Help me choose 03 or 04.5 DMax

ixlr8 · 07-09-2008, 12:19 PM

Hi, I am looking for a 2500HD I have found 2, and I am hoping you folks can help guide me on which one to buy, maybe what to offer. Also is there something I should be looking out for?
VIN checks show both have had steering shafts replaced, the 03 had the 'lube kit' done at 14K miles and then the shaft changed at 29K miles.
The 03 has had the tailgate support cables replaced, it has also had the right mirror replaced at 12K miles and again at 14K miles. As best we can determine.. it still has the original injectors.
The 04.5 has had its instrument cluster replaced and misc trim pieces. The dealer also replaced the windshield before putting it on the lot... but nobody seems to know why and it is not in the VIN check records.

A) 03 GMC 2500HD SLE extended cab, long bed, 35K miles asking $26K. Has holes in bed for 5th wheel mount.

B) 04.5 Chevy 2500HD LS extended cab, long bed, 52K miles asking $27K. Has holes in bed for 5th wheel mount, sticker on side saying Banks powered... but no sign of anything in the truck, on the engine, that indicates anything Banks is presently installed. Front bumper cut for plow mount.

These are at a dealer... so I know the prices are high. The 04.5 has been on the lot for 4 months, salesman suggested I offer $22K for it. The 03 has only been there a few weeks.

TIA

ChevyDMax89 · 07-09-2008, 05:58 PM

I would probably have to suggest the '03. It has fewer miles, and is still way under the 200,000 mile injector warranty. I personally like the '03 body style and interior better anyway.

**Maverick684** · 07-09-2008, 11:18 PM

Well the 03' sounds like a better deal to me. Really the only difference between the two is the motor. The 04.5 has the LLY motor with the variable vane turbo and makes slightly more power than the 03' with the LB7 motor. I would offer them slightly over 20K, go from there and see what happens.

Supper · 07-10-2008, 08:35 AM

We had an 04.5, we still have the 03. The 04.5 was traded off after about a year due to it not running nearly as well as the 03. But, we like to leave the vehicles stock until most of the warranties are expired anyway, so take it for what its worth.

**TYREBOYZ_DEMAXIN** · 07-10-2008, 10:48 AM

do me a favor if possible,go on the vin and count the 8th didgit from passenger side to driverside and see if the 04 has a 1 or a 2 there the 03 will have a 1 which stands for the LB7 Duramax and 2 for the LLy Duramax..
i wouldn't giver over $20,000-$22,000 for either or.

ixlr8 · 07-10-2008, 10:53 AM

I already did a VIN check... that is why I was calling it a 04.5, as it has the LLY engine.

**TYREBOYZ_DEMAXIN** · 07-10-2008, 11:10 AM

i should have seen that..sorry about that..

gr8shot · 07-10-2008, 01:22 PM

I'd say go with the 03. If the 04.5 had banks stuff on it then there's a greater chance of the tranny not lasting as long as you'd like due to the added power. Plus having had a plow on it I'm sure that adds a lot of stress to the truck. Sounds like the 03 has had a slightly easier life than the LLY to me.

ixlr8 · 07-10-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8shot

I'd say go with the 03. If the 04.5 had banks stuff on it then there's a greater chance of the tranny not lasting as long as you'd like due to the added power. Plus having had a plow on it I'm sure that adds a lot of stress to the truck. Sounds like the 03 has had a slightly easier life than the LLY to me.

That is what I am thinking. The injector issue on the 03 is bugging me a little, but since I rarely put more than 5K miles on my trucks a year... I am betting I won't have to deal with that issue as long as I keep fuel filters changed. I spent some more time looking the trucks over today, have not test drove them yet... the 04.5 definitely looks like it has had a harder life. Based on input here so far, and what I have read in the different forums.. I am going to move the 03 to the top of my list. Dealer wants to move them bad enough he told me to take one home for a few days and see how it worked out for me. I need to get my Tacoma in for the rusted frame inspection before I can go any further... that happens on the 24th. Cross your fingers it is rusted... I will get more for it that way.

dura21 · 07-10-2008, 09:26 PM

03 sounds like a better deal to me