...'95 6.5 Turbo???

[trucktime]

...I am considering purchasing a "1995 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado Z71 Off Road 6.5L V8 Turbo Diesel Truck Club Cab Standard Bed 4x4." It has 145k miles and looks in real good condition. It would be a long distance purchase so I need to know somethings to be aware of and what I need to have in reserve for typical maintenance needs. Please advise.

...I am also considering a 1996 Toyota T-100 V6 with 144k miles; also in real good shape. I know this is a Chevy forum, but which would you recommend and why?

...Thanks.

[vegaman04]

first off, thats comparing oranges to apples, and this is a chevy forum, so you should know what you answer is. Second, once you drive a diesel you will never go back, so i say diesel.

[trucktime]

...Vegaman04

...thanks for replying; and I know this a Chevy forum; and I know the two trucks aren't the same, and that is why I'm asking.

...be more specific - is '96 a good year; is 144k miles good/ok; what would be a good price to pay? etc...

...and what about the price at the pump. I love the way diesels drive (owned an '87 MB turbo for nine years), but is it worth the extra $$ at the pump. Peace.

[99-2door]

Honestly if you are considering both of those trucks, then you don't need the diesel.

[vegaman04]

If your gonna tow, get the diesel, otherwise get a newer 1/2 ton that gets decent mileage if you need a truck. I've got a 96', the 97/ had some cooling upgrades but aren't really needed unless you tow a lot of weight. The miles are fine for a diesel. Look up the price on nada.com or kbb.com. Diesel here is 4.39 a gallon. Hell with Toyota, they are buying there POS trucks back because they have severe rust issues!!!!!!! all the way baby!

[Avec]

I purchased my 96 6.5 K2500 Sub a couple years ago when it had 178K on it and I knew nothing about the truck prior to purchase. Since then I have put approx 130K more on it and the only thing I have needed to do was tires, a water pump and an alternator and some smaller things. I have not touches the injectors or IP at all.

On the highway I have gotten as much as 19.5 mpg and the only modifications done has been to straight pipe it (no muffler / no cat). If you need to haul anything and that is why you want a truck, the 6.5 will return good mileage with the cheapest up front cost.

It has started after cold soaking for a weekend in -30*F without plug in, and with only 2 or 3 seconds of cranking. It runs all day and all night without problems. I just wish diesel were cheaper.