Priced to Sell an 2004 or 2005

82ChevyScottsdale · June 14, 2004

I am going to buy a 2500HD Ext Dmax/Allsion Combo LT Trim before 2005. I decided to wait until after the 2005's come out to see what they look like and poke under the hood. I was wondering how much will the price of the new on the lot 2004's drop when the 2005's come out. Just as an example while the truckfest rebates were around the local dealer quoted me a price of around 34K. I would like to have everyone's opinion as I have come to respect everyone here. The only thing really making me think that the 2005 would be the way to go is the fact that by then the LLY engine will be in the second year of production, so the problems associated with them might be quietly addressed. I have never been a fan of new designs the first year out, but if there is a chance I can get my rig for under 30K, I might be willing to risk it. Thanks in advance.

Mack

Roofer · June 14, 2004

I would go for the '04 if the price is close to 34K. That would be a good price. It all depends on what the '05's look like too. Unless you totally don't need it, go for the crew cab. It has better resale. Also like I said before, you get a truck with close to 0 zero miles that is a model year old. Less miles per year.

whitesnake01 · June 14, 2004

I was wondering how much will the price of the new on the lot 2004's drop when the 2005's come out.

Not sure it is going to drop a whole lot more. What is more important is the price difference, which is more a function of how much less discount you get on an 05. Is the 05 worth the extra premium? It all depends on how long you are going to keep it. If you plan to trade in three years, an 05 is one model year after 04 and inherently carries a higher resale value. If you are going to keep for a long time, that does not matter.

Do not overlook that with the 05s, you can get "exactly" the options you want (of those available), except for 91U color and rear discs. With the 04, you'll get whatever they can locate, and there you may find that part of your savings are eaten up by paying for options you do not want. In addition, you might end up getting a color combo you would not have picked your self.

Buying an 04 in the short term may allow you to take advantage of lower interest than you might be able to get on the 05s because the rates are on an upward trend.

I am in the same exact boat myself. I am leaning towards waiting. I resent paying big dollars for options I do not want as well as getting a color I could care less about. If I buy new, it better be right. If I buy used, it am prepared to compromise, especially if the price is right.

Truckman031 · June 14, 2004

$34k is a great deal. If it is the truck you want then I would buy it. However, if you have to sacrafice alot to get this great deal, then hold off. New trucks are too expensive to not get what you want. By the time the 05's come out, most of the 04's will be gone. You might be able to find a few, but they will most likely be demos.

Bullfrog · June 20, 2004

I just bought an 04 Chevy 3500 DRW CC Dmax with LS package for less than 34K and found several in the same price range. I could have gotten 1 with Buckets and Bose, but I prefer the fold-down front console. They are selling out fast, so I would jump if you want to get the rebates, interest, etc. available now.

dogzapper · June 22, 2004

I'm a half-ton Z-71 type of guy. I have no use for a heavy-duty rig, simply because my lifestyle doesn't require it. Having said that, I do keep tabs on the local advertisements and what the local dealers are promoting. Here in Portland, Oregon, the dealers are currently DUMPING all of their trucks, Suburbans and Tahoes. Discounts on trucks are on the order of 10 to 11K, while Tahoes and Suburban discounts are a hard 11,500 off of MSRP.

From what I hear, the trim changes on the 2500HD are not going to be dramatic; slight grille change and such. GM is going back to drum brakes on the rear, which some will like, I guess. Personally, I really like disks all around.

You will not see prices on the 2005s that approach the current ones until late in teh model year.

If you like the 2004 truck (I do), I'd advise buying now. Certainly you will never buy your new truck for less.

Steve

Chevyfreek · June 22, 2004

The drum brakes are going to be on the 1/2 tons not the 3/4 and 1 tons from what I have heard. Who really knows how many 04's will be left on the lot by the time an 05' comes out. It is a chance you have to take if you want to see what the 05's are all about. They should be released online before the dealers get them so you should be able to see what they look like at least. I think I would wait and least see what the 05's look like with the new front end. Good luck with it...