Marcus Reid

Diesel Technician & Senior Contributor

Marcus spent two decades in independent diesel shops before moving into writing, working mostly on Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax pickups along with the RVs and farm equipment that came through the same bays. At USA Diesel Finder he covers diagnostics, DPF and emissions systems, and the practical side of choosing a shop — what a fair estimate looks like, which symptoms can wait, and which ones can't. His goal is to give owners enough context to have a confident conversation with their mechanic.

Articles by Marcus Reid

Mechanic inspecting the engine bay of a high mileage diesel truck during a pre-purchase inspection
Buying & Ownership
7 min read

What to Look for in a High-Mileage Diesel Truck (2026 Guide)

Buying a high-mileage diesel truck? Learn what counts as high mileage, the weak points by platform (Power Stroke, Cummins, Duramax), a pre-purchase inspection checklist, and the total cost of ownership questions that actually matter before you sign.

Mechanic inspecting a high-mileage diesel engine bay to check how many miles the diesel engine has left
Buying & Ownership
7 min read

How Many Miles Will a Diesel Engine Really Last?

Wondering how many miles a diesel engine can really go? Most well-maintained diesels hit 300,000-500,000+ miles. See platform-by-platform numbers for Power Stroke, Cummins, and Duramax, plus what actually kills a diesel early.

Mechanic inspecting a diesel pickup engine bay to check known weak points by model year
Buying & Ownership
7 min read

Known Weak Points of Popular Diesel Engines by Model Year

Power Stroke, Cummins, and Duramax engines each carry known weak points tied to specific model years. This guide breaks down what fails, when, and what it costs — so you can shop smarter before you buy.

Mechanic using a used diesel truck inspection checklist while checking engine bay before purchase
Buying & Ownership
8 min read

Buying a Used Diesel Truck: A Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

A used diesel truck inspection checklist that covers cold starts, emissions systems, fluid condition, and platform-specific weak points for Power Stroke, Cummins, and Duramax — plus what a pre-purchase inspection costs and the red flags that mean walk away.

Mechanic comparing a gas engine bay and a diesel engine bay to explain gas vs diesel differences
Buying & Ownership
7 min read

Gas vs Diesel: Which Engine Is Right for You? (2026 Guide)

Gas vs diesel comes down to how you use the truck. Diesel wins on towing, torque, and long-haul fuel economy; gas wins on upfront cost and simpler maintenance. This guide breaks down total cost of ownership, platform weak points, and a pre-purchase checklist so you can pick the right engine.

Mechanic checking brakes and tires during a DOT truck inspection to estimate total inspection cost
Cost Guides
7 min read

DOT Truck Inspection Cost: What to Budget in 2026

DOT inspection costs range from free roadside checks to $100-$250 shop fees, but the real budget risk is repairs. See what a periodic inspection really costs and how to plan for it.

Fleet manager reviewing a fleet maintenance cost analysis spreadsheet beside parked diesel trucks
Cost Guides
7 min read

Fleet Maintenance Cost Analysis: Where the Money Really Goes

A fleet management cost analysis breaks total spend into parts, labor, downtime, and fuel-system costs so you can see where the budget actually leaks. This guide shows the real cost splits, a 2026 price table, and a framework for running your own analysis.

Mechanic reviewing a DOT annual inspection checklist under a semi truck to confirm inspection cost and compliance
Cost Guides
6 min read

What a DOT Annual Inspection Actually Costs in 2026

A DOT annual inspection costs between $100 and $300 for a single unit, but failed items can push the real bill much higher. This guide breaks down shop fees, repair costs, and what the inspection actually checks so you're not guessing at the counter.

Mechanic calculating diesel engine rebuild cost next to a disassembled heavy-duty truck engine block
Cost Guides
7 min read

Diesel Engine Rebuild vs Replacement: A Cost Breakdown

A diesel engine rebuild cost usually runs $8,000-$20,000, while replacement with a reman long block runs $15,000-$30,000+. This guide breaks down what drives the price gap, which option fits which failure, and how to avoid paying twice.