Hi folks! It’s been awhile since I posted because some fool in a motor home totaled by dear, sweet, and loved 2001 Silverado 2500HD last fall. I loved that truck, I really did. She had 250,000 miles (6 liter gas and the automatic transmission, an ex fleet work truck) but she acted like she was sweet 16 - youthful, sprightly, just a delight on and off road. Yes, I am obviously still getting over the loss, ha.

Well, the insurance company paid me a paltry sum (less than $4k), so we are going to have to kick in some personal funds to get a new pickup. I’ve been looking around and found one that intrigues me. I am looking to hear your basic opinion and knee jerk reaction based upon my very limited data presented to you now.

How would you feel about a 2005 Duramax 2500HD with almost 400,000 miles? It has been a fleet work truck for most of that time and is super clean. How many miles can a person expect from a Duramax of that vintage if maintained properly? Am I looking at a real mess and I should stay away because of all of the problems? Does it make sense to throw about 10 grand into something like that and what should I expect to need to do if I bring her home?

I know, it’s a lot of miles, but she is super clean and looks to be well maintained. I like everything else about the 2001-2005 vintage of Chevrolet 2500HD’s, and am trying to get back into that.

I have also found a 2002 2500HD with the same 6 liter gasoline and automatic setup I already know and love, but it has 300,000 miles and is roughly the same cost. Is it a good idea to go diesel instead of gasoline? Should I be putting my eggs in the gasoline or the diesel basket?

Please just come at me with your honest thoughts, should you have any.

Thanks for your time today, take care wherever you might be…

 

It's just my opinion, but I would stay away from such high mileage trucks. You don't know what the future brings with them, but you have a better chance of good luck with a well-maintained lower mileage truck.

 

Oh, I agree my friend. The difference in a lower mileage truck around here and these is $10K, no kidding. To get into anything with less than, say, 150,000 miles here starts at about $20,000 and they are usually Fords with Triton engines, scary!

Pickups here in the PNW are super spendy, even older used models. We are trying to stay under $12K total, but may be willing to go as high as $15K if the situation was ideal.