Best Diesel Deals on Craigslist: Denver

Our “Best Diesel Deals on Craigslist” nationwide search moves along through the western states, with a look at vehicles being sold in Denver, Colorado. If you’re new to this series, it started in March 2020 with a report on former President Bill Clinton’s 1994 Ford E-350, a van that served as a rolling communications center for the POTUS. Back then, we had no idea this study would be so popular, but now there are 21 stories in our database, with results from our search for diesels being privately sold via Craigslist from coast to coast.

It’s important to note that diesel-powered pickup trucks, while plentiful almost everywhere, are not the primary target of our searches. In an effort to have some fun with this project, we’re looking for uncommon, unique, or even quirky diesel vehicles, equipment, parts, etc. However, there certainly are instances where the late-model pickups we’re all familiar with receive proper credit.

Having traveled to Denver many times, for Diesel Power Challenge and to visit our partners at ATS Diesel Performance, we know the area is chock-full of Ford, GM, and Ram rigs, and we anticipated a big number before initiating our search using the lone search word: “Diesel.” The poll returned 340 diesel vehicles, most of them being pickups, but, interestingly, there were several “short-bus” conversions and vans set up for camping and overlanding, too.

As always, we want to know details if you follow up on one of these examples. Be sure to let us know about good diesel deals that you come across on Craigslist, too. Send info and a link to: [email protected].

Don’t be fooled by the exterior. This 96,000-mile rig isn’t your average everyday airport shuttle. Powered by a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine, the bus is fabulously converted into a tiny house that is supported by 620-watt solar-charged electrical system (LiFeP04 deep-cycle batteries). There’s an impressive rundown of amenities—too much to list, as the saying goes—and because it apparently must be sold quickly, the price is reduced to $50,000. Diesel and solar power working together. Who’da thunk it?

Add this little four-wheel-drive rig to the list of vehicles that weren’t on our radar. It’s actually a diesel-powered van version of Mitsubishi’s Montero. It features a 4M40 intercooled turbodiesel I-4 engine and a four-wheel-drive system that features a shiftable transfer case and 4Lo range. This van has the optional high roof and captain’s chairs that completely fold down and make a bed. It’s a neat, small-scale overlander for $18,500.

A classic 5.9L Cummins 12-valve powers this OG. According to the seller, the first-gen pickup has plenty of power despite its 326,000 miles, but the automatic transmission needs an electric-overdrive relay. Although it needs work, we think this truck is worth considering at $7,000, and the seller also notes that trades may be possible.

It only makes sense that we include a Chevy Colorado in our collection of Denver-area diesels for sale. This modified rig is priced at $30,000 and includes all of the 2.8L Duramax engine’s original parts (needed for passing smog inspection). It’s lifted and rides on 37-inch tires. Not bad

A very desirable second-gen rig with a 5.9L 24-valve Cummins engine, four-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. The seller says there are 258,000 miles on this garage-kept pickup’s odometer, but it “drives straight and true.” The fuel system is upgraded, and there are a lot of additional mechanical improvements, too. The asking price is $18,000.