Okay, so I wanted an M1123 because:
- Upgraded steering components
- Upgraded suspension components - although the uparmored suspension REALLY sucks. It is way too rigid.
- CTIS capable.
- 6.5L optimizer which can be pulled from the Humvee and placed in my '82 Suburban, in theory with a side mounted turbo. This will happen when I put a center mount turbo engine in my M1123.
- 4 speed transmission. The Humvee is already geared low enough as it is, having an overdrive transmission was essential to me.
- Likely less abused than most of the other surplus trucks out there.
- No "off road use only" restrictions in any paperwork ever.
- It came bare, and allowed me to do whatever I wanted with it. This included upgrading to tinted windshields, better LED lighting, etc.
- I believe it has better brakes.
- 12k halfshafts which are much more rugged off-road.
- Higher towing capacity. Higher payload.
- More history. (I think trucks that were among the first to ever be armor plated will end up being historically sought after and more collectible. Just a hunch. In civvy hands, there are maybe 50 M1123s out there, and maybe 7000 M998s.
- Some LED lighting already installed.
- Newer electrical system, dual volt alternator.
- Deep water fording kit already installed (I think). Just add snorkel and tail pipe.
When I added it all up when I was looking to purchase, it was between a $17,500 M998 from 1986 that had 30,000 miles and a $22,000 M1123 from 2005 and 81* miles. It was a no brainer to me. But I use it like a typical pick-up truck.
Plus, when you go out to eat at obscure restaurants you've never been to before, people somehow know it and reserve the best parking spots for you. Just look for the American flags when parking:
Can you expound more on the emissions issue? I have not seen any chatter on that. I am not challenging you, but rather actually curious. I recently bought a 1999 M1123, but have not take delivery and run through the emissions. I will say in NY getting my 1995 to pass inspection was a joke - basically all older diesels pass here. Is the emissions cutoff you are referring to actually 2000, or was that a ballpark number you were using as a generalization?
It probably varies by state. The state might dictate that it meets federal regulations of the year of manufacture or something. You'd have to look up state law or your local law that dictates what emissions are required.