New guy with newb question

[mcusey]

Hi. I am pretty new to the Cummins world. I have been looking at an 03 2500 quad/short box with a 5.9/auto and 4wd. The truck looks immaculate and runs and sounds great, the only thing scaring me is the 270K miles. Aside from the usual Dodge tranny issues, what should I be looking for as far as potential issues? Im sorry if this has been posted already, I searched but couldn't find anything. Thank you in advance for any assistance you are able to provide.
V/R,
Matt

[1998dsmtalon]

Injector failures
Rust
Loose front ends
Cab light leaks
Oil leakage
Smoke at start up or idle
How easy it is to start when cold
Maintenance history


I could list things all day. Try to find someone who knows diesels and knows dodges to look at it with you. If the seller is selling a good truck then they should have no issues answering any question you can come up with.

[mcusey]

Thank you very much. I'm gonna call around and find a guy to check it out for me. Its at a dealership so they shouldn't have an issue.
V/R,
Matt

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[papaduck]

The Maintenance history would be very important to have.

Check the engine for blowby. Remove the oil fill cap with the engine idleing and place it back on the hole upside down. If it blows off, not vibrate off, walk away because it will require major repairs.

[Deesil]

I would just try to find a younger truck

That's a lot of miles and maintenance isn't gonna tell you a LOT. Yeah the Cummins long block will run a LONG time, EVERYTHING else is no different from any other vehicle. Plus we got a 25K PSI injection system to deal with and fuel that is 60 cents higher a gallon. Don't buy a high mileage vehicle just because it's a diesel, you may regret that decision. Diesels are for towing, if you can't afford to work on or otherwise fix a vehicle that has that kind of mileage I'd be looking elsewhere, but that's just my opinion. Take it or leave it.