Can't Decide On What To Buy

[UncleBubbles]

Hello all, brand new member here, but I am on Chevy forum too. I can't make a decision on what truck to chase. One is a 2003 duramax with 300,000 kms on it and the other is a an 2004 6.0L gas job with 240,000 kms on it. The gasser has more fun stuff which it like, and i believe the 03 is bone stock. I originally started out looking for a diesel but the gasser has grown on me, and I like what has been done to it (touchscreen DVD, amp, two 10 inch subs under the rear seat, and a little lift). I don't know how well the diesels handle lots of kms (or miles), and I don't know what that 6.0L will do for mileage with a setup like that. I pull very little, nothing heavy or often. I am a poor high school kid (trying to stay under 10k), and I don't want to keep either truck too long, say 4-5 years. Which would you take?

 

Diesel - http://saskatchewan.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehic...QAdIdZ224772186

 

Gas - http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-c...AdIdZ236695655#

[BlackSilver]

If you don't pull or haul heavy, any "HD" would be a poor choice for a high-school student.

 

Look around for a nice 1500. They're less costly, haven't been used hard work, ride smoother and quieter, and run cheaper than an HD.

[cghbuilder86]

I wouldn't recommend a HD for you either. I personally would love a HD because I haul horses and hay occasionally. But your fuel and repairs are going to be a lot higher on a HD. But to answer the question I would get the diesel. It would get better fuel mileage. Plus a good diesel motor will go a long long time.

[Stevens03]

I wouldn't recommend a HD for you either. I personally would love a HD because I haul horses and hay occasionally. But your fuel and repairs are going to be a lot higher on a HD. But to answer the question I would get the diesel. It would get better fuel mileage. Plus a good diesel motor will go a long long time.

 

Agreed

[pwall]

As previousily mentioned, if you're not going to tow anything heavy, then go with the gas.

[UncleBubbles]

I guess I should add some more to this, it's not going to be a strictly highway truck, because I live on a farm out side of a small town, so it will do alot of offroading. My understanding is that the HDs would handle the bouncing and jostling better than a non HD or 1/2 ton. Correct me if im wrong. But I do have experience in an 00 chevy 1500, it was nice but the susp. was too soft.

[SWDoodle]

I guess I should add some more to this, it's not going to be a strictly highway truck, because I live on a farm out side of a small town, so it will do alot of offroading. My understanding is that the HDs would handle the bouncing and jostling better than a non HD or 1/2 ton. Correct me if im wrong. But I do have experience in an 00 chevy 1500, it was nice but the susp. was too soft.

 

 

Integrity/longevity wise the HD will last longer. It's more "heavy duty" and hence has heavier parts. As far as the ride it will be much harsher because of the stiff springs and heavier weight. If you will be doing more off-roading I think it makes more sense to get a gas. Lot's of idleing it's the best for a diesel, but since it's an 03 it isn't as big of concern as a newer one with all the emmisions crap on it. The new ones need to be driven pulling something often. If you're a young kid get the gas. If you have problems with a diesel it's major bucks. The LB7's (01-04) are prone to have injector issues. They are covered up to 200,000 miles from GM though. The 6.0 gas from that year primarily just have exhaust manifold bolt that can break and that's about it. Pretty tough little motors.

[06_GMC]

^^ X2 ^^

[UncleBubbles]

Allrighty, gasser it is, now to scrape up the cash. Somehow.

[06_GMC]

Allrighty, gasser it is, now to scrape up the cash. Somehow.

 

Mow ALOT of lawns?? You could always try the loan route with a co-signer???

[UncleBubbles]

Haha, funny you should say that... I worked at a golf course this summer. On the loan thing, nah I'd sooner wait a 5-6 months and save than be in debt on my first vehicle.

[mxdirtrider56]

Haha, funny you should say that... I worked at a golf course this summer. On the loan thing, nah I'd sooner wait a 5-6 months and save than be in debt on my first vehicle.

 

Smart choice. 5-6 months seems like a long time now but it will go by quick and you will be glad you own the truck free and clear. On another note, I agree with the rest of the guys. If you really aren't going to do any towing just go with the gasser. The diesels are sweet but unless you can really afford the extra expense up front and maintenance over the life of the vehicle, then it's best to go with the gas burner.

[GMhunter93]

$10k lol I would hardly consider that a low budget for a highschool kid, My dad has the 6.0l 2004 2500HD and he loves it, it gets 10-11 on average but it has lots of power and he hasnt had many issues with it. But a Duramx would last longer IMHO

[KMGZ400]

Allrighty, gasser it is, now to scrape up the cash. Somehow.

 

 

your better off finding an older way cheaper 2500 if you dont even have the money for this.

[UncleBubbles]

Calm down people. I'm not going to give you an exact figure but I'm right around the halfway mark, so it's not as unreasonable as it looks. My mind is pretty much set unless I stumble upon an insane deal on a dodge, but thats unlikely.