Buy a new or used diesel truck?

[Fluid Power]

I am buying a truck. I have a friend of a friend who passed away unexpectedly. He had a 2005 GMC 2500hd SLT crew cab diesel/allison. His widow wants 20K for it, 70K miles. 1 owner, not used hard, truck looks like new. Georgia truck (I live in the rust belt). I can get a 2012 of the same truck for 52K.

Need some opinions.....

Thanks,

Darren

[2keaton11]

20k for an 05 with 70,000 miles is not a bad price, and it has one of the best versions of the duramax for power in alot of peoples eyes. The 2005 and 2012 is completely different so its difficult to compare the 2 trucks considering body style, different version of the motor, etc... Buy what you like and what your comfortable with. I havent seen a new diesel pickup thats worth over 50k yet in my opinion. Also the 2005 has less emissions than the new 2012 which is cheaper to modify.

[Fluid Power]

I was thinking the 05 got better mileage also?

[Tuske427]

I'd really consider that used truck. Up front, you're paying half the price. so that's either a lower payment, or more money stays in your bank.

Besides, don't the newer diesel trucks require some "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" additive? more pita/ expense I would think. Of course, I'm not a diesel expert- I'd research this.

[kochevy67]

I have an 07 and I am happy with it.

[carkrazy1987]

being a gm diesel tech for the past 8yrs, i would personally go with the 05'. you save a whole lotta money for one, they are tough trucks, very few issues, only 1 issue i run into is the egr valve gets clogged up easy. if u have the truck reprogrammed by dealer, and replace the valve, no more problems. the new trucks seem to be alil pita, due to the exhaust filter fluid, at like 30bux a gal x5 at every oil change. more if u haul alot. also the little unknown issue many people dont know about is NEVER overfill your oil in a 2012 duramax. the way i look at it, buy the older one, save money, fix the slight issues, and enjoy the truck. ull save in the long run. unless u really need the 785 lb/ft of torque. and if u do deside to mod, its a bigger problem to mod the 2012 specially programming, we can monitor everytime ur truck has been programmed and bye bye warrenty. the 05' we cant watch.

[Sieg]

Paying for instant depreciation has never made sense to me. Sounds like a good tool for a good price and you're helping someone out.

[Fluid Power]

Originally Posted by carkrazy1987

being a gm diesel tech for the past 8yrs, i would personally go with the 05'. you save a whole lotta money for one, they are tough trucks, very few issues, only 1 issue i run into is the egr valve gets clogged up easy. if u have the truck reprogrammed by dealer, and replace the valve, no more problems. the new trucks seem to be alil pita, due to the exhaust filter fluid, at like 30bux a gal x5 at every oil change. more if u haul alot. also the little unknown issue many people dont know about is NEVER overfill your oil in a 2012 duramax. the way i look at it, buy the older one, save money, fix the slight issues, and enjoy the truck. ull save in the long run. unless u really need the 785 lb/ft of torque. and if u do deside to mod, its a bigger problem to mod the 2012 specially programming, we can monitor everytime ur truck has been programmed and bye bye warrenty. the 05' we cant watch.

Thanks a ton. That is the feedback I was looking for!

One more question, do they get better mileage as well?

Darren

[Fluid Power]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Paying for instant depreciation has never made sense to me. Sounds like a good tool for a good price and you're helping someone out.

My thought as well. Carkrazy gave me good advice!

[carkrazy1987]

Originally Posted by Fluid Power

Thanks a ton. That is the feedback I was looking for!

One more question, do they get better mileage as well?

Darren

that is of debate. i do not personally own one, but i believe the 05 was getting better mpgs due to less emissions crap on it