Get '04.5 Now or Wait for ordered '05?

[wheeler]

Love my '03 2500HD D/A but just got heavier fifth wheel and need added payload capacity now. I see a few remaining 2004.5 3500s in nearby stealer inventory. Would you pick up 2004 now at good price or wait for ordered 05 delivery in September?

Much speculation as to changed appearance for '05, that is not important to me. Just looking at performance and published towing capacities. The only functional changes I've heard about are upgrades to the brakes and late year availability of a sunroof option.

Same LLY engine into 2005, right?!? Does anyone imagine the 2005 3500 HP/torque or payload numbers to be different from current 2004.5 numbers, ie, 11,400 GVWR and 23,500 GCWR? Thanks! --wheeler

[More Power]

The '05 models are reported to receive a bump in power. As it was related me "we'll be all smiles."

Expect the power to be above Ford & Dodge - unless they get wind of the exact power increase numbers & then backdoor another increase to steal GM's thunder.

MP

[wheeler]

Down to wire, I have the brand new (7 miles on it) 2004 3500LT downstairs tonight, seeing how a dooley fits in my garage (barely but doable.) I didn't buy it yet. It's on loan from my local dealer. Will decide tomorrow whether or not to buy the truck.

I plan to do exhaust mods and new LLY Juice when available-- and the promise of "more power" from GM doesn't seem critical to me.

I would prefer to stay within the manufacturer's published GVWR and GCWR numbers, as close as possible, as I will be towing a 5er at and slightly beyond today's numbers. So for an '05 I'd be waiting a few months and spending more for a vehicle just to see if/when the General changes the numbers...

The '05 Ford numbers are already announced, w/ GVWR of 13000 and GCWR of 23500-- so, you guys who watch these things, is it very likely GM will follow suit and raise the GVWR/GCWR numbers from 11,400 and 23,500 for 2005?

Hmmmmm. Ideas? Thanks. --wheeler

[Chevy2DMAX]

The current rebates are kind of hard to resist. I got a new LT 4x4 LLY for $38.5. I doubt you will be able to get into a 05' anywhere close to that.

[wheeler]

Yep. Took $4K rebate and bought '04 3500LT 4x4 w/ seven miles on it two days ago. --wheeler