Possible Brand New 2500hd 8.1 Purchase

MAC88 · January 7, 2009

I found an 07 leftover Brand new 2500hd with the 8.1. My diesel ( not GMC) is getting close to 200k and I started looking at being an all GM house again. I found this truck but was curious if I would be upset with the performance/MPG coming from a diesel. After doing some research I figure the costs will be similar just spread out differently

Diesel avg mpg 14 miles driven yearly 40,000 fuel cost $2.50 ( arbitray # as prices go up and down) = $7142 add in oil(syn)/fuel filter changes @ $1000. for the year + diesel additive $300 & you get about $8500 in up keep costs not including any breakdowns of a 6 year old truck

8.1L Gas avg 10 mpg @ 40,000 = 4000 gals * $1.69 = $6760 oil(syn) change est. ($450-550)and the daily operating costs come in at a $7310

Thats $1200 less per year with 36k of bumper to bumper left on the new one.

SO I guess I really want to know is the 8.1L going to wow me or dissappoint mefor that $1200. Would a 08 6.0 with 6speed work? I haul hay and horses weekly but mostly just me for my business on a daily basis

any input would be helpful as I know Zero about these motors

thanks

Draenor · January 7, 2009

The 8.1 is a beast and can hold its own while towing, but at a cost. It gets very thirsty. Depending on what you are towing that 10mpg will drop 2-3 easy. The Duramax is a powerhouse but can get better mpg if you go easy on the gas pedal. My dad can get on avg 16-18mpg unloaded if he keeps his foot out of it and stays at or 5mph below the speed limits. IMO, I'd go diesel.

gave20 · January 7, 2009

I'd second the diesel, it's going to cost you more because finding a deal on one similar to the 8.1 is going to be tough. I'd go here diesel place it's a very good site to learn about the 8.1 vs. a d-max. My gut feeling is the big block will perform just like a diesel but it will suck gas BIG time and long term you'll get tired of hanging out at the gas station.

BuckFeverZ · January 7, 2009

I see you figured your gas cost at $1.69 per gallon. I don't know about your area, but gas has gone up about $0.15 here in the past few days while diesel has stayed the same. It's hard to predict the future but those savings could be negligible if gas keeps on creaping closer to diesel.

If you really need the towing power, I'd stick with diesel.

RonJ · January 7, 2009

The Diesel engine engine will last a lot longer tha the 8.1 IMHO.

MAC88 · January 7, 2009

Seems like my gut feeling was right, I do love my diesel but now seemed like the time to either go new diesel or gas. Seems like I will be looking for a dmax or maybe even a cummins for the right money.

davzog · January 8, 2009

I am assuming they would give you a he11 OF A DISCOUNT ON A NEW 2007....it is, of course, two years old. Then there is the cost of the diesel engine to consider...upwards of $5000?

I traded a Cummins for a Ford v10 and could not have been happier. Then I traded for a Chevy HD2500 but could not find an 8.1, so I got a 6.0 gas....big disappointment coming from the V10

Having had a diesel and not wanting another one, I wish I had the opportunity that you have....there would be no doubt for me that the 8.1 would be in my driveway....or another V10

evcomp · January 8, 2009

The 8.1 is a beast and can hold its own while towing, but at a cost. It gets very thirsty. Depending on what you are towing that 10mpg will drop 2-3 easy. The Duramax is a powerhouse but can get better mpg if you go easy on the gas pedal. My dad can get on avg 16-18mpg unloaded if he keeps his foot out of it and stays at or 5mph below the speed limits. IMO, I'd go diesel.

I have an 03 8.1 2500HD and tow upwards of 8K (TT) on a regular basis. Gas mileage is consistantly around 7-8 depending on the wind. Yours may be better with a horse/hay trailer, given less wind drag. I have been happy with the performance and tows great. The only reason for the sudden gas stops is the size of the tank is 34 gal. On the small size for this truck. If 42 or higher would be much better.

Burbman · January 9, 2009

If the truck has the 4.10 rear, the 8.1 gives you a lot of bang for your towing buck, not so much with the 3.73's. I would think that you could buy that truck reeaallyy cheap considering it's an 07. Last I looked the DMax was an 8K option, and that buys a lot of gas....

The 8.1 has a design life of 200K miles. I've got 101k on my '01 and it runs like new, tows our 8800 lb RV with no problems. I think diesel longevity is overrated, the engine may go 300K or more, but the rest of the truck will fall apart around it....

Now 7-8 mpg towing is realistic. I have a 38-gal tank in the Sub and even then we don't get far....RV vacations mean looking for gas when we hit 1/2 tank and stopping for gas at 1/4 tank, which means we're stopping every 3 hrs. Fill up in the am, stop for coffee and buy gas, stop for lunch and buy gas, stop in the afternoon and buy gas.

MAC88 · January 9, 2009

I am going to look at the the truck tomorrow They are talking $27,995 ( I laughed) but its easier to talk in person and negotiate. I have found a couple of diesels one, chevy one dodge both manual tranny's but they are used.