Need some advice on a newer quality used truck and engine?

I am thinking the price tag on these maybe out of reach for a first truck. We need to see what his bank says. Glider would be nice if he can get financing. Though a glider is priced like a new truck I would think? Looking at lower entry price. Starting to see if it is possible to run a 04 to 07 truck. And keep it from being a battle with repairs. Not much to choose from 2000 to 03. Looking though. Need some input on the 04 to 07's.

He did drive a 04 Pete with a cummins. He is not sure of the specific motor though. I would think a isx. It had 400k on it when he got it. He took it over 800 before he left. He heard it was still being used 2 years later. No engine issues during his time on that truck. Super reliable.

Is it possible it was a pre egr motor? On a 04 Pete.

Is there a way to run a truck from the egr era with proper maintenance and keep it on the road. If so what engine gives you the best chance at staying reiable? Were they all junk or was it just dumb luck getting a good one?

 

Is your truck a pre emissions egr or post?

 

Ok let's say we look at the egr era trucks. What parts( egr system) fail on the egr detroit s 60 and the cummins isx? Can these parts be replaced by yourself? Which engine cost less to fix? Can you tell when they are needing replacing before they fail? Or is it just X amount of miles and you better replace it?