I hope I'm making the right decision but I just put a deposit on a new loaded '06 Sierra Classic SLT w/8.1 V8. It's equipped with everything I want and about 3.5 hrs from where I live. Out the door price is straight dealer invoice less $5500 incentives = $30k.

I like the new style Sierras but priced one out with LMM Duramax (since 8.1 is gone) and it comes out to about $46k (assuming $100 over invoice, no incentives).

I test drove both 8.1's and Duramax's and much prefer the 8.1.

From what I can tell there's not much in the way of substantive differences between HD classics and new HD's when it comes to basic platform design. I sounds like the HD's are simply new ext. body style and better interior.

$16k savings is pretty compelling. Am I making the wrong decision??

$16k savings is pretty compelling. Am I making the wrong decision??


Not at all,you wont have quite the resale of the new dmax,but the savings are enough to buy a lot of fuel.After owning my 8.1 for a few months now,I really love it,you wont be dissapointed with it.

Sounds like the right move to me - hard to beat that much $$$ under invoice.

A more accurate comparison would be if there were any '06 LBZ's with similar incentives but I doubt if there are any out there. Bottom line - $30K for a loaded 8.1 is an amazing price, I think I paid $32,500 for my LS back in '01. Good luck with it - you'll love the 8.1.

I love my 8.1L but be forwarned of mileage at or around 11mpg.

I love my 8.1L but be forwarned of mileage at or around 11mpg.

That's the same MPG I get with my '95 Ram V10 which I'm replacing. I don't care since my annual truck miles are pretty low.

The GM 8.1 seems noticably faster then my Dodge 8.0 V10. It also sounds sooo much better too!!! There's just something about the big block V8 sound that I love.

It also sounds sooo much better too!!! There's just something about the big block V8 sound that I love.


Mines a real groundy pounder!;)

That's a smokin' deal! :D Enjoy the 8.1L. It rocks!

DEWFPO

i really like my 8.1 to it will pull any thing a duramax will

That's the same MPG I get with my '95 Ram V10 which I'm replacing. I don't care since my annual truck miles are pretty low.

The GM 8.1 seems noticably faster then my Dodge 8.0 V10. It also sounds sooo much better too!!! There's just something about the big block V8 sound that I love.
Another thing,if you plan on keeping the 8.1 as long as the Ram,if you had it from new,your making the right choice.Over time,the glow plugs,alum head/block,injectors and other things diesels need will be more to fix than an 8.1,once the Dmax is well out of warranty.

I took delivery today!! I absolutely love this truck. It handles great, it's quiet, the 8.1 acts like a "sleeping giant". You barely know it's there but when you call on it
it comes to life and there's no stopping it.

I really don't see the problem with the GMT800 interiors. They seem fine to me.

The DIC is saying 14 mpg. average I drove it about 160 miles starting at about 4000' to about sea level on a 2 lane road probably averaging around 55 mpg. That's not to bad but I could see it drop on inclines and once I really put my foot in it . I bet it averages out at about 11-12 MPG.

what gears do you have? New ones also have 6spd rather than my 5spd...so probably a bit better highway mpg.

I'm jealous...you got the last year the beast is gonna be available!

Whats the mpg towing with this 8.1?I got a Dmax and what I tow all day it will get 11 mpg to 13 mph. I like to have some in put I thinking about trying one.
Thanks for your time....

I have had two Dmax's LB7 and LLY, and I have had two 8.1s. 2001 and 2006. I will say after owning both that for pure pulling power, the Dmax is better. But, for pure driving pleasure and also good pulling the 8.1 is the way to go. I love my 8.1. It is fun to drive, and will pull anything I need it to. I am bummed they killed it, but I am glad I got one more. I am going to keep this one for a while.

There is no way you made a bad deal, if you love the truck and bought it right, then it is a great deal. Enjoy the big block. I sure like mine.

I love my 8.1 and I am sure you will not to mention the Allison!

Dave I got the same truck in a CC in Nov. gets 10-11 in town, 13-14 hwy. My 6.0 that it replaced got 12 town 14 hwy, so no biggie. goes like a freight train. Non left in tri-state area here. With the 8.1 gone and the new EPA stupid particulate filter diesel only, the 8.1s are gonna be hot property very soon if they aren't already. be very happy ya got one. good luck with it.

what gears do you have? New ones also have 6spd rather than my 5spd...so probably a bit better highway mpg.

I'm jealous...you got the last year the beast is gonna be available!

You can still get the 8100 in the '07 Classic I believe.

Towing a 8000 lb travel trailer mileage averages 9 MPG.
12.5 MPG not towing.

You can still get the 8.1 if you don't mind moving up to a 4500.