Should I take a chance at this D16 ?

I know that D16 is a dangerous endeavor but while I was looking for a non DEF D13 or D12 with a 13 speed manual I came across a 2007 VNL780 D16 535HP 18 speed ultrashift no DEF with 617k ODO/ECM miles and 3.42 rears for sale close to my house at Arrow truck sales, seems overkill for my application (keeping it at or below 80k mixed terrain) but the price is very tempting, now I know the resale value of these is garbage and Arrow is your typical shady dealer but for 19k, if I can shave off a few thousands from the price and the truck holds up, I won't not worry about the resale value cuz I'll run the thing to the ground, (or maybe I'll be the one who gets run into the ground) but at 617k miles for a 2007 I suspect that this truck spent more time in the shop than out on the road.
BTW what would be the MPG with these specs pulling 76k across PA on I-80 for example?

 

My 2007 d16 averaged around 6 mpg running 48 states ...mine was a 780 with 13 speed and 3.42 gears .
When It ran right it ran great and pulled like a mule but it spent lots of time in the shop , at about 700k the head cracked between 2 valves and it was the end of the line it .

 

Back when the Volvo D16 come out they had all kinda of trouble with that engine. I don't know if they even make it anymore. I never drove one but remember hearing the stories about how hard it was to get parts for the engine when they first come out.

 

The problem with an used truck is when it breaks down with a major repair, you gotta make a choice, keep dumping money into it and rebuilding, or get rid of it.
For example each of my trucks was bought for under 15k, however after fixing everything, it becomes over 50k.
I am investing money in the pre egr simple trucks, but you will putting money into something that will always have problems.
I personally would never buy a D16 and also would never buy anything with ultrashift (auto shift with clutch is alright)

 

Just stay away from it usually they r endless $$$ pits

 

Don't do it. Find a D13

 

Yea the head on D16 costs both arms and legs and they're notorious for failure

 

Absolutely right, I'm also leaning towards pre EGR engines, I found a clean '99 VNL610 with an N14 and might pull the trigger on this one if all goes well, would've preferred the D12 for its MPG but N14 is a solid engine, plus one more reason to stay out of the 55 mph land.
and that D16 is definitely a trap, btw it's a three pedal ultrashift but still an auto only adds up many things that can go wrong.

 

I'm steering clear, it's cheap for many reasons

 

yeah a D12 or a D13 that had the bull gear and the injectors done.