What would you do.....

bigjeepinyj · December 15, 2004

Well you all know that I have been debating and looking for a New (to me) Crew Cab for a while. Well needless to say I have been somewhat shocked at the diesel prices that I have been seeing at the dealerships and in the trader papers.

I have a considerable amount of cash wrapped up in my truck I have now....

The only reason that I am getting rid of the truck is because I would like to get some more room to haul people and junk.

There are a few options that I have been thinking about.

1. Purchase a used diesel... 2003 or better Crew Cab with somewhere below 45K miles on it. These are ranging anywhere from 29,000-37,000 + about 2000 in tax 15-20,000 out of pocket (Usually is on the 20,000 side)

2. Purchase a Brand New 2004 Crew Cab GAS 6.0 Loaded LS for about 29,500 out the door. Cost to me... About 13,000 out of pocket. Saves me on taxes going through dealer...

What would you do... I know you diesel people would will say GO DIESEL but money is a major option here.... Dont want to pay much for it... "I know what a rough posistion".

Scyry · December 15, 2004

The main things I would consider is the huge ding in value you would take buying a new vehicle, and the maintenance cost of the diesels.

bigjeepinyj · December 15, 2004

The main things I would consider is the huge ding in value you would take buying a new vehicle, and the maintenance cost of the diesels.

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I agree... My biggest beef with buying used is NO WARRANTY and a truck that still drops considerably.

I have found some 6.0 with 3.73 gears.... I think that is what I am going to go with..

Keep voting...

Truckman031 · December 16, 2004

Do you need a diesel? If not, then buy a gas. The diesels are extemely expensive if you aren't going to use them. Also, you get a warrenty and possibly an extended warrenty with buying new. Buying new also insures that no one has driven the truck hard before you buy it.

dewfpo · December 16, 2004

If you drive a lot of miles (per year), then a diesel may work better for you. If your not putting many miles on your truck then a gas truck would probably be more economical for you.

I just had to make that same decision. I was split down the middle until I ran the numbers. My wife was even open to me picking up a diesel! Go figure.

I won't be putting many miles per year on the truck, I live in a very quiet rural area in the mountains and sound travels very far. The premium price for the engine itself, the price of diesel fuel recently has gotten ridulous, diesel trucks are hard to come by, their still a little to noisy for where I live, and the exhaust smell................ all added up to me buying a gas truck. That's just what worked for me.

DEWFPO

ToeJam · December 16, 2004

I'll never buy used...I could care less about the value hit I take when I drive off the lot, I just don't trust anything that was driven by someone else. My truck had 60 miles on it when I purchased it and that was almost a deal breaker. Lot lizards beat the crap out of their vehicles and I could guess how the first 60 miles of my truck was spent.....then again it could have been a dealership swap.

I really want a diesel for my next truck, but it is hard to justify the price when I don't do a lot of towing. One thing I thought of the other day is the "once a week" stomp when I stand on the gas when getting on the freeway and don't let off until I hit 70+. I love the diesel sound, but there is just something amazing about a V8 screaming through the gears. Honestly, I'll probably end up with the 6.0 again with the Allison transmission in my next truck.

There is a third option to consider...shelve getting a new truck until next year and save some money to offset the cost of a diesel. Wait until September of next year and then go for a '05 when the '06s hit the lot. More cash in pocket and dealerships wanting to get rid of the '05s could work in your favor.

doverarjim · December 16, 2004

I just saw a 2003 CC duramax 6speed 4X4, with 12500 miles on it. It is on ebay and is located on the east coast. The reserve is not yet met and I think it is at about $21,000!! Thought you might like to here about it.

bigjeepinyj · December 16, 2004

Thanks for all the posts guys...

I dont drive but about 10 miles a day... So I dont drive very much at all.

I think that the gas is the way to go......

Any other suggestions.

I just saw a 2003 CC duramax 6speed 4X4, with 12500 miles on it. It is on ebay and is located on the east coast. The reserve is not yet met and I think it is at about $21,000!! Thought you might like to here about it.

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dannyukonxl · December 18, 2004

what do you tow that needs a diesel, the 6 liter is a great engine, with new oil every 3000 it should last forever, and i would never trust a car driven by someone else. also if you dont like the 373's then get 410's, my friends got a 1500hd with 35's that can haul ass up grades, its a beastly motor and doesnt go that bad with gas on the highway

whitesnake01 · December 18, 2004

what do you tow that needs a diesel, the 6 liter is a great engine, with new oil every 3000 it should last forever, and i would never trust a car driven by someone else. also if you dont like the 373's then get 410's, my friends got a 1500hd with 35's that can haul ass up grades, its a beastly motor and doesnt go that bad with gas on the highway

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Gas is good enough for the vast majority of applications. Only if you do alot of heavy towing will it be worthwhile to plunk down the extra money for a diesel. I have both. A 454 and a DMAX.

Bart2500HD · December 19, 2004

Go new. If for nothing else, the warranty. You'll take it in shorts either way and it looks like it is the best option dollar-wise for your situation. Last summer I was in need of a larger (used) truck to pull my 5ver RV and I thought about a diesel, but went gas because $$ was an issue. I got the 8.1L and I absolutely love it! In fact, now the wife is looking for a larger RV!

self services · December 20, 2004

You should be able to find a used truck easy enough. I have a 04 Duramax and I am thinking about trading for a 05 . E-mail me if you are interested 900 miles ,bought new . I try to trade often crew cab is nice and big.

Daubs · December 20, 2004

Some very good advice on this post. I'd voted for new gas and here is why:

0% financing is GREAT...take advantage of it
Warranty is a good thing
D-max is great engine, but if you don't haul or drive mega miles, it's not a good choice
That "new" truck smell

You might even consider getting the 8.1? Buddy has 6.0 CC 4x4 and gets 11-11.5 MPG city OR highway. Okay, he drive it like he stole it, and he doesn't care about MPG. I'm getting 9.5-10 around town with my 8.1/Allison CC 4x4 and get 12-14 Highway. And I haven't even purchased the Westers yet...hope to get better.

Think about it...

dewfpo · December 20, 2004

You should be able to find a used truck easy enough. I have a 04 Duramax and I am thinking about trading for a 05 . E-mail me if you are interested 900 miles ,bought new . I try to trade often crew cab is nice and big.

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Why are you selling a 1 yr old truck with 900 miles on it, or did I misread your note?

DEWFPO

self services · December 21, 2004

You should be able to find a used truck easy enough. I have a 04 Duramax and I am thinking about trading for a 05 . E-mail me if you are interested 900 miles ,bought new . I try to trade often crew cab is nice and big.

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Why are you selling a 1 yr old truck with 900 miles on it, or did I misread your note?

DEWFPO

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I try to trade every year and I like the new front end. Someone will get a nice deal and a nice truck. Never sold one straight out, the dealer is a friend of mine.