Q: 300,000 miles too much for a Cummins?

asked by on March 05, 2017

I read that Cummins engines last up to 400xxx miles and I'm looking at a 4x4 Dodge Cummins 2nd gen 24v for only $3500 but it has 286xxx miles... good idea or no? It Has a new tranny new transfer case, new starter altnator lift pump and valves have recently been set. It is getting rusty on the body but I don't have a lot of money. I'm only looking to daily drive it. Is it a good deal or will I regret it in a couple months...please only mechanics that know Diesel engines thank you.

Hello there. Any mechanic that knows diesel engines would tell you that without inspecting the vehicle onsite, it’s nearly impossible to give you an estimate on how long this engine would last. I’ve seen some Cummins diesel engines have difficulty after 100,000 miles and some last longer than 500,000. The key to determining this is reviewing the vehicle’s service and maintenance issues. Usually one of the most expensive repairs are with the turbo diesel fuel system. If the previous owner shows you receipts on routine service on this area; the engine should be fine for a while. The best advice we can offer is to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a pre purchase vehicle inspection.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How Long Does a Manual Car's Clutch Last?
A manual transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-manual-transmission-works) uses a clutch to connect the engine and transmission together each time you let out on the clutch to take off from a stop or change gears on your transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-drive-manual-by-cheryl-knight). Each time you change gears...
How do I lock the power windows?
The power windows can be locked so that children are unable to operate them. To lock the power windows, press the power window lock switch, which is located in front of the driver’s power window switches. Press this button a...
Engine noisy even after turning ignition off
Hello, It looks like you are experiencing two different issues here with your Mazda 3. First, the shaky steering wheel at higher speeds is due to the the vehicle's tires being out of balance. Taking your Mazda to the nearest...
Possible electrical problem
Describing the symptoms is very important when your car is not running like it normally does. Only you know what the car usually acts like. If the vehicle is: not starting, blowing fuses, having battery trouble, showing flickering lights, etc.,...
My air conditioner is not working , but my heater is , what can be the problem
Hello. Thank you for writing in. The A/C (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heating-ac-inspection) system and the heating system have relatively little to do with each other. They share a blower motor, and climate control switches. With the heater working we can assume that these...
heater doesnt blow hot until over 2500 rpm, and in cold weather temp gauge goes all the way to hot indicating overheating.
Hi there. In most cases when this issue occurs, it is due to an obstruction inside the heater core. The coolant system flows through the heater core to supply heat. Over time, the heater core will develop sludge and debris...
2003 Chavy Trailblazer wil not accelerate over 40 mph
Hi There, What you are describing sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter is...
2008 Ford fusion, stalls out while driving
Re-flashing the PCM, or replacing the PCM, is the very last step in a many pages long diagnostic routine for the throttle body. Were all steps in the Ford diagnostic specified for the throttle body actually performed? If not, the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Audi Q7
When When only the most exacting performance will do, but you want an SUV that delivers third row seating and is comfortable enough for family trips, the 2012 Audi Q7 should be on your list. Key Features While it is...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid
The The GMC Yukon is about as big and powerful as any SUV can ever get. However, in the past, that also meant paying a large sum every time you hit the pump. GMC has addressed this problem with their...
Windshield Laws in Ohio
If If you drive a vehicle on the roadways in Ohio, you already know about the numerous traffic laws you are required to follow for safety. In addition to those rules, Ohio also has regulations in place to ensure your...