Big Time Newbie Needs Your Expertise

[MontanaRN]

Hi,
I am a Montana girl and looking to get a better truck to haul my horses. Been doing some research on trucks and came down to a Duramax with an Allison Trans. I want a solid, tough, strong, dependable truck. (Got to have 4WD)
I don't have the big bucks so the newer models are out. I discovered your forum today. Very impressed. Some of my research seems to indicate that the 03-04 Silverado and Sierra in the 4WD are not as good as the 2002. I am concerned about buying high mileage which I probably will need to do since my budget is about $25,000. The fuel economy seems to be better in the older model though.

I would really appreciate any advice that anyone has to offer.

[Mark Rinker]

Welcome aboard! You have come to the right place.

$25K will buy you alot of truck. A few years ago, that wasn't the case - but enough used Duramax trucks are on the used market now, that it is a buyer's market.

2001 models should be ruled out at this point. There were some first year issues that you can avoid. (If you find a low mile, great $$$ deal on an '01 there is nothing major enough to pass on it, but for the sake of narrowing the field...)

For a 25K budget, 2002-2003 LB7s with <100K miles should be heavily considered, IMO. You will get better towing milege, better inital price, and the fuel injectors are warrantied to 200K miles.

Try to find a truck that was used to tow occasionally/recreationally, not commercially. Some old geezer with a camper-hauler and all the service history isn't that hard to find. If it has huge rims, mudders, 8" Peterbuilt exhaust stacks and an 'EAT MY BLACK SMOKE' bumper sticker... well ... you might wanna keep looking.

Use the VIN of the truck, and call your local service manager to get the truck's GM service history. I have seen trucks with no history at 60K miles, and trucks with 3 pages. Gives you a good idea what you are in for.

Good luck!

[MontanaRN]

Thanks a lot Mark. What is IMO?

Linda
1) Wanna be!

[Mark Rinker]

'In My Opinion'.

Are you looking for a regular, extended, or crew cab? Short or long box? 2500 or 3500? What size/weight of trailer and how many horses?

[MontanaRN]

Looking for Ext or Crew, 2500 or 3500, long or short.

2 horse slant, heavy trailer, max weight for the trailer is 7000#.

[Mark Rinker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...em330153791741

[MontanaRN]

Thanks, Interesting

[cowboywildbill]

A 7,000 lb trailer won't even make any of the D/Max's break a sweat. You will be happy with it. We personaly like the 3500 duallys just for the added stability when towing.
If you find something you like, I would get a car fax on it. Good luck with your quest and welcome to the page.

[beeler]

If you can wait a couple months, my '02 will probably be for sale. It fits Mark's qualifications except it currently has 120k on the clock. And although I don't cosider myself a "old geezer" you might.

[Mark Rinker]

I am definately an 'old geezer' from the moment I wake up, until I shave and shower. At that point, the 'old geezer' is at bay until about 10PM, at which time I again look (and feel) like an 'old geezer'...until the next day...etc...etc...

Eventually, I think it becomes a 24x7 moniker...maybe in another decade or so...

[MontanaRN]

Hi Beeler,

Keep me in mind. I'm in no rush, just looking for the right match.

I like Gezzers. Besides "Geezer" is only a state of mind. I've known some from 19 to 90. Some of the best were 90.

Thanks for your help guys.

Linda