justin13703

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Raise your right hand and repeat after me....I solomely swear to NEVER buy or allow a family member to buy a 13 year old DIESEL pickup truck...AMEN

If new ones didn’t cost on the verge of six digits this post would make more sense.
 

nekkidhillbilly

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I bought an 05 for the reason I didn't want a 900 dollar a month car payment myself.
 

Redtruck-VA

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I would drive it to determine how it felt. Obvious look for leaks and oil consumption. If there is, take it into consideration with the price. If the mileage is over 200k I would start at a minimum of 5k under book. If manual trans 6k. If it has a tuner on it and a automatic 6-7k under book. Doing this won't necessarily make it a great deal, more that after repairs you will be even with book pricing and have a great truck.
 

Demon-HeMi

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I would drive it to determine how it felt. Obvious look for leaks and oil consumption. If there is, take it into consideration with the price. If the mileage is over 200k I would start at a minimum of 5k under book. If manual trans 6k. If it has a tuner on it and a automatic 6-7k under book. Doing this won't necessarily make it a great deal, more that after repairs you will be even with book pricing and have a great truck.

to me a manual trans makes it more desirable to have, ill never understand why people look at a manual trans like its a bad thing, if you tow then that sucker is awesome!
 

Redtruck-VA

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to me a manual trans makes it more desirable to have, ill never understand why people look at a manual trans like its a bad thing, if you tow then that sucker is awesome!
For towing the manual is indeed great to have except when you replace the clutch. Mine was about $1400 for the clutch and the install was $300 which was a real deal. Automatic is in general easier to drive and quicker but a mildly built trans and converter is around 6k or more.
 
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