Help: Time for new (to me) truck

[RalphJ4]

I am a lifetime Chevy/GMC loyalist. My ‘03 Z71 ec/sb was just totaled and so now I must replace it. Although I loved my Z71, I really want a 2500 4x4 cc/sb for the added towing capacity and seating for my family of 5. I would perfectly ok with a 6.0L gasser, BUT WHO DOSENT WANT A DURAMAX?? Anyways, What I want is reliability and longevity versus high performance. I want to pay cash & stay under $20K in this purchase (Big Dave Ramsey fan). Also, I am a seasoned master technician for a luxury car brand. I’ve been doing research on the various generations of Duramax engines and understand each has their drawbacks. The overheating is concerning with the LLY, and the piston issue is scary with the LBZ. If I am not doing any performance mods, are the pistons a non issue??

What would you buy? and why???

 

[Bdsankey]

I am a lifetime Chevy/GMC loyalist. My ‘03 Z71 ec/sb was just totaled and so now I must replace it. Although I loved my Z71, I really want a 2500 4x4 cc/sb for the added towing capacity and seating for my family of 5. I would perfectly ok with a 6.0L gasser, BUT WHO DOSENT WANT A DURAMAX?? Anyways, What I want is reliability and longevity versus high performance. I want to pay cash & stay under $20K in this purchase (Big Dave Ramsey fan). Also, I am a seasoned master technician for a luxury car brand. I’ve been doing research on the various generations of Duramax engines and understand each has their drawbacks. The overheating is concerning with the LLY, and the piston issue is scary with the LBZ. If I am not doing any performance mods, are the pistons a non issue??

What would you buy? and why???

Some will disagree with me but this is my buying criteria as I am a horrible body man but have no problem with mechanical repairs. I'm partial to the 01-05 trucks as they are less costly. The only thing I would caution is an LLY (04.5-05) in regards to the turbo moutpiece. It would be recommended to change it out to the LBZ/LMM piece or go with an aftermarket unit as that is a major issue on them.

1) Exterior condition/rust
2) Engine/drivetrain health
3) Interior options/condition
4) Miles
5) Mods

 

[zakkb787]

Just like with all vehicles, each of these generations have different quirks. My personal favorite is the lb7. It’s simple. Parts are generally cheaper. However there’s the infamous injector issue. This seems to have been remedied by the new SAC style injector, but hasn’t been around long enough to be 100% proven. LLY is also a great platform. You get a VGT turbo, however a poorly designed mouthpiece. But that is easily changed out with an lbz one. You also get EGR with these trucks. When you get to an LBZ, you jump up to a 6 speed trans. Some will argue better mpg, but it’s much quieter at highway mph. Pistons are hit or miss. Much like broken cranks and headgaskets. They may never happen. They may happen on a bone stock truck. I would t let any of it scare you away. If you are a master tech, injectors would be easy for you. My advice, go drive all the different years of trucks and pick what you like best. You can’t go wrong with any of them. There aren’t any major dud years like with the ford 6.0 and 6.4. A LB7 and LLY will be found easier in your price range with lower miles and in better shape. LBZ trucks can get pricey fast.

But again, find some, drive them all, and see what feels best to you.

 

[TheBac]

Moved to Smoke Signals.


As Zak said, they all have their problems. Find a truck you like and buy it. But $20K isnt going to get you a perfect truck.

 

[kheims]

Moved to Smoke Signals.


As Zak said, they all have their problems. Find a truck you like and buy it. But $20K isnt going to get you a perfect truck.

20k should get u a 2008-2010 lmm with around 125,000 miles in good shape. But these days guys have lost their minds and the trucks are over priced in my opinion.

Trust me you can find a nice truck for around 20k.

 

[Jacy_dzlguy]

20k should get u a 2008-2010 lmm with around 125,000 miles in good shape. But these days guys have lost their minds and the trucks are over priced in my opinion.

Trust me you can find a nice truck for around 20k.

Not around here..

 

[kheims]

Just because ur in Florida doesn’t change math my friend. Those trucks brand new were in the 40’s unless fully loaded then it was 50ish. They lose value and almost 10 years later they should have lost more then 50% of value. Should be like 60-70%. aftermarket lifts tires don’t raise the value. The only thing in my mind that can raise the value a little is a rebuilt engine and trans(by a reputable shop). But just because it’s a diesel and now diesel has become cool And everybody wants one and doesn’t care how much they spend to get one they forget the math and just pay the payments

But not trying to start a fight here. I get it South trucks are “worth” more because no salt on the roads and stuff like up north and the the “better” weather.

 

[zakkb787]

I think he’s saying in a perfect world that’s what they should be worth but unfortunately it’s not. You’ll be hard pressed to find a clean low mile duramax for under 20k unfortunately. You might find one If you look. Of course, not sure where you live. Market varies by area for sure

 

[RalphJ4]

Really appreciate the input, I’m willing to spend the $$ for the right truck, but agree that everyone has lost their minds and truck values are way too high right now. I also realize there is no perfect truck (or car for that matter), they all have issues and that’s why dealer techs like me have jobs. I can fix ANYTHING but prefer not to be working on my own stuff after spending all day fixing others. Just trying to understand what I’m looking at. I will be buying a Duramax regardless, I’d love a Cummins, but would have to deal either the Dodge around it, and the Fords, well I’ll just stop at the grill.

 

[Bdsankey]

Just because ur in Florida doesn’t change math my friend. Those trucks brand new were in the 40’s unless fully loaded then it was 50ish. They lose value and almost 10 years later they should have lost more then 50% of value. Should be like 60-70%. aftermarket lifts tires don’t raise the value. The only thing in my mind that can raise the value a little is a rebuilt engine and trans(by a reputable shop). But just because it’s a diesel and now diesel has become cool And everybody wants one and doesn’t care how much they spend to get one they forget the math and just pay the payments

But not trying to start a fight here. I get it South trucks are “worth” more because no salt on the roads and stuff like up north and the the “better” weather.

A clean low mile LBZ or LMM bring close to 30k here in WI.

 

[kheims]

A clean low mile LBZ or LMM bring close to 30k here in WI.

I didn’t say they weren’t bringing in that kind of money. I’m saying they are over priced for what they are “actually worth” because people don’t care what they spend on them they will just pay the payment. Because it cool to have.

Plus if we were talking about any other type of car 125,000 miles is not low miles. It’s not high but it’s definitely not low. People have also forgotten that these trucks are 10+ years old. That’s rubber seals. Wiring. Bearings. Seats. Rear ends. Transfer cases. Sometimes shocks. Heck even the paint. If u tell me your paint is perfect with buffing you need to remember every time u compound or polish u are removing a clear coat every time. That’s how you get rid of scratches. I’m a part time detailer on the side. Everything on the truck is older it not just the engine u need to look at when buying these. I had an LMM and sold it for what it was worth in the market with 125,000 miles and compound turbos with a 4 inch lift. Didn’t even come close to 30 and I’m in Indiana. That was just a couple years ago. The value didn’t go up on these trucks


People are acting like these trucks were 70-80k brand new they were not. I had bought one in 2008 with 10,000 miles on it for around 30-35. U think I’m going to buy one with over 100,000 miles for 30. Your crazy. And I’m not afraid to say it when I walk in the dealership or on a private sell. Does that mean I won’t be able to get another one because of my thinking maybe. Or I will just find the guy that needs to sell his truck and actually has it valued right. We will see.

 

[Bdsankey]

I didn’t say they weren’t bringing in that kind of money. I’m saying they are over priced for what they are “actually worth” because people don’t care what they spend on them they will just pay the payment. Because it cool to have.

Plus if we were talking about any other type of car 125,000 miles is not low miles. It’s not high but it’s definitely not low. People have also forgotten that these trucks are 10+ years old. That’s rubber seals. Wiring. Bearings. Seats. Rear ends. Transfer cases. Sometimes shocks. Heck even the paint. If u tell me your paint is perfect with buffing you need to remember every time u compound or polish u are removing a clear coat every time. That’s how you get rid of scratches. I’m a part time detailer on the side. Everything on the truck is older it not just the engine u need to look at when buying these. I had an LMM and sold it for what it was worth in the market with 125,000 miles and compound turbos with a 4 inch lift. Didn’t even come close to 30 and I’m in Indiana. That was just a couple years ago. The value didn’t go up on these trucks


People are acting like these trucks were 70-80k brand new they were not. I had bought one in 2008 with 10,000 miles on it for around 30-35. U think I’m going to buy one with over 100,000 miles for 30. Your crazy. And I’m not afraid to say it when I walk in the dealership or on a private sell. Does that mean I won’t be able to get another one because of my thinking maybe. Or I will just find the guy that needs to sell his truck and actually has it valued right. We will see.

That's the joys of open market. While I agree they are overpriced, that is the market trend right now. I've been offered more money than I ever imagined for my 2002 loaded CCSB that is in perfect shape exterior wise (needs some love with the drivers seat) but I can't buy a replacement for a reasonable amount of money.


The market has been overpriced for the last couple years (some exceptions) and it seems to only be getting worse. With the fear of EPA crackdown the early trucks have definitely gone up in price on the open market.

 

[04chase]

I've been toying with the idea of selling mine for a cummins dual purpose work and personal truck. I paid a bunch for it. 35k in 15 for a 07 lbz lt3 cclb ,sunroof grey with charcoal. To me finding the perfect truck may be worth spending a bit more on.

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[Jacy_dzlguy]

Just because ur in Florida doesn’t change math my friend. Those trucks brand new were in the 40’s unless fully loaded then it was 50ish. They lose value and almost 10 years later they should have lost more then 50% of value. Should be like 60-70%. aftermarket lifts tires don’t raise the value. The only thing in my mind that can raise the value a little is a rebuilt engine and trans(by a reputable shop). But just because it’s a diesel and now diesel has become cool And everybody wants one and doesn’t care how much they spend to get one they forget the math and just pay the payments

But not trying to start a fight here. I get it South trucks are “worth” more because no salt on the roads and stuff like up north and the the “better” weather.

I never said they were worth that much. But that’s what they are going for. It’s just hard to find one reasonable priced. I would be driving a LBZ instead of my LML if they were..

 

[ikeG]

If you're wanting truck prices to come down, you will have to wait until the next recession. Then watch the value of your purchase increase even as you put more miles and wear/tear on the truck..

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[White Duramax]

I would try to find a clean LBZ truck, I think you will be happy with it. I wouldn't worry about cracking a piston in a relatively stock truck. I have had every one from LB7 to LML, while LML is my favorite the LBZ is next.