MRE now has ~600K miles since summer 2004 on the combined operation of a 2005 (~80K miles), 2001 (~100K miles), 2002 (~150K miles), 2004 Kodiak (~110K miles), and two 2006 Duramaxes (~160K) .
Highest single truck mileage attained was on the 2002 K3500 - purchased with 130K and sold with 280K. By operating the trucks mainly inside their warranty periods before trading, we have minimized high dollar out-of-pocket repairs to:
'Wearable' parts we have replaced:
- 2006 K3500 smoked one Allison torque converter, taking the transmission with it in the process ($3000 total cost of parts/labor)
- 2002 K2500 grenaded one transfer case ($1800 total cost of parts/labor)
- 2001 K2500 blew a head gasket, was sold with problem disclosed, at a discounted price of ~$2000.
... we have received 4 sets of 'free' injectors under GM warranty, valued at over $15K.
- 12 sets (of 4) Michelin tires;
- 3 pairs of Delco replacement batteries, 1 pair of Optima red tops;
- 5 sets (of 4) replacement shocks;
- 5 brake jobs;
- >60 oil changes;
- >40 transmission drain and fills with spin-on filter
- 2 rear pinion seals
- 2 axle bearing seals (C4500 Eaton rear)
- 3 front wheel bearings
- 1 starter
- 1 water pump