Been out of the game a while....

[GMC]

I sold my 02 Chevrolet crew cab, 4x4, swb, duramax back in '03 and now I'm considering another one. The last few years I haven't stayed up on what all is going on and I'm wondering what the biggest concerns are regarding purchasing a diesel these days (other than diesel being more expensive than gasoline)... I'm reading about the low sulfur issue and I see that Dodge and Ford are both coming out with new engines.

I'm just wondering if maybe this isn't the best time to be considering going back to diesel due to so many changes occurring and changes that may be coming in the future....just trying to get caught back up on "what's up". Thanks..

[More Power]

People will still buy an '07 GM, Ford or Dodge diesel for the same reasons they did in '02. Mostly power & torque... Nothing beats the diesel for towing. The fuel economy advantage for the LLM diesel should also remain a plus (especially while towing), and the diesel engine option cost will provide a payback when you sell or trade a few years down the road.

I think by this time next year, not many people will be talking about ULSD.

However, those who are into big power and aftermarket performance might do well to stick with the earlier engines. It'll be harder to boost power in the newest LLM trucks, in part because emissions testing could become much more common than it is now.

Jim

[Mark Rinker]

I agree with what Jim said regarding the power and benefits of diesel ownership.

However, I think it is important to note that diesel trucks have dropped in resale value DRASTICALLY over the last 12 months. That is good if you are now shopping USED trucks, but don't expect a new truck purchase to hold its value the way it did in 2002-2003.

Example: I purchased a 2005 Crew Cab LLY LS package 15 months ago, rolled up a quick 75K miles and probably have it sold - the guy has it out for a test drive as we speak.

Purchase price: ~36K during sales promotion last summer.
Selling price today: ~24K.

If I were you, I'd look long and hard at purchasing a 2003 or 2004 LB7 used with under 50K miles for about 20K.

[GMC]

Thanks for the replies, Jim and Mark. I can tell you that I like to keep my trucks factory, so I won't be adding any aftermarket performance stuff... I have to ask, what are ya'll referring to when you say "LLM trucks", "LLY", and "LB7"?? I keep seeing those things and I'm clueless....

Mark, that's a real good point about the resale issue. I wasn't aware of that. I sold my '02 after a little over a year and about 15k for a few thousand less than I paid for it new. It was the best truck I've ever owned and the resale was fantastic. I really like the new body style, but sounds like it's more than worth it to get one with a few miles on it.

So, how is the ULSD going to affect the pre '07 model trucks? Are there other emission issues that are going to cause diesel ownership to be a pain? And even though I am 99.9% sure I wouldn't buy anything but a Chev/GMC, do we know anything about the new powerstroke and cummings? Are they coming out with those new engines strickly because of emissions issues?

[Mark Rinker]

Factory option codes for different versions of the 6.6L Duramax. If I recall correctly:

2001 - 2004.5 is the LB7 (300hp rating)
2004.5 - 2005 is the LLY
2006 is the LBZ (some early '06's got LLYs you have to check) (340hp rating)
2007 must be the LLM, not sure on this one.

Somebody jump in and correct me if I am wrong, or add details on power levels please.

[Petrella]

2001 - 2004.5 is the LB7 300HP 525 TQ
2004.5 - 2005 is the LLY 310HP 610 TQ
2006 and early 2007 is the LBZ 360HP 650 TQ
2007 is the LMM 365HP 660 TQ - New Emission Engine

Anthony