[JMann2380]

Hello all,

I am having a hard time deciding which way to go. I have found a couple used 03/04 LB7's, extended cab 4x4 loaded with leather, ~50,000 miles for $25,000. However I can get GMS pricing and get the same 07 for $37,000.

What would you guys do?
How used is an LB7 with 50,000 miles?
How reliable will the LB7 be since there is no warranty?
What are the stock LB7 hp/tq. numbers?
What will it take to get an LB7 to run with the LBZ?

Obviously the advantage of the LBZ is the warranty and higher hp/tq numbers. I am afraid if I get the LBZ I am going to mod it and the warranty won't matter any ways.

One last question, with a tuner, exhaust, intake does the LBZ have more power potential than the LB7?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[smoking]

I will never buy a used truck with a diesel in it. Repair cost will kill you..

 

[VFRRider]

Hello all,

I am having a hard time deciding which way to go. I have found a couple used 03/04 LB7's, extended cab 4x4 loaded with leather, ~50,000 miles for $25,000. However I can get GMS pricing and get the same 07 for $37,000.

I guess the question is what can you get for $12,000

What would you guys do?
I'd buy the 03 and bomb it.
How used is an LB7 with 50,000 miles?
Could be like new, could be a piece of crap, depends on the owner and upkeep.
How reliable will the LB7 be since there is no warranty?
See above reply.
What are the stock LB7 hp/tq. numbers?
250 rwhp and whatever for tq.
What will it take to get an LB7 to run with the LBZ?
One 100hp tuner of your choice, quadzilla, predator, edge, use a 100hp or below setting to save the trans and own any LBZ.

Obviously the advantage of the LBZ is the warranty and higher hp/tq numbers. True. I am afraid if I get the LBZ I am going to mod it and the warranty won't matter any ways. True again.

One last question, with a tuner, exhaust, intake does the LBZ have more power potential than the LB7? Doesn't matter unless you plan on doing the trans. Once the trans is done the sky is the limit, until then, your only looking at an extra 100 hp or so before the trans gets hurt. If your looking a tearing into the motor and doing an unlimited bomb, the LBZ block is your better bet. If your looking at doing a tuner, intake (waste), and exhaust (do the trans too), then 12K can buy a whole bunch of goodies.

Thanks,
Josh

My .02

 

[KEVINL]

I will never buy a used truck with a diesel in it. Repair cost will kill you..

that bs I bought mine at 93,000 miles and now have 120,000 the only thing I had to do besides maintenance is replace the 4wd switch $100 in repair cost over 27,000 miles

 

[Grit dog]

Using 200k miles as a baseline life of the truck before encountering major repairs, the LB7 is only 25% used up and 33% less cost. This is an even greater spread if you think the major components will last longer, many do.
LB7 is about equal to LBZ power wise w/ an Edge on level 2, 60hp setting. Levels 3,4,5 and 6 are more hp/tq.
If you're modding and will void your drivetrain warranty, then makes sense to buy the cheaper truck, not paying for the warranty.
I think you could do a little better price wise on both trucks. LB7 ext cab, 50k miles, assuming excellent shape, $23k-$24k. New ext cab, $34k-$35k
If you're not keeping the truck for a long time, the used one will have a lower % of depreciation.
6th gear drives real nice on the new trucks when you're pounding down the highway all day. If you're towing real heavy, or don't make alot of road trips, 6th gear will be of less importance to you, seeing as the fuel mileage difference is not significant between the 2.

 

[JMann2380]

Thanks for the replies so far. With the rebates right now a $44,000 new lbz is $37,000, that is gms, I don't think I can get to $10K off of sticker with $1250 in rebates. If the rebates were up around $3000-$5000 like the 06's I would probably go new LBZ for sure. I might even hold out for a few months to see if this happens when the LMM hits the lots.

The LBZ is about the upper end of what I could afford, If I went used LB7 I would have some money to do mods, probably even get the tranny built and run an aggressive tune.

What kinda numbers are you talking with the Edge on an LB7, level 6? If it blows away an LBZ with a 100hp tune then I would lean towards that, if not probably go new LBZ.

I guess it comes down to which I would be happier with:

LB7: Built tranny, aggressive tune, wheels and tires, less reliable and no warranty.

LBZ: Stock, reliable with a warranty.

 

[Kennedy]

With the used one, be certain you know the history and that it wasn't abused.

 

[Grit dog]

With the used one, be certain you know the history and that it wasn't abused.

What he said!
Look at edge products website. They have crankshaft #'s. I believe level6 (Hot unlock) is 150hp and 300 or 320 tq.
I don't know how that compares to a LBZ w/ a 100hp tune, similar, I'd imagine.
What I can say is w/ my otherwise stock LB7, Edge on 5/5, that truck will run right next to a new Mustang GT w/ mods (no spray, blower, or internal work, just a big list of bolt ons).

 

[DMAXBOB]

07 has a 6 speed auto, newer front end, and its going to be in top notch shape. Does it need new tires, how is the idler/pitman arms, 50k miles on wheel bearings and ball joints etc. And you will be able to get a better intrest rate on the 07. Plus there is nothing like being the first one to use and abuse it. I myself don't like sloppy seconds.

DMAXBOB

 

[DuramaXXXin]

I have a LB7 and love it no problems other than a few codes that EFI took care of. If I had the chance I would definitely buy the LBZ that's a awesome price your getting it for plus warranty and being the only owner. But if you buy the LB7 do a complete inspection, would be nice if you had a Tech II with you to run a few test before you make the purchase.

 

[smoking]

Hum. I got a 2004.5 with 77000 mile on it and I tow all the time with it. i will trade at 100,000

 

[Wrecker]

I also wrestled with the same issue, S plan buyer also. I went with a new 06 in November. Glad I did. The warranty and six speed, I'm going with a programmer so I can put it back to stock for warranty issues. I got to break it in and I know the Ally hasn't limped ever, yet...

 

[Allen Ragsdale]

I bought my '02 with 94000 miles on it. I bought an extended warranty through my credit union. It is Mercury Insurance. I have used it, new trans (misdiagnosed by dealership) which it did not need, new axle seals and new injector pump. All with zero deductible. It was a 24/24 coverage and cost an extra $1100 on my loan. Well worth it to me.

 

[maxy]

For $12.000 more a warranty and a new truck.3/36 and 100.000 on drivetrain.
Peace of mind,So just go ahead and buy an 07 like you want to and no worrys.
Just my opinion.

 

[srode]

The LBZ would definitely be nicer, but the real question is what can you afford? The LB7 is a very nice truck too, if it's been taken care of, and $12,000 dollars isn't chump change for most people.

 

[1TFROT]

I recently bought an '02 LB7 and love it. it had 98K on it (couple weeks ago when I bought it) and it drives great. it needed new tires so I took care of that. the balljoints, idler and pitman are in great shape as well.

the truck is spotless and was used to tow (has a hitch) and I'm guessing they plowed with it a little since the tow hooks are gone (probably to make room for plow stuff).

it's a fully loaded LT xcab. so far Im glad I bought it instead of going into serious dept for a new one

good luck either way!

 

['03duramax]

personally, I'd rather spend $25k on the LB7, then just spending another $6k on it, you'll have Dmax with built tranny, and a mean tune that could blow away alot of things. I just can't stand anything stock, I think LBZs are great, but you'd be into it well over $40k to have a quick reliable one....

 

[Tolliwacker]

I agree with 1TFROT, I went used, and it has proven to be a good money saver, I had to do the T-case pump upgrade, but I am a Mechanic so it only cost me the pump housing, and case half.

You can do ALOT for 12 Grand, I got mine for 17K last August, and if it needed injectors, it is covered till 200K and anything else, I can pretty much take care of.

And it feels good to hold the title instead of dropping the 17K as a down and having the payment loom, I can fix ALOT for those payments.

 

[JMann2380]

Wow 17K, how many miles?

I think right now with the rebates being only $1250 I would have to go used, there is just too much of a price difference. However if the rebates climb to $3500 or more and the price of the truck get closer to $30 or $32K, I would have to buy a new LBZ.

 

[StrokerSmoker24]

i would go with the lb7. I bought mine used with 70k on it for only $15k. Have had zero problems with it.

plus with the extra cash you can do alot and make the truck extremely reliable. you could upgrade tranny, tuner, rims/tires and still have extra cash.
yeah the lbz has the warranty but for how long? doesnt take anything to void a warranty. plus the lb7 still has warranty, 200k/ 7 years on injectors.
if you go with the lb7 do a vin check and make sure you know the history of it.
if you dont want the hassle and just want a dmax without having to worry about anything then the lbz is for you.
i love my lb7 and wont be saying bye to it until it blows up!