'03 1500 5.3 @160k vs '08 2500 6.6 @220k, both $10k. Which way to go?

kleine_zwiebeln · August 2, 2020

I'm trying to decide between two used trucks for mostly weekend use and occasional daily driving (commute is 15 miles round trip). No towing planned. Less than 5,000 miles per year total driving. I live in the salt belt.

Candidate 1: 2003 Silverado 1500, DCSB, 5.3L 4x4. 160,000 miles, single owner, no accidents, CA truck aka zero rust. Very good service history on the Carfax.

Candidate 2: 2008 Sierra 2500, DCSB, 6.6L Duramax 4x4. 220,000 miles, single owner, no accidents, MI truck. Bed is starting to rust over the rear wheels. Extremely good service history on the Carfax, lots of parts replaced over time.

Both trucks are in the $10,000 range, which is my budget limit. I'm leaning toward the 1500 because it's rust free and probably a better fit for my needs. But the 2500 seems like a solid deal compared to other similar 2500 Duramax trucks, and the mileage doesn't scare me much after seeing the Carfax and based on what I've read about the LMM engine. I don't have a need for a 3/4 ton truck and certainly not such a strong engine, but I'm still interested in it for the deal, and because Duramax (kind of always wanted one). I'm concerned that the 2500 will be a lousy ride when unloaded or lightly loaded, which will be basically all the time for me. I'm also a little concerned about the higher running costs of the Duramax in general, but for how little miles I will put on it I'm not sure how big of an issue that is.

Not overly concerned about the generational differences from GMT800 to GMT900 ie. interiors, overall feature levels.

The 1500 is probably the logical choice, but the 2500 is tempting. What do you guys think?

CamGTP · August 3, 2020

A rust free 1500 all the way. I still think 10k is kinda high but I'm sure the guy is asking that because of it being a truck from CA it's whole life.

kleine_zwiebeln · August 3, 2020

12 minutes ago, CamGTP said:

A rust free 1500 all the way. I still think 10k is kinda high but I'm sure the guy is asking that because of it being a truck from CA it's whole life.

From what I could tell the truck was bought in CA, either sold or traded in, went to auction, then was bought by the current dealer in OH.

Similar age and mileage trucks are maybe $1000 cheaper but they're all viciously rusted underneath, and some through the bodywork. Clean trucks command a good price in OH, for good reason.

davester · August 3, 2020

Yeah, short trips, no towing, I would definitely recommend against the Duramax. They like being driven so they get hot, and can go through a full regen cycle, which your short trips won't let it complete.

KARNUT · August 3, 2020

I know several people that drive the 5.3 equipped 1/2 tons the have high mileage from the 2001 model up to the cylinder deactivation 5.3. I’m one of them. There’re very reliable and durable. That’s what I’d pick.

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