I was curious what those "in the know" think about a good low mileage LB7 vs the new (2005) LLY. I will not be doing much towing, just a 20 or 24 foot cattle trailer and some hay on a fifth wheel. I am sure that either will do the job, but my payments would be about the same (48 month vs 60 month on the new). I would probably only plan on keeping it for a couple of years unless I absolutely fell in love with it.

Thanks again for the help.

EKU, I don't own either of those trucks but, my new car experience has been less then great, cars lose their value way too fast. I think for the price, you could find a really nice, low mileage LB7. I am always watching my bottom dollar and believe that the LB7 is just as nice as the LLY less the injectors on the outside. Anyway, I have driven many LB7 (dads and friends) and think it get the job done just fine. For 10K to 15k less you could get just as nice of a truck. I'd go used.


My .02 cents.

LB7 w/ federal emissions. The gamble is getting one that hasn't been thrashed. On the other hand, some of the money you save by buying used could be applied towards a suncoast, and then you can thrash it all you want.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif


That said, I'll soon be adding an '05 LLY to my little fleet. Tough to find a low mileage cab and chassis for that 60" ca...


I wish I never got rid of my '01... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


Ty

Performance wise, the LB7. Although the LLY is good also, the emission stuff that is now showing is somewhat similiar to when the gassers in the 70s were getting hook up to the emission equipment. Engine performance went down. That's one thing I notice when I test drove both the 2004 LB7 and the 2004.5 LLY. The LB7 seem to have more ooomph than the LLY. Kinda weird when the LLY is rated higher than the LB7.

Several folks have reported overheating problems with the LLY when towing. Sounds like you will be towing heavy loads on occasion, so you might want to check out this thread (it is a long one):

http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11513&PN=1&TPN=1

The fuel injectors on the LB7 are more time consuming to change if there is a failure and fuel can run into the crank case on the LB7 when there is a failure.

The LLY has a cat and an EGR valve. The Federal LB7 does not.

The LB7 appears to get better fuel milage.

GM redesigned the A/C for 2003 on up, and it was not for the better. There is a new TSB to replace the accumulator, but reports have been mixed so far on the success of the fix. This is an issue for both engines.

If the towing thing is not an issue, I would go for the best deal. Also, I think you might have a hard time finding a 2005 on the lot right now, and rebates are limited on new vehicles this time of year.

I like my 2004 LB7 and I never intended on buying a new truck since it's use would be limited. But here in IL used D-Max's are; one hard to find, two when you find one they are high mileage, and three damned expensive. . . .


In my searches the used ones where MORE expensive than a brand new one, with all the rebates and incentives, must be careful and look at the entire package.


Most used trucks 1-3 years old all teetered around the $35,000 mark. I bought my truck for $36,505 TOTAL out the door . . . Ext Cab, Short Bed, 4x4 LS, alloy wheels, Tow package, cold front, cloth, CD Cassette, power extend mirrors . . . In the end I actually paid LESS for the brand new truck over a used one.


My experience in IL, D-Max's do not appreciate very fast.