Total newby here. I am looking at getting a new truck. I am looking used and I am looking at 03 and 04 models. I used to own an old doge with the cummins. The cummins is a great engine but not impressed with the rest of the truck.


To get back on subject I have read a few threads here about all the problems with the durmax and I am seriouslly rethinking the diesel engine. Granted more people are going to voice problems vs non problems. In all honestly I am looking for a truck that will be as reliable as it can be. I do tow a far amount and have used a 2000 GMC with the 6.0 that sounds like a diesel. It tows well but the gas mileage sucks 10 - 12 mpg on the highway and as low as 6mpg with a trailer. But I have pulled almost 10,000 lbs at speed with zero problems. I would like to move up to a newer truck with the durmax but should I? I am not spending big dollars and then have to have the truck in the shop and pay out the but to get it back on the road.





So what are the common problems with the durmax and how common are they????

I just sold my 02 4x4 e.c. chevy and bought an 04 4x4 CC SB lly and wow do i love it! It tows awesome get great fuel mileage. My only problem is that i can't get that http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif off my face when i drive it. I have had it almost 3 months and i already have 12,000 trouble free miles on it!

Wow nice to hear some positve news on the durmax. I have been looking at 04's used and there are some good buys out there. Thanks for the positive news

As a brand new owner, I can feel your pain- LOL. I went around and talked to a lot of people and got many different opinions. If you search this forum you can find the issues. From what I have seen some have the following problems- the injectors and a weak air conditioning. BTW- I live in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">AZ-</st1:State></st1:place> and so far the Air works just fine. Nothing like 113 degrees to test it out. I don’t put a lot of miles on in a year and I got an extended warranty to give me some peace of mind. So I think I will be pretty safe for the next 4-5 years.

So far I love the truck. I think I made a wise choice- but only time will tell I guess. One thing to think of too-You can pretty much find problems with any brand and models. I have a brother who had more problems with his 02 Oldsmobile SUV and he couldn’t wait to get rid of it, but he also has a Ford F250 gasser with 275K. My 03 Silverado 1500 needed a new alternator at 5000. My company van needed a new trans at 50,000 but the other van has 150k with no problems. My 99 vette- I had problems with fuel gage so they had to replace the instrument cluster at 24,000 miles. Oh well- Maybe I should stay away from Chevy- LOL. At least there was a good warranty to get me out of those issues without reaching into my wallet.



Oh well- it’s an awesome truck and I have no regrets at this time. You can beat yourself up over it or just take the plunge. Overall the motor and trans seem to be of high quality. You can always get a lemon- but that could happen with anything you buy.

There are also some really good buys for NEW. Just remember that unless you know where it came from, when you buy used you buy your future problems and the last folks problems/neglect/abuse which are your future problems. When you buy new, you only buy your own, or make your own...........


if you have to buy used, make sure it is one that can have an extended warranty on it. that saved me on my 1991 K2500 that had to have a tranny and an air conditioning system. but i still have it and it still runs strong


my .02 cents worth/pontification/soap boxery http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


there are lots of dealers that will try and earn your business, it is your job to find them.


dave

azmike you are so true on the you never know what you are going to get thing. I have owned GM vehicles most of my life and have had awesome luck. Granted I did go through some transmission in the mid and late 80's but GM finally learned how to make a truck trans. The Dodge I had I was constantly working on everything excpet the engine granted it did have 200,000 miles on it when I sold it. But my current daily drive is a Sonoma and that thing has 176,000 miles on it and it runs awesome.


I just know that Engine work on a diesel is not cheap. And since I am not as good with them as I am with gas engines I am just trying to be an informed as possible.


I am lucky though, one of my good friends is and engineer for GM and his speciality are diesels. He has nothing but very postive things to say about the Durmax and the next generation Durmax that is coming out. That and its nice to have his knowledge in the event of a problem.

KHB01


My '04 was purchased in March. Although I've had trucks most of my adult life, this is my first diesel and I love it. I tow a fairly heavy 36' RV Toy Hauler on a regular basis without any problems. So far we've been all through the Catskill, Adirondack, and Berkshire Mountains here in the NE. Next month, we take off for a trip that will take us into the Rockies. Don't anticipate any problems at all!

If you buy used...go over to the "ask the techs" forum and have them run th VIN. Its a very useful benefit of this board and is worth the peace of mind if buying used.

I know that you will see allot of posts about problems people have with their trucks in places like this, while you don't often see people post when everything is working perfectly.


Put your mind at ease. I believe it is very rare you would have a problem of any kind with your D Max. This forum is where you hear about the worst of it. Even here it is rare you see any Real problems that aren't "Self inflicted". It is so easy to make HUGE power with these trucks, we just can't help ourselfs...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


This is my first Diesel in several years. I too was a bit worried about going back to Diesel. However I have LOVED the DURAMAX. It has over 8,000 Trouble Free miles on it.


It is a towing beast!


Several people I know have 01-04 Duramaxes and tow Huge loads with them. I never hear any complaints from them either.


I think the biggest problem you will find with the Duramax is that they hold their value so well compared to other trucks. Of course you would only see that as a problem if you are trying to buy one used...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I bought my DMAX (LLY) in February and it has just over 14,000 miles. No warranty issues to date. We just got back from our summer vacation and towed our TT over 6,000 miles out West through Black Hills SD, Western Montana including GNP, and Yellowstone and Tetons in Wyoming. There were many mountains inlcuding many 8% grades. Needless to say I became very aquainted with my new truck and it's towing ability over the 3 weeks. The truck now feels like a well worn glove http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif. I am totally impressed with the DMAX and towing is a breeze and much more relaxing and stable than my previous TV (Expedition). I averaged 11-13 mpg towing and 18-20 mpg solo. Headwind made the biggest difference in fuel mileage while towing.


The only negative I can think of is the fan/clutch noise when towing in high temperatures, typically mid-80's or higher. It is loud and seems to occur when towing up hills and when re-starting after a hot run. There are other posts on this and I am waiting to hear if GM comes up with a soluton.


I would buy it again in a heartbeat!!

You will love the diesel over the gas. I had an 8.1 for 2 years and thought it was a pulling machine until I got my Dmax. Great gas milage loaded and unloaded. I agree that a lot of problems are created by boosting power, but for some reason we just can't stop. Anyway, I highly recommend the Dmax.