I drive an 05 2500. We bought it new and it's got around 310,000 right now.
It's pulled a heavy gooseneck and farm equipment multiple times a week since day one. I don't think you can ask for a better all around truck. The engines got plenty of power at low rpm, as never had any issues until recently.
That said it developed a little bit of blow-by about 15k ago, and just had an injector put in last month. We had a Cummins mechanic give it a once over. He recommended laying off the 200 mile pulling trips, so now it's basically retired to lighter duty. Even though the engine, still has all the power. He said if the engine decides to go, it won't be worth the rebuild.
If the price is right I'd buy another in a heart beat. But if it's pretty pricey, and used hard, i would pass.
Mines a manual, so I can't comment on the automatic.
