Help Me Make A Decision

hansol · May 4, 2020

Hi guys, new to the forum, and hoping you guys can help me pick a truck. I'm a total newb to GM's, so could use some direction.

Intent Of Use: I need a truck that can comfortably haul a wife/kid around, that also does general truck stuff (go to dump, haul some basic tools, occasionally haul a small flat deck.) Lastly, it needs to do long road trips reliably, as I do a lot of hunting/fishing throughout the year, and cover a bit of ground.

Here's my options right now:

Option 1: High mileage (215k miles) 2003 1500HD, 4-door, 6.0l. Legit lady-driven, mostly all highway miles. Leather interior is mint (driver's seat isn't even slightly ripped), and body is also pretty mint. There's a couple spots of minor rust just starting to show up, but that's about it.

Option 2: 2001 1500 with 150k miles, extended cab, 5.3l. Pretty well maintained, but the usual rust on the rocker panels. Cloth interior is in good shape.

With both rigs priced about the same, I think I would lean towards Option 1, but the high mileage is a concern. I come from a Ford background (that's actually why I'm here - sick of Fords that can't be fixed) so I've always been wary of a high mileage truck. But I keep reading that the 5.3/6.0's last a heck of a long time, so maybe mileage isn't anything to be too concerned about.

Anyway, any thoughts from the members here would be appreciated.

CamGTP · May 4, 2020

If fuel mileage is something you want, going with the 1500HD is not the truck for you. You will be lucky to pull off 10-12 in the city and 13-15 on the freeway.

The half ton truck and not blasting over the speed limit should return 13-15 city and 18-20 on the freeway. On long road trips you will spend way less on fuel compared to a heavy duty truck.

I wouldn't fear the ODO mileage, to me it's not that big of an issue. The condition of the truck is what I care about more.

Mike GMC · May 4, 2020

IF I were in your shoes, I'd buy the 6.0 HD. It has a stronger trans and rear axle. Everything on the early 2000's trucks is easy to fix. So either is a good choice from that standpoint. Both will likely need some repairs as well as regular maintenance in the next few years, but again it's easy. I don't much care about gas mileage on a truck, but you might. If the 6.0 is in better condition than the 5.3 truck, I o me it's a no brainer.

intheburbs · May 4, 2020

2500 is always better than 1500. Heavier-duty components, more durable. As long as you can confirm it wasn't abused and always towing big, heavy stuff, a 2500 will serve you well. I have a 2008 Suburban 2500 that just rolled 200k miles - it's all original and runs perfectly. My 1500 became quite a money pit once I rolled 150k.

belchfire · May 6, 2020

They're different trucks for different purposes; you have to decide which is better for your intended purpose. Personally, I'd go for the 1500 for fuel economy reasons. Unless you need the UUMPH of the HD, you'll appreciate the 1500 over the long haul.

Just curious ... What are the asking prices on these two trucks?