New member; about to buy; your thoughts, please...??

ArmyAviator · 01-02-2008, 07:50 PM

First time here; really enjoyed looking at posts. A trusted friend and fellow helo driver asked if I'd be interested in his 2001 GMC Duramax; 3500; dually; 4x4 crewcab; white. It has 51K miles; he bought it new; never pulled a trailer; only slide in camper. Impeccable maintenance history; even still smells new.

I can drive it home for $18K; 6 tires BRAND new. Price to me is sig below wholesale; so the issue? First time in diesels, fellas. And I've read some horror stories about the injector problems with these early Duramaxes.

Thoughts please?

And, as you do, would you please tell me how you might continue to care for it; he uses Shell Rotella....continue? As I said, first time in diesel; but my other GMCs have 180K + each; Mobil 1 and meticulous care.

Best regards,

--Bryant

diesel bombers · 01-02-2008, 07:54 PM

That seems a little high but the mileage is real low for an 01. Probably a decent buy, try to squeeze 1500 out of him.

**Rollin Smoke Diesel** · 01-02-2008, 08:05 PM

Great mileage for 2001. I don't think the price is bad at all for all that truck. I would not let the injector issue bother me. Do you plan on keeping it stock or bombing the heck out of it? From what I understand and not speaking for all Duramax engines, mods dont help the injector issues.

As far as maintenance, dont hesitate to change brands of oil.

Heck my '94 GMC Sierra has over 214k on it and still running strong.

ArmyAviator · 01-02-2008, 08:09 PM

Thanks, fellas. Rollin Smoke...I will keep it stock; not much to tach'ing anything up; regarding oil, would you change? I know in gas burner GMs, Mobil 1 can be quite a good thing. What bout diesels? Thanks for the injector issue vote of "courage".

--Bryant

**Rollin Smoke Diesel** · 01-02-2008, 08:25 PM

I've ran Shell Rotella T in my diesels and never had any problems. Mobil 1 or Delco are good choices as well. If you prefer Mobil 1 over the other brands go for it.

Best of luck on your decision!

ArmyAviator · 01-02-2008, 08:39 PM

Thanks, Rollin'...I'll "keep you posted."

DangerousDuramax · 01-02-2008, 09:08 PM

I run Amsoil and get 22K between changes. I do an oil analysis every 8K and then at 22K

**Tow Master** · 01-02-2008, 11:18 PM

Wow thats one hell of a deal! Id grab it before he chabges his mind. some of the problems with the early duramax is Injectors. However, in 01 the raised the injector warranty from 100,000 miles to 200,000 do your good there..

So with 51,000 the truck is just barely broken in! Rotella is a great oil and definatly worth using if you get the truck.

The basics for the dmax. Change the oil every 5,000 miles and fuel filter every 10,000. If he has a automatic allison trans change that spin on filter every 20,000. Check his maintenance. If he hasnt replaced the rear end fluid or differentiasl fluid check it out as well.

As always.. Welcome to the site!

**TYREBOYZ_DEMAXIN** · 01-03-2008, 11:02 AM

welcome to the site,thats a heck of a deal in my book.i ran the Rotella and then switch to the Mobile 1 and i liked it better then the Rotella and then i switch to the Amsoil and i will say it doesn't get better then the Amsoil.

66diesel · 02-03-2008, 06:35 PM

I would go for it if you are definitely interested. as for injectors I have a 2001 duramax with just over 100k on it and no issues so far. even with my mods!