Looking for advice on first Duramax purchase

[Philkat5]

Ok, so I've been reading up here and trying to decide what I want to do, but I can't decide. I have a budget of $50k to spend on a new truck. I will be using it to tow a fifth wheel toy hauler that I haven't yet purchased.
I like the thought of getting a 2011 or 12 and having it tuned and built, but I know of no "good" Duramax performance shops around me (Spokane Wa).

I'd rather not be forced into buying a brand new truck, but the more I look for a nice used one the more I think about spending a bit more and getting new.

I'm not really interested in wrenching on my vehicles to be perfectly honest. I have no problem doing minor stuff and I keep to maintenance pretty strict on my gear. I have never owned a Duramax before, but I have owned two Cummins diesels (just sold my 2009). I installed a delete kit on my last truck and things went alright. I had a few issues and it turned me off to doing my own delete as I had no shop support.

So that's what I got going on. What would you guys do?

 

[wilrob]

Only shop I know in the Northwest region is ATP, but they are in Boise which is a decent haul from Spokane. A brand new truck (L5P) hasn't made much progress in the way of aftermarket performance upgrades, but stock they are a solid truck so...

 

[FSUwelder1212]

Buy an L5P, keep it stock, and be happy...

 

[TROJAN366]

If you are using it to tow a 5th wheel then spend the money on the newest lowest mile truck that you can find and leave it bone stock!

 

[Philkat5]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the search will continue for a low mile, late model used Duramax. I'm trying to be 50k or under , out the door. A brand new one would be sweet, but that price is steep.

 

[zakkb787]

only thing about the LML is the time bomb cp4. But the chassis is better (braking and such) me personally I would look for a low mile 06-07 LBZ and save some of the 50k for the toy hauler. Or even an LMM since you're familiar with deletes. Just my .02

 

[TROJAN366]

IMO the updated 11+ chassis and brakes are well worth the extra money if you plan on hauling heavy.

 

[zakkb787]

IMO the updated 11+ chassis and brakes are well worth the extra money if you plan on hauling heavy.

I thought of that. Really what he needs to look for is an LML that's already had the cp3 swap and maybe deleted.

 

[S Phinney]

Lml trucks are much better in comfort while towing. Braking and suspension upgrades over the previous versions are the difference maker there.


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[2004LB7]

for your budget,you can probably find a nice low milage LML and have plenty left over for your modifications.

you can probably find someone here (http://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48538) that will help you with your mods if you dont have any good shops near by

 

[2004LB7]

have you considered craigslist? there seems to be a decent selection here https://spokane.craigslist.org/sear...o_fuel_type=2&auto_bodytype=7&auto_bodytype=9

 

[Philkat5]

Great feedback everyone, again I appreciate it. I have been searching Craigslist locally but haven't found "The one". Selection is decent, but I want a crewcab, longbox and 60k miles or less. I know it's a lot to ask for my price range.

 

[Chevy1925]

Great feedback everyone, again I appreciate it. I have been searching Craigslist locally but haven't found "The one". Selection is decent, but I want a crewcab, longbox and 60k miles or less. I know it's a lot to ask for my price range.

na, you ought to be able to find a 15 LML for that much with less than 60k on it. maybe even a 16

 

[Philkat5]

na, you ought to be able to find a 15 LML for that much with less than 60k on it. maybe even a 16

Man, I would like to think so. A local dealer has a 2016 1 ton CCLB with low miles, but...... it's W/T trim and interior and I just can't do it for $48k they are asking. I'd like to think I could at least get an LT for that money.

 

[AZlml]

Just be patient and you'll find what you want for the right price. I spent 2 months looking for my truck and got an 11 LTZ with 75k miles for under 40k.

 

[2004LB7]

about two months and i found my truck in my sig for just under 30k.

like AZlml said, be patient but look often. that perfect truck for the right price will likely not sit long, you will need to jump on it. at least set up an appointment with the seller to go see it. if it is not the right one or there is something wrong with it, you don't have to buy it. but being the first one to meet the seller is your best chance at getting it