duramax diesels

[deere755]

I figure this question has been asked before and from what I have read some people are ready to go back to a gas burner, but for me I thought it might be cheaper to go diesel. I am spending a lot on gas these days as most people are. I considered a small pickup but it won't handle the work I do with mine in fact there are times I wished I had a 3/4 instead of a half ton. I don't feel it is feasible to own two trucks a small one and a full size. I was wondering if any of you TBN members own a duramax and if you do how well do you like it. Are they dependable? How is the fuel mileage? I will go with a 3/4 4wd if I get one. Would you buy another one. I know some of you will say go Ford or Dodge and that might be an option to but I would really like to hear from duramax owners.

 

[Dozernut]

1. Yes.
2. Love it.
3. Very good so far, not one problem.
4. 18 mpg combined so far but it is still gradually climbing, I am told they don't reach their potential until they get 10,000 miles on them.
5. Yes I would buy another.
6. I don't think you could go wrong with the Ford or Dodge either, they are all good trucks.

 

[dixiedrifter]

The top three diesel vehicles I see out on the road are:

Dodge
Ford
Chevy

Lots of really really old ford diesels are around, like late 80's early 90's.

The most common is probably the older dodges with the "short" hood.

Lots of newer ford powerstrokes.

Hardly ever see a chevy diesel.

 

[JimR]

My good friend traded in his Ford gas job for a Duramax. He went with the GMC because it was quieter than the Ford diesel. He has over 50k on it now and loves it. Would buy another and averages around 18-19 mpg's. He refused to even look at the Dodge because his wife's Durango started to fall apart after 75k on it, transmission and front end.

 

[kokopelli2]

I love mine, with 22k miles on it.

very dependable so far, i have pulled out my fair share of other tucks in the snow last winter

the milage is great, with slight modification I am getting 25 highway. I have put on a tonnoue (SP?), full ehaust , programer, and airbox. I only lost 2 mpg over my 4banger ranger!

I would buy another one anyday. Mind you this is from someone that grew up on Fords. I bought this truck becuase there was an 8k dollar difference between my truck and comparable 250 stroker. That and chevy has just had less quality problems lately.

 

[deere755]

One more quetion I have is when did they come out with the duramax? and how many miles are they good for? I know of fords that have 200,000 and still going.

 

[Dozernut]

They are warranted for 100,000 miles on the DMax and Allison transmission. I believe they came out in 2002, but I could be off on that. The first model of the diesel, they had a design flaw which may or may not have caused problems with the injectors. They have since changed the design and it is no longer a problem. As far as longevity, I Suspect with good maintenance and driving habits they will be long lived.

 

[anthonyk]

Everybody has their favorites. I have the 2005 Dodge 2500 with the Cummins.
I won't say that it's better or worse than the Chevy or Ford because I've never owned one of theirs.
I WILL say though, that it is MUCH quieter.
I drove all three before buying the dodge.
It seems bulletproof, and is inarguably the quietest of the 3 if that matters to you. The Cummins reputation is excellent, and I can actually drive 70 mph, and use my cell phone!

Anthony

 

[RobertN]

Given the Izuzu diesel, it should last a long time. Izuzu has made good diesels for years.

 

[NevadaSmith]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( the milage is great, with slight modification I am getting 25 highway. I have put on a tonnoue (SP?), full ehaust , programer, and airbox.)</font>

For the information of others can you expand upon this?
Full Exhaust = 4" pipe from header to tailpipe?
Programmer = Replacing the computer chip with a programmablel model? Which brand and how do you like it?
Airbox = the K&N kit?

What did all this run you?

I have a Duramax and I love it. I get about 18mpg now but I was thinking of having it chipped so I can dial it back when doing normal driving. I know increasing the size of my exhaust in my old gas ford helped with towing. I assume it will do the same for the Diesel. I hear the air filter can boost power and fuel consumption.

Thanks in advance
NevadaSmith