Chevrolet 6.6 duramax

[Rustywreck]

My current truck has served me long and well - over 300,000 miles; however, rust has taken its toll.
I've been looking for a replacement for some time with little luck.
My situation:

• I have a 70 mile round trip to work which I take every day.
• I would only be taking the truck once a week, unless otherwise needed.
• Because my route is rather lonely, dependability is important.
• Since it would be parked most of the time, I don't want to spend a large amount of money on one.
• I would like the truck to be able to pull my tractor on rare occasions.
• My experience with diesel engines is limited to my tractor, which has required nothing more than oil and filter changes.

I am considering an 2002 Chevrolet 2500 with a 6.6 duramax. I know I don't need that large engine, but when buying used I'm kinda stuck with what is available. The truck has 193,000 miles on it. The body and underside are in excellent shape (no rust).
I have heard/read where diesel engines are good for high miles. My question: is 193,000 miles too many?
For those with experience with this engine, are they dependable?
What kind of fuel mileage can I expect?

I have done internet searches for reviews on several trucks (makes, engines, etc.). For every positive review there is an equally negative review. So, I am asking TBN members for their opinion to limit the scope of opinions; also, I can put a little more trust in the people here.
Thank you for your input.

 

[dodge man]

My only comment would be to make sure its really rust free. Knowing what the roads are like in Illinois as far as salt goes, I find it hard to believe its rust free unless it was parked in the winter or very well cared for.

As far as the D'max goes, I know there is certain years that are suppose to be better, but I can't tell you which ones. Injectors going bad tend to be the expensive issue.

 

[aarolar]

Sorry I mis spoke that's a LB7 I would avoid them if possible due to injector issues.

 

[Deere Dude]

For that truck I would ask if injectors were ever changed and when. I have an 02 Duramax dually and love it but the rumor is that after 140,000 injectors are on very borrowed time and it is a $3,000 hit. Years 01-03 I think. They have great transmissions though.

I have 120,000 on mine without anything major other than a electrical switch a while back and front wheel bearings. I would not think 200,000 is to many.

 

[aarolar]

For that truck I would ask if injectors were ever changed and when. I have an 02 Duramax dually and love it but the rumor is that after 140,000 injectors are on very borrowed time and it is a $3,000 hit. Years 01-03 I think. They have great transmissions though.

I have 120,000 on mine without anything major other than a electrical switch a while back and front wheel bearings. I would not think 200,000 is to many.

It's no rumor the injectors in the LB7s are prone to failure and expensive to repair.

 

[Helitech]

I own a 2001 D-Max, and I'm a diesel mechanic at heart...LB7 injectors are indeed a problem, as well as head gaskets. I did my own head gasket job and still managed to spend almost $3,000 on it!

 

[aarolar]

That being said pretty much any other version of the Duramax is bulletproof.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My current truck has served me long and well - over 300,000 miles; however, rust has taken its toll. I've been looking for a replacement for some time with little luck. My situation: [*]I have a 70 mile round trip to work which I take every day. [*]I would only be taking the truck once a week, unless otherwise needed. [*]Because my route is rather lonely, dependability is important. [*]Since it would be parked most of the time, I don't want to spend a large amount of money on one. [*]I would like the truck to be able to pull my tractor on rare occasions. [*]My experience with diesel engines is limited to my tractor, which has required nothing more than oil and filter changes. [*] I am considering an 2002 Chevrolet 2500 with a 6.6 duramax. I know I don't need that large engine, but when buying used I'm kinda stuck with what is available. The truck has 193,000 miles on it. The body and underside are in excellent shape (no rust). I have heard/read where diesel engines are good for high miles. My question: is 193,000 miles too many? For those with experience with this engine, are they dependable? What kind of fuel mileage can I expect? I have done internet searches for reviews on several trucks (makes, engines, etc.). For every positive review there is an equally negative review. So, I am asking TBN members for their opinion to limit the scope of opinions; also, I can put a little more trust in the people here. Thank you for your input.

I would pass. The engine May last but it's a old truck. No way to spin it.


Chris

 

[WM75Guy]

My 03 has 208,000 miles. The injectors and pump were changed with the recall. It has had some issues like a water pump leaking, one of the alternators quit, and a front differential gear went out but no internal engine issues. I just had the left front hub go out last week. While it was in the shop the mechanic found the right rear axle seal leaking and the front end needed the idler arm, Pittman arm, and dampener needed replacing. I told him to do both hubs, both rear seals, and the front end work, $2700 parts and labor. Mine still has original brakes, they have 50% pad life left. Get 16-18 mpg in town, up to 23 mpg on the highway. Drops down 2-3 mpg towing a moderate load. I plan on driving it till it just plain dies.

 

[Rustywreck]

I appreciate all of the replies.
I should have added more information, but didn't want to make a long post even longer. The injectors were replaced at 170,000 miles. The price is $10,000.
I haven't run a carfax on it myself yet (i will), but the owner says it has a clean record. I haven't checked the truck out myself - I want to make sure I'm interested enough rather than wasting my and the owner's time.
I did speak with him on the phone. I told him that I would be crawling underneath it to check out the rust, and he assured me that it wasn't rusted.
This is a picture of the truck