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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
 
| We have been looking at trucks for what seems like forever and I'm ready to just buy one. We currently have 2 options we will be looking at this weekend, and I was just curious what your thoughts would be.
1. 2008 Duramax 102,000 miles. No obvious damage or work needed (judging from pictures and what they've told us). Looks clean, inside and out. Has leather, heated seats, etc. but has pretty standard features. Asking $30k
2. 2013 Duramax 114,000 miles. Has a good size dent in the tailgate and I'm concerned about the amount of miles on a truck that's only 2 years old. No pictures of the inside yet. Has basically every option - leather, navigation, heated and cooled seats, and every other option you can think of. Asking $34k
If these were your two options, which would you choose and why....or would you just keep looking? I pull a 2 horse BP Sundowner trailer and would eventually like to upgrade to a GN, but that won't be for at least a few more years.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 679
 
Location: KS | I've never owned a Duramax, but if you're open to look at other things, try 1997-2003 7.3L Powerstroke. That's what we haul our three horse, living quarters goose neck trailer with. Also pull a 32 ft boat, with absolutly no problems. Our buddy has a 2015 Duramx Danali (they have a 30 ft boat) he had to call us to tell his to slow down. Haha. We own two of these 7.3's. GREAT trucks, in my opinion. One is at 260,000 miles and the other is at 160,000 both run and pull the same. That's probably why they are called "Legendary 7.3's". I hope this helps. 
Also, I get 17 miles to the gallon in my short bed. I can go all week on $65-70 & I drive A LOT. I drive 35 minutes to College, 25 minutes to work, 20 minutes to bf's house then 20 minutes back home.
Edited by ACowgirlsLastRun 2015-07-08 11:07 AM
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | I'd go with the '08 I think. We have an '04 Chevy Duramax Diesel. It is rock solid, beautiful, and powerful. It pulls our 4 horse gooseneck, fully loaded, with no issue. Love this truck. You probably can't really go wrong either way though. |
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  Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | I hate to tell you this, but my business partner, Dennis, just traded his 2008 Duramax because any time he pulled a trailer it would go into "limp mode"....it was a major problem for him and kept him crawling on the side of the road many times....he was afraid to sell it to anyone like that, so he traded it for a new one. If you want to talk to him about it, feel free to send me your phone number...I don't want to see you get stuck on the road with horses and have that happen. At least Google Duramax limp mode and see what you find...I don't have time to do that yet, but I bet you get a lot of info on the problem and the years of trucks affected....
Edit to say...I love Chevy's and GMC's, but this is why I drive Dodge Diesels...I don't want to deal with the limp mode problem...
Edited by Cindy Hamilton 2015-07-08 11:50 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| Cindy Hamilton - 2015-07-08 11:39 AM I hate to tell you this, but my business partner, Dennis, just traded his 2008 Duramax because any time he pulled a trailer it would go into "limp mode"....it was a major problem for him and kept him crawling on the side of the road many times....he was afraid to sell it to anyone like that, so he traded it for a new one. If you want to talk to him about it, feel free to send me your phone number...I don't want to see you get stuck on the road with horses and have that happen. At least Google Duramax limp mode and see what you find...I don't have time to do that yet, but I bet you get a lot of info on the problem and the years of trucks affected.... Edit to say...I love Chevy's and GMC's, but this is why I drive Dodge Diesels...I don't want to deal with the limp mode problem...
I hadn't heard that. Our friends have a 2008 Duramax that I have used a lot, including on a 1000 mile trip last fall. I will do some Googling though - thanks for the tip!
My husband's main concern with the 2013 is having to use DEF in it. Has anyone had issues with that? |
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 Shoot Yeah
Posts: 4273
Location: Where you need a paddle... Oregon! | I was just truck shopping myself. Everyone in my family has Dodge's, and that's what I've driven for years now, but this is the first time I was shopping as a single woman so I was being open-minded. There was a Chevy on the lot that they wanted me to look at, but my son-in-law was with me and he said his shop runs Chevy's, in a range of years, and they have had to rebuild the engines on a handful of them. I went with a Dodge, again. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | I'd pass on both...knowing Duramax's, just by the miles either one will probably be needing injectors in the next 30,000 miles or so, and that is a $3000-$4000 job, at least is what I've heard from a friend who had a Duramax. Other than that he doesn't really have any complaints. |
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| Go for the 2008, but that is WAY OVER PRICED. Mega way over. One myth about vehicles are about miles. SOme will say " Highway miles" etc. Miles are miles. If they went that far in 2 years they just drove it a lot. Probably long haulers. I know guys who haul RV's from manufacturer to dealers and they rack up those miles. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317
Location: Idaho | The thing that also gets me on both is the fact that they are both JUST over the warranty...so if you do go with either of these trucks buy an extended warranty just in case. Granted there are people that trade them off at 100,000 miles just because that's how they do it, but there are also those ones out there that are traded in now because of the manufactur no longer covering the issues and more problems arising. Just a thought. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Cindy Hamilton - 2015-07-08 11:39 AM I hate to tell you this, but my business partner, Dennis, just traded his 2008 Duramax because any time he pulled a trailer it would go into "limp mode"....it was a major problem for him and kept him crawling on the side of the road many times....he was afraid to sell it to anyone like that, so he traded it for a new one. If you want to talk to him about it, feel free to send me your phone number...I don't want to see you get stuck on the road with horses and have that happen. At least Google Duramax limp mode and see what you find...I don't have time to do that yet, but I bet you get a lot of info on the problem and the years of trucks affected.... Edit to say...I love Chevy's and GMC's, but this is why I drive Dodge Diesels...I don't want to deal with the limp mode problem...
I had a 2008 Duramax that was a great truck. It had 145,000 miles on it when I quit driving it, and the only issue I had was from a tank of bad fuel. We thought we were going to have to replace injectors from that deal, and it kept running the "cleaner mode" almost constantly for a while, which hurt my fuel mileage, but the problem resolved on its own and mpg went back to normal after a few months. That happened 3 years ago and it has over 200,000 on it now as a farm truck with no problems. |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | mtcanchazer - 2015-07-08 12:37 PM I'd pass on both...knowing Duramax's, just by the miles either one will probably be needing injectors in the next 30,000 miles or so, and that is a $3000-$4000 job, at least is what I've heard from a friend who had a Duramax. Other than that he doesn't really have any complaints.
I'm not aware of the injectors being a problem past the 2004s. They changed the design in 05. I had an 05 that is still on the farm and hasn't had any major repairs. |
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 Swiffer PIcker Upper
Posts: 4015
Location: Four Corners Colorado | I have had 3 duramaxes my 01 had 425,000 when we got rid of it, they guy who bought it is still diving it and that was nearly 5 yrs ago so I have no idea how many miles it has on it now. The only major repair was one set of injectors that went bad due to a crimped fuel line. Now I've got a 2006 and so does my hubby. Mine has 150,000 hubbys is nearing 300,000 never had lick of trouble with them. We just make sure the fuel filter is changed every oil change. You can also add an after market fuel filter system and you'll never have to worry about injectors. |
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| "an old joke about the used car business: if you drive away and the car breaks in half, you better call 2 tow trucks, because you own both halves." |
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 Texas Lone Star
Posts: 5318
Location: where ever my L/Q trl is parked | I bought a 2007 GMC duramax from one of our board buddies....she know who.
I love the truck fully equip it had 112,000 and I've put on on 25,000 since. I've had a few minor problems, but I expected that before I bought it. I was always a Dodge person, but I was tired of driving a tank and got tired of shifting- 5 sp. The duramax is like driving a caddy plus its 4 wheel auto. Okay it doesn't get the best mpg like the Dodge, but I put a Super chip and that gave me 3.5 mpg more.
And yes, I had problems with the limp mode, but the auto/performance repair place I go figured it out and fixed the problem. I just now installed a different exhaust system and added a 3stage exhaust brake added.
So as far as which way to go I would pick the 2008 GMC or get the Dodge Ram.
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 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| What about shopping for new? You may be suprised at some of the deals you can find. You just have to look and be ready to haggle. You can get a much lower interest rate on a new vehicle too, so your payment on a new truck may be closer to a used truck than what you realize.
We came across a 1 ton dually 2014 Dodge that had sat for over a year at a dealers. We haggled (had to leave dealership 3 times before we made a final deal) got a payment that is $30 more than our 2008 dodge that had 130k miles, and paid just under $40,000. Drove the truck off the lot with 125 miles on it. Downside is we started over with payments, but our truck was going to need new tires, new brakes etc. With hauling a lot I would rather start over on something new as opposed to putting a bunch of $$ into a truck with 130k miles that will need consistent maintance due to age and mileage.
If you are not in a rush-look for a deal like that! They are out there. Don't be afraid to offer low and stay at that number. If they can't meet it, you walk away. Normally, they call back the next day. ;-)
ETA: Ours takes DEF-no issues. It is $14.99 for 2 gallons. We are at about 4,000 miles on our truck and just now have to put it in. The dealer will also top off if you go to them for an oil change.
Edited by magic gunsmoke 2015-07-08 1:14 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 729
Location: south central usa | all depends on your needs / wants.
I'd stay away from the 08 simply due to hearing more bad than good. most people complain about the mpg. the late 07 - 2010 GMs are all pre-def fluid.
the '13 would probably be a good truck, but those miles equate to a hot shot rig and I'd be a little leary about what repairs will need to be done soon...
if I had my choice between a new-er DEF truck vs one a non-DEF truck ('07 +), I'd choose the DEF system. it simply helps the engine run cleaner |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 762
Location: NC | Have an 06 with 165k on it. Love it. I did have to just get a rebuilt tranny after breaking down but that was blamed on a loose bearing. We bought it used last year and have no clue what it did before us. Has some dents but otherwise is a great truck. Ive only heard horror stories about DEF trucks. |
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 Ms. Poutability
Posts: 2362
Location: In my own world | MissouriJen - 2015-07-08 12:05 PM Cindy Hamilton - 2015-07-08 11:39 AM I hate to tell you this, but my business partner, Dennis, just traded his 2008 Duramax because any time he pulled a trailer it would go into "limp mode"....it was a major problem for him and kept him crawling on the side of the road many times....he was afraid to sell it to anyone like that, so he traded it for a new one. If you want to talk to him about it, feel free to send me your phone number...I don't want to see you get stuck on the road with horses and have that happen. At least Google Duramax limp mode and see what you find...I don't have time to do that yet, but I bet you get a lot of info on the problem and the years of trucks affected.... Edit to say...I love Chevy's and GMC's, but this is why I drive Dodge Diesels...I don't want to deal with the limp mode problem... I hadn't heard that. Our friends have a 2008 Duramax that I have used a lot, including on a 1000 mile trip last fall. I will do some Googling though - thanks for the tip!
My husband's main concern with the 2013 is having to use DEF in it. Has anyone had issues with that?
I had on 2015 duramax and have had no problems worth the DEF. you can go many miles on a tank of it. I think around 4,000 or so. It's not like you fill up like you do on diesel. I had an 01 duramax too. I loved both of those trucks. Never had any problems with them. I only had the 2015 for a year. I traded it for a 2015 dodge 4500. I got a new 4 Star and it is very heavy. My truck was a ton dually but I didn't like how it rode with my trailer. I opted to go bigger with the truck and I don't like the Kodiak so I ended up with a dodge. If I felt comfortable with the 1 ton I would be Chevy hands down |
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Expert
Posts: 2678
Location: Mi | Cindy Hamilton - 2015-07-08 12:39 PM I hate to tell you this, but my business partner, Dennis, just traded his 2008 Duramax because any time he pulled a trailer it would go into "limp mode"....it was a major problem for him and kept him crawling on the side of the road many times....he was afraid to sell it to anyone like that, so he traded it for a new one. If you want to talk to him about it, feel free to send me your phone number...I don't want to see you get stuck on the road with horses and have that happen. At least Google Duramax limp mode and see what you find...I don't have time to do that yet, but I bet you get a lot of info on the problem and the years of trucks affected.... Edit to say...I love Chevy's and GMC's, but this is why I drive Dodge Diesels...I don't want to deal with the limp mode problem...
Im not sure my friends is an 08 I think maybe 07 but yes his goes into limp mode too, very frustrating and a BIG problem when hauling something especailly horses!
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| 1. '08 is way over priced
2. '12 is 3 model years old, not 2 so miles are meh
3. Buy an Edsel (not really good advice but it's as good as "buy a 97-'03 PS)
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| I'm for the 08!
we had a 07 duramax and loved the truck but we downsized trailer so downsized truck. we sold it to some friends of ours that hauled all over with it and nothing would of stopped that beast if it hadn't bean for the tornado! lol!
ETA we went with the 07 when we had it due to emissions and all of the regulatory factors they were putting on new ones at the time.
Edited by Kgirl 2015-07-08 2:18 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| For those of you saying that the 2008 is overpriced - where are you shopping? I am not finding 2008-2009 Duramax with the same options and mileage for any less than $28-29k. The 2013 is extremely underpriced, which makes me think it's about to blow up or it was owned by a smoker, or both.
Our friends with the 2008 paid $28k for it in 2011, seems ridiculous to pay the same amount 4 years later. My only requirements are leather seats and 4 full doors. If we went with cloth seats we could get one much cheaper, but I'm not willing to negotiate on that. |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Ahmac - 2015-07-08 1:49 PM Cindy Hamilton - 2015-07-08 12:39 PM I hate to tell you this, but my business partner, Dennis, just traded his 2008 Duramax because any time he pulled a trailer it would go into "limp mode"....it was a major problem for him and kept him crawling on the side of the road many times....he was afraid to sell it to anyone like that, so he traded it for a new one. If you want to talk to him about it, feel free to send me your phone number...I don't want to see you get stuck on the road with horses and have that happen. At least Google Duramax limp mode and see what you find...I don't have time to do that yet, but I bet you get a lot of info on the problem and the years of trucks affected.... Edit to say...I love Chevy's and GMC's, but this is why I drive Dodge Diesels...I don't want to deal with the limp mode problem... Im not sure my friends is an 08 I think maybe 07 but yes his goes into limp mode too, very frustrating and a BIG problem when hauling something especailly horses!
My 2010 started throwing codes and going into limp mode on the way to the beach last year. I had a code reader and we kept clearing the codes and driving. Dealership down there diagnosed off the codes and claimed we needed a new turbo. No physical indications the turbo was bad, we were thinking maybe actuator because sensors had just been replaced. Turned out to be a $50 plug on the wiring harness. These newer trucks with all their electronics and computers are a PIA. |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | The newer truck is a much better buy. Better motor by far. Better options that you will like while making the payments. If you want to know what the truck is worth go into your bank and ask them what the loan value is on this truck. That is what they go by and it will give you a good indication of what it is worth. A car dealer will never have anywhere near what loan value is in a trade in vehical. I would offer them $ 28,000 for the new one and be ready to walk out. They will come back with an offer to you in a couple days. There is a lot more profit in cars than most people think. Just look at all the inventory on their lots. There is no way they can afford to have that much real money tied up in that. Dealer ships are a big den of thieves. Play their game. They need dollars to come in to meet payroll every friday. |
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| Keep shopping.
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 Party Girl
Posts: 12293
Location: Buffalo, Wyoming | I looked at a 06 last night. Dually, leather interior but only an extended cab with half doors. 110,000 $16,000 |
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 A Gopher's Worst Nightmare
Posts: 5094
Location: Southern Oregon | Those two seem awfully OVERPRICED!!!! I wouldn't pay that or even close to that for a truck with over 100k miles on it. You would be almost better off to buy new at those prices, you will get a better interest rate and I bet your payment will be with $50 a month of those two used trucks.
On the other hand I am a FIRM believer in FORD 7.3L powerstrokes!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my trucks. We also have a newer ford I think it is a 2010....hauls and drives like a dream, but you wont be passing up any fuel stations. My 01 7.3 that I haul with mainly gets double the fuel mileage loaded as our newer trucks. |
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Because we all love truck questions...