Thinking of trading in the 8.1/alli for dmax

walkerkd · March 25, 2002

well guys ive had the 8.1 since jan 18 this year have put on 10k miles like the truck alot. but i think i may be going to the same truck with a dmax. not sure yet though but i have heard good things and have also heard that gm have worked out alot of the problems.. dont get me wrong i love my 8.1 but as you can see i put on the miles. im thinking that the dmax might be a better choice for me plus i may be hauling again here soon. so there will be alot more miles my old rig was a 2000 dodge cummins with 5 speed bought it new in oct 99 went 10 months and i put 73,000 miles on it when i traded it. so i will keep everyone posted.. oh my only reason is that i just dont think the 8.1 will with stand that type of work.. does anyone have any thing on that??? any .02 cents will help!!!! :lookaround:

Jpshostr · March 25, 2002

Yeah, I tend to agree with you that a diesel would be more suited towards your driving. You are about 40K a year it looks, shows that you aren't one that is driving two miles to work, parking it, then taking it home.

I'd say a diesel would pay, not cost, in your situation.

viperapex · March 25, 2002

I'd say you're on the right track. It sounds like you're one of the few people who would really use a diesel for what they're designed to do. Go long distances pulling heavy loads. The 496 can do this too, but the diesel just does that type of work better.

Just my .02.

Sean

Shaners · March 26, 2002

... shows that you aren't one that is driving two miles to work, parking it, then taking it home.

Hey Jp, I think I know that guy!!! LOL!!!

Actually, these suggestions sound right. For those kind of miles the Dmax would be my choice too...

gandolphxx · March 26, 2002

Yeah, I tend to agree with you that a diesel would be more suited towards your driving. You are about 40K a year it looks, shows that you aren't one that is driving two miles to work, parking it, then taking it home.

I'd say a diesel would pay, not cost, in your situation.

That hurts JP - think that this is one case where the Dmax could pay for itself and probably last longer - less trouble.

JEBar · March 26, 2002

Your consideration of a Duramax is sound, only down side is loss generally associated with trading in a vehicle which is only a few months old. Have had my Duramax for just under 3 months and have just under 11,000 miles on it. Runs as advertised. Empty mileage runs from 17+ to 19+ and when pulling a heavy trailer, at interstate speed, from 12+ to 13+. If you haven't done so already, suggest you look at "Saving $ on Allison spin-on filters" posting on Transmission/Engine forum. Will help cut the cost of servicing your truck.

CMNTMXR81 · March 26, 2002

It's a no brainer that over the long haul, diesels will almost always outlast their gasoline counterpart. However, Chevy Big Block V8's don't go belly up at 100k either. 454's are some of the most durable engines out their in terms of sheer durability and power.

If you plan on keeping the truck for 300,000 miles, go DMAX. If you're eventually gonna trade the current one in before you even hit the 100,000 mile mark, what do you have to gain by going the diesel route?

It's not as if the 8.1 can't handle towing a load either!

tmg115tmg115 · March 27, 2002

go with the dmax. you will not regret it.

walkerkd · March 27, 2002

yea ive been thinking about it alot. im going to loose a bit with the trade but im thinking it might be a good idea to go with the Dmax.. i just hope i dont get raped on the trade in.. i bought the truck with 5.9%apr and 500 under invoice. so maybe i can get into another one with not to many catches.. i have heard that the 8.1 went threw the same testing as the Dmax. and dont get me wrong the 8.1 is awesome.. im going to lookinto getting a dmax and will keep you guy posted.

CMNTMXR81 · March 27, 2002

Good luck. I don't know what your financing situation totally was other than the 5.9%, but my guess is if it's a large amount, you may take a bath.

If you didn't have 10k on it already you may have even been able to get the dealer to buy back and you take another truck from inventory.

walkerkd · March 27, 2002

well i the truck invoced at 32995 i got it for 32495 with 5.9% apr total finace was 5600 for 5 years. not that bad. i may call him and see what i can do about trading it off. not real sure becasue its been in the shop twice once for tranny and one because had a leak in the head at a plug.. they might not want it back.

CMNTMXR81 · March 27, 2002

Did you have a trade in at all. Otherwise Off you numbers, I'm computing 38,095 as your total financed amount. By my numbers, your finance charge is $5,107.57 which would bring your total financed amount to $37,602.57

You picked the truck up in January which means the first payment was in February and by now you've probably made the March payment. Using my computed numbers, that leaves a remaining balance of 31,558.62 that will have to paid off for you. If they are that generous to give you 31,558.62 for a trade I'd jump on it. Otherwise the difference between what they give you for the trade in on it (due to mileage) and what you still owe you'll have to come up with.

Then we can move onto the new truck.

Edited for correct verbage so as not to confuse.

bradyb · March 28, 2002

Now I don't want any threats coming my way, BUT Dodge is rolling out their new engines in the near future, maybe you should wait and see....?

walkerkd · March 28, 2002

I LOOKED AROUND AND IM GOING TO CALL MY DEALER TODAY I HOPE. TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT TRADING MY TRUCK FOR A DMAX.. yeA I HEAR THE new dodge is going to 305/555 with 6speed or auto.. sounds good. but dodge is bad about not wanting to fix thier trucks. warrenty work.. they told me once that i was using it not for the intentions it was made for.. i was hauling a 35' stock trailer with 10 cows in it when the broke.. why do you buy a truck like that for???

CMNTMXR81 · March 29, 2002

LOL!! Sometimes GM is just as bad. I remember a customer bringing in his Z28 that had a busted rear end. He had already gone to one dealer who claimed "he had been drag racing" which is what caused the rear end to grenade and as such, they wouldn't cover it under warranty.

His reply;

"Well, NO SH*T!!!! What the heck did you expect me to do with this car??? Drive it like an old lady?"