looking to buy a newer diesel truck

[Fast92RS]

Ok so Im looking to buy a Diesel powered Chevy Silverado or a GMC Sierra 2500 pick up. Im looking at two in particular a 2005 GMC crew cab pick up with 93k miles and a 2006 Chevy crew cab with 34k miles. The Chevy is about $4k more than the GMC.

I want to hear from you guys that have experience with the 6.6 Duramax. how reliable are they? What are the major issues with them? Both dealers say the trucks were well maintained. I have only test driven the 2005 and it runs and drives great. I looked it over and didn't see any problems with the truck. The 2006 I still have to drive.
The 2005 is more in my price range even though the 2006 is only 4k more. Should I be worried that the 2005 has 93k miles or should I just go the the 2006 with less miles.

I dont want anything newer than a 2006 becuase of price and other reasons.

[deadtrend1]

I think the 06 should have the 6 speed trans, and the 05 would have the 5 speed. Not sure, gotta look into that

[mc73nova]

My brother had an 05 2500 Silverado Ex Cab Long bed. It was a great truck and even with his style of driving, he beats the **** out of everything, it never had any problems. He regrets giving it back every time he has to move something! He got a Tahoe for the family, not a week goes by where he doesnt miss that thing. I personally drive an 02 2500 Silverado Ex Cab Reg Bed everyday lanscaping with 140,000 miles on it and other than replacing parts that get wear and tear on them it pull and rides likes new. I know its not the year you are looking at but thats all I know from personal experience. Good luck with your search.

[89firebird]

a buddy has an 05 2500 as well he couldnt be more happy with it.

[Tru2Chevy]

This month's Diesel Power Magazine has a used truck buyers guide in it. Here's what they have to say about the '05 and '06 D-max trucks:

Chevy/GMC '05 to '06

* Models: 2500HD, 3500
* Engine: 6.6L Duramax LLY ('05), or LBZ ('06) V-8 with Bosch common-rail injection
* Transmission: Allison 1000 (six-speed with LBZ engine) or ZF-6 six-speed manual
* Pros: Both '05 and '06 models were one-year-only trucks. The '05 LLY engines featured a larger variable-geometry turbocharger (which is thought to be superior to the LB7s), while the '06 LBZ engine featured a stronger short-block than previous years.
* Cons: The independent front suspension (IFS) is prone to failure during hard off-roading or boosted launches on the dragstrip. The LLY engines had overheating issues when towing hard, but other than that, these were very good model years for the Duramax engine.
* Performance Potential: If you're into Duramax performance, LBZ engines are thought to be the year to have. The '06 model (the last year before diesel particulate filters) featured stronger rods that could support up to 650 rwhp, without any extra emissions equipment. Both LLY and LBZ models feature the same plug-in power as the earlier LB7 trucks-they also need the same transmission upgrades.
* Price Range: $15,000 to $25,000 (depending on condition)
* Power Range: 300 hp (stock) to 1,100 hp (highly modified)
* What To Look For: A low-mileage '06 LBZ. While we wouldn't shy away from the '05 models, we'd still opt for an '06 if we could find one.

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/1011dp_diesel_truck_buyers_guide/1982_to_2000_chevy_gmc_pickups_and_suvs.html

- Justin

[Fast92RS]

Hey thanks for the info guys. I really racking my brain thinking about this. I want a diesel truck and I want to go back to a regular pick up. Dont get me wrong my avalanche is great and I dont want to regret getting rid of it so any info is much appreciated.

A freind of mine is going to look up all the TSB's on the 2005 and print them out for me.

[NJ Torque]

The prices of these things are so redic up here... I've been looking for a duramax 2500 pickup for the better part of a month now... all are overpriced/high milage. $25,000 for a 200k truck...

[V]

hell, i cant even get $3,000 for my 96 dodge ram 2500HD, and it only has 69k miles...

[Fast92RS]

Ok the 2005 with 93k miles Im looking at is $25k and the 2006 with 34k miles is just about $30k.

[1QWIKBIRD]

I don't know about the Duramax specifically, but I'd beware of any truck that someone had a programmer on, especially an auto equipped truck. Way to easy to turn up the wick, and overstress the transmission. I don't know if the dealer would spill that kind of info or if there is a way to tell if through scanning the PCM? Just be on the look out. Some guys use them responsibly, others use them to beat the snot out of the truck. From a price to mileage standpoint, I'd go with the 34K deal, not so much because of the motor. 34k or 93K to a well cared for diesel is nothing. Its everything else on the truck, tires/suspension/tranny/diff /interior etc. etc.

Ask the dealers for a service history. If they were dealer maintained, they should be able to do that. If they weren't dealer maintained, then ask how they substantiate their claim of being well maintained?

[Fast92RS]

I don't think a programmer is so bad but it I think its more of how it was driven with the programmer. The 2005 already has an aftermarket exhaust and I think it did have a few other things done to it but was now turned back to stock except for the exhaust. It may have been well maintained but I can't say if it was driven hard or not. So I think I will pass on the 2005. I dont want to trade my truck in for something that has double the miles and I dont want to end up with a basket case. I will keep searching and look at the 2006 I found.
Thanks guys.

[NJ Torque]

If you dont mind... please PM me with the info on the truck?

Thanks

[Fast92RS]

Here is a pic of the 2005. Its a nice looking truck.

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/565/421/images/2010/10/19/288/366/17756503780.288366629.IM1.03.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

Here is the 2006
http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/565/421/images/2010/10/15/287/570/17716855117.287570032.IM1.03.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

[NJ Torque]

Looking for a red or white crew cab... Thats the ticket there.

[Fast92RS]

I just went online and the price was raised on the 2006 from 29k to 31k. Go figure that 2005 may still be my option lol.