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Old 03-23-2011, 01:51 AM   #1
ray fischer
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2003 F250 PSD 6.0 or 2003 Chev 2500 D/A

My son needs truck to tow light 5W F250 has 159,000 mi New turbo, tires, brakes, rotors, exhaust, new Pa state inspection Ext Cab 1 owner serviced since new at local ford dlr, can get for 14k or 2003 chev with 107,ooo mi, crew cab. Was used to tow a very heavy toy hauler, no service records, fair condition, asking 17k.. I have a cummings, not familiar with other two. Recommendations please. Both are long beds.
 
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Old 03-23-2011, 02:43 AM   #2
restez
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We have the 2003 Duramax, bought it new and now it has 60,000 miles. Has been a very good truck so far with the exception of having a bad injector last year on our trip across country. The early duramax's had a problem with injectors and it is not a cheap fix believe me! Other than that I love the truck, the milage, ride, ect. I have owned many Fords and Chevys but this is by far my favorite truck. JMHO
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Old 03-23-2011, 03:35 AM   #3
stiles watson
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Of the two, I would lean toward the Ford, not because I own a Ford, but because you have a reliable service record. If the record was on the Chevrolet, then that's the way I would go. It sounds like the Ford has been maintained and repaired when required. A conversation with the dealership service department manager about the Ford may be in order to get their opinion. If I were making the deal, I might offer a couple thousand less and see if I could get some price drop.
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Old 03-23-2011, 04:48 AM   #4
SlickWillie
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Either one can kill the wallet. Just because the Ford has been serviced does not mean it will not have the typical issues the 6.0 engines had. And they were expensive. My oldest son's in-laws dropped $5500 on their 04 Harley edition 6.0. And Ford had serviced it from the get go. Also, the Chevy could be a wallet buster too. IIRC the injectors are around $3500 to change out all 8. The warranty was extended on them, but this truck is out time wise I believe. Not to rain on your parade, but just so you know.

I'm not a Dodge fan, but seems the old Cummins 5.9 was the most dependable of the diesels back then. Not sure I wouldn't look for one of them. JMHO
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Old 03-23-2011, 05:29 AM   #5
helmick
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We have over 140,000 miles on our 2002 2500HD and love it. Any of them can cost you money if somthing goes wrong, Dodge transmissions cost a lot to replace. We have replaced the injectors and yes they were expensive. Our original brakes still look like new. Either way he is taking a gamble on an older truck. Best of luck with either truck.
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Old 03-24-2011, 02:52 AM   #6
akf15e
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I had the 03 GMC Duramax - great truck. Looks like he has kids? They would be much happier in the back of the Chevy crew cab if he takes long trips. The fold down seats in the crew cab were awesome for hauling groceries and other stuff you don't want exposed to the elements.

Not sure what the Ford gets mpg-wise, but I sure miss my GMC getting 22-23 highway and 17.5 around town. Never had an injector issue. Never had any major repairs of any sort.

However, the lack of maintenance records would bother me a bit - but he can always take it to a mechanic and have it looked at before he buys. The 3K price difference on the Ford could cover a lot of repairs if the Ford has maintenance required. How are the tires on the Chevy? For reference, I sold my 2003 last month for 19K - maint records available, new tires, airbags, bedliner, 98K miles. So it sounds like the price is in the right neighborhood.

Has he looked at GVWR and towing capacity for both? If I'm not mistaken the Chevy can haul a bit more, in case of future upgrades in 5er.

I don't think he'd go wrong with either, but I'd weigh all of the factors - mileage, tires, mpg, towing capacity, room in the cab, price difference, etc.

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Old 03-25-2011, 01:25 AM   #7
ray fischer
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I got to see and drive it today. Turns out it's a 2004 GMC 2500 HD TD, 4x4, SB with 109000 mi. Its in great shape, very smooth, and quiet ride, recent Pa state inspection, 2 yrs service records, brakes and tires 18 mo old. Has tow package with brake controller and reese fiver rails. Payload on door is 2792lbs, trailer life tow guide lists pull 12,000, fifth wheel 15,400 lbs. Seller won't budge off 17,000. We have a couple more to look at, but I like this One a lot. He hasn't even advertised it yet. My son met him at a C/G and told him he was looking for a used diesel and the guy said he's looking at the 2011 crew cab and made the offer. Thanks for the replies.
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Old 03-25-2011, 01:39 AM   #8
SlickWillie
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by ray fischer

I got to see and drive it today. Turns out it's a 2004 GMC 2500 HD TD, 4x4, SB with 109000 mi. Its in great shape, very smooth, and quiet ride, recent Pa state inspection, 2 yrs service records, brakes and tires 18 mo old. Has tow package with brake controller and reese fiver rails. Payload on door is 2792lbs, trailer life tow guide lists pull 12,000, fifth wheel 15,400 lbs. Seller won't budge off 17,000. We have a couple more to look at, but I like this One a lot. He hasn't even advertised it yet. My son met him at a C/G and told him he was looking for a used diesel and the guy said he's looking at the 2011 crew cab and made the offer. Thanks for the replies.
Being a 2004, it can have either the LB7 or LLY version of the Duramax. LB7 had the internal injectors, which were a PITA and expensive to change out. The LLY had the external injectors, but here is the bad part. The LLY engines tended to run hot if worked hard. (believed to be inadequate cooling system) Please do your own research on Diesel Place. Not trying to spoil anything, as I had a 2004 GMC with the LLY. It was fine except for the roaring fan. Just want to make you aware of any potential problems.
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Old 03-26-2011, 01:39 AM   #9
ray fischer
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Great news, the injectors were replaced in 2006 along with the steering column under warrenty. WE got the VIN and did a carfax as the current owner(second owner) only owned since 2008. Got some good service records so we're buying today. Thank you forum for the heads up on injectors. This was a concern after you mentioned it, now we have peace of mind. I am comfortable that my son is now getting a good buy. This 2500 has tow ratings comporable to the others 3500 SRW ratings with 2800 cargo and 15,400 F/W capacity. Thanks and God Bless, Ray
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