duramax diesels

GeneD14 · Aug 25, 2005

So far the 6.0 has been excellent. I only have 6,000 miles so far but have noticed: stronger, quieter, better mpg than the 7.3
The only downside so far is cost of oil filters are double, air filters are triple the cost, draining water off the fuel filter now I have to crawl under the truck and use a wrench. On the 7.3 to drain the water off the fuel just pop the hood and turn a yellow lever for a few seconds.

HGM · Aug 25, 2005

Yea, there's some differences. The nice thing about the air filter is that it should last about 3x as long, of course it depends on the environment. I do recomend changing the fuel filters regulary at 15k, they have been known to have injector issues from low fuel pressure. Good luck with it, enjoy.

InlineDieselFan · Aug 27, 2005

I have a Cummins motor wrappped in a Dodge body, but my brother has an 04'Duramax.

He loves the thing, nice ride, he is a city boy though. If he drives 60-65 he can get about 19mpg going 70 it starts to drop off. He towed his 6,000 pound boat/trailer from Seattle to Lake Powell, and he really like it.

As mentioned you can't really go wrong with any of the three unless you happen to get the lemon, and that is all a role of the dice.

steve

wroughtn_harv · Aug 27, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( As mentioned you can't really go wrong with any of the three unless you happen to get the lemon, and that is all a role of the dice.)</font>

Truer words never spoken.

deere755 · Aug 28, 2005

I thought maybe I could find a good used Duramax but they are hard to find. The dealer I deal with said he rarely gets a good used one in and when he does it doesn't last long. I am going to keep looking' But I may have to go new. Now I just have to convice the wife.

HGM · Aug 28, 2005

Have you priced new? That might be your best bet, with the new finance rates, employee discounts(untill Sept 4,I think) and the new models rolling out, you oughta be able to get a really good deal... I wouldnt even think used right now, just a thought.....

deere755 · Aug 28, 2005

I hadn't really thought about it that way. I am suprised the dealer didn't think of that.

Tevi · Aug 29, 2005

They all have plus or minuses.Try driving each brand.I like Ford for looks and interior room.Dodge has the new Mega Cab coming out but I think it's only a 6 ft bed

HGM · Aug 29, 2005

Yea, I feel the same way myself Tevi, I've always been partial to the Ford's fit and finnish. I think the '07 will be pretty impressive as well, they all keep getting bigger and better.

They all have the same deal for Family Plan, its worth looking into if you need a truck, especially if you are financing. It could end up a hundered or two cheaper per month with a new truck.

bdog · Aug 29, 2005

I have had them all.

Fords:

87 6.9 diesel:roller lifter failure at 185k
92 7.3 diesel: Running fine when I sold it with 262 k
(never had a newer powerstroke)

Dodge:
2001 cummins: Lots of injector pump probs. Had pump go out twice under warranty. Third time it went out at 160k I traded the truck. Other than these problems was an awesome truck.

2004 cummins: This is the company truck I drive. Only has 9k on it now. Zero problems so far, and it pulls great

Chevrolet:
2002 Dmax: My current truck. 78k. Injectors were replaced at 60k under warranty. Comfort factor is the best truck I have ever been in. Does not seem to have as much power as the dodges, but has no problems pulling the 12k trailer I pull.

My opinion, Get any of the three and you will be happy. If buying used just make sure you get one that has been taken care of. In my experience the dodges get the most mpg. I hear a lot of high claims with the dmax but I have never got over 17.5. My dodge got 18-20 and my buddy with a short bed dodge gets 22.

I am completely happy with my dmax, but the next truck I buy will probably be a dodge. Fords are solid and I buy them for work trucks at my job, but I would not want one for a personal truck. They just have too much of the "work truck" feel to them. I have a buddy who has a brand new 2005 Powerstroke with every option imaginable that I think he payed close to 50k for. It still looks like a work truck to me. I think the chevy an dodge have a more comfortable feel to them.