2002 2500HD 8.1l worth it?

[Huetatos]

A friend of mine offered to sell me his 2500 for 6k. Its an lt crew cab with what I think is the standard bed and 200k miles. Is it worth getting? I don't know much about the reliability of the engine.

 

Thanks

[Colossus]

If you really think about purchasing it, get a pre-purchase inspection done first.  Does it have the allison tranny?  If not, and if the original has not been rebuilt, expect that to go out relatively soon. 

[Huetatos]

29 minutes ago, Colossus said:

If you really think about purchasing it, get a pre-purchase inspection done first.  Does it have the allison tranny?  If not, and if the original has not been rebuilt, expect that to go out relatively soon. 

Its got the allison. I've looked it over and it seems solid.

[Swimmer8366]

I'll take it where is it?

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[Logan Lanfear]

1 hour ago, snowbrdd said:

Its got the allison. I've looked it over and it seems solid.

The problem is, people dont always change the fluid on the correct schedule so they tend to burn up.  

[dewfpo]

I've never heard that ^  about the Allison transmission.

 

DEWFPO

[Huetatos]

20 minutes ago, Logan Lanfear said:

The problem is, people dont always change the fluid on the correct schedule so they tend to burn up.  

Any idea on how to check for that?

[Logan Lanfear]

Other than service records, pull the trans dipstick out and smell the fluid.  If it smells "burnt" then shy away.  Its not a true test though because they could have changed it recently.  Its hard to tell without service records or at least some receipts.  

[4bycamper]

The 8.1 is a big thirsty powerful engine. You got 10000 lbs to tow?

My 2500hd, 6.0, tows 8000 lbs regularly.   It gets 12 mpg not towing.

You might not see double digits for gas mileage ever.

Just saying...

[Dixon700]

12 is the best I ever got out of my 6.0. it is capable of towing way more than the 10,800lbs it's rated for. I've seen the 8.1l doing some serious towing. 

[johnandchrisinmo]

I have the same truck . I guess I am lucky 11mpg around town if i drive sensible, 12 mpg on highway running 65-70 got 13 once driving level 2 lane at 55mph before the leveling kit and larger tires. I bought it in 2010 with 110,000 miles for $11,000  it now has 195,000 miles only mechanical probles was one front hub and the fuel pump.. I occasionlly pull a 14 ft dump trailer loaded to 12-13000 lbs with no problems other than muileage drops to about 7-8 mpg.  The mechaical part of this truck is not the concern, its the rust part that is problematic, brake lines,fuel lines, cab.,ab corners, fenders even hinges on tail gate.  Almost forgot to mention the exhaust manifold bolts that rust off also. I still  love the truck, its a beast that is fun to drive. dont expect to find much after market performance parts.

[Huetatos]

21 hours ago, johnandchrisinmo said:

I have the same truck . I guess I am lucky 11mpg around town if i drive sensible, 12 mpg on highway running 65-70 got 13 once driving level 2 lane at 55mph before the leveling kit and larger tires. I bought it in 2010 with 110,000 miles for $11,000  it now has 195,000 miles only mechanical probles was one front hub and the fuel pump.. I occasionlly pull a 14 ft dump trailer loaded to 12-13000 lbs with no problems other than muileage drops to about 7-8 mpg.  The mechaical part of this truck is not the concern, its the rust part that is problematic, brake lines,fuel lines, cab.,ab corners, fenders even hinges on tail gate.  Almost forgot to mention the exhaust manifold bolts that rust off also. I still  love the truck, its a beast that is fun to drive. dont expect to find much after market performance parts.

Don't have to worry about rust as its been in vegas its whole life. The fuel economy deters me. That kind of money I can just re axle my truck and get closeish to that towing capacity.

[Swimmer8366]

With a good tune the 6.0 is a monster and can get really good gas. Best I've got 55-60mph 18 city 15.

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[Nickel7]

I've got a 2004 2500HD with the 8.1L, and had it since it was brand new. It's an absolute beast for towing. Never had a single problem with it in the last 13 years, and it gets pounded on regularly. The fuel mileage is no worse than the 6.0s I've had (I've had a 2006 and a 2015 with the 6.0). When it comes to power, no 6.0 will touch it.