which year truck should I buy?

[jeff95]

I have a 95 2500 CTD and want to add another truck to my collection. I need a 2500 or 3500 4x4 crew cab auto long bed. I want the 3rd generation body style. So, do I go for an 03, 04, 04. 5? Most of the used trucks I see advertised I feel are overpriced. I have seen 03 with 30,000 miles listed for $33,000 or more. I can probably order an 05 with rebates and incentives for $2,000 more. I know the 98 12valve is the 2nd generation truck to have but, I don't have a clue about 3rd gen.

Please help,

Jeff

 

[gonzo2]

It doesn't really matter which year of a third gen you get as long as the deal is right. If you buy a truck built before 2004 (calender year, not model year) You should make sure you don't end up with a SO (Standard Output), all things being equal.

 

[klenger]

I agree. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the 3rd gens. You will hear some reports of poor milage on the 04. 5's. I personally feel that the milage on the 04. 5's is pretty close to the previous 3rd gen models. In any case, I have not heard of any 3rd gen models that had consistant problems.

 

[Guest]

Get the 04 305/555 w/o the stupid CAT on the exhaust, or an 04. 5 and hack the CAT as I will do... .

 

[DPelletier]

I agree with Gonzo and Ken. There were little if any "teething pains" in the 3rd gen release. I wouldn't shy away from any of them save an '03 or '04 SO.

 

[Bertram65]

Nothing wrong with the SO motor. If anything being it puts out less power it should last longer.

 

[Tony T.]

Originally posted by Bertram65

Nothing wrong with the SO motor. If anything being it puts out less power it should last longer.

I agree with Bertram, People seem to slam the SO, its still got plenty of power. If thats the case why not slam all the previous models for lack of HP. Each year the Big three play the HP game with people, I guess for bragging rights. I bought my truck most of all for the reliability of the Cummins engine, not how fast I can burn the tires off it.

 

[DPelletier]

Sorry to the SO guys.

I didn't mean to imply there was something wrong with your trucks. On the other hand, If I was looking for a 3rd gen truck now I would avoid the SO unless it was a heck of a deal. For me the SO doesn't have enough power stock, to haul my load uphill at a rate of speed I find satisfactory (I know, my last truck was an SO). AND I want the warranty intact. No bombing for now. Fact is the SO equipped trucks and the 47RE and 5 spd equipped trucks will be worth less than thier HO/600/48RE/NV5600 counterparts. Its not my opinion, its a fact.

Again, I apologize if I sounded like I said the SO was no good.





Dave

 

[Bertram65]

I understand what you are saying, I just did not want anyone to get the impression the SO was not as good as the HO. The SO is fine for what I use the truck for. Also not all SOs have the 47RE, mine has a 48RE, there are no HOs with 47REs. SOs came with both, those built after 1/03 have the 48.

 

[KBennett]

The 3rd Gens are really nice trucks.

I had an SO with the automatic for 3 months and did not care for it. The only thing I liked about it was not having to shift while talking on my cell phone, eating a donut, and sipping my favorite beverage



If you have the opportunity to try out the SO and HO models with manual and auto before making a purchase go for it. My HO definitely pulls my 5000 pound trailer better but I think the mileage was a little better in the SO on the highway.

 

[KD7GYJ]

If you get an 04. 5 you will get the rebates, if you wait for 05, you may have to wait a while to get the rebates. It's your call.

 

[gonzo2]

Not that there's anything wrong with that!

 

[jsimpson]

03

 

[GCross]

Originally posted by loganHill02

Get the 04 305/555 w/o the stupid CAT on the exhaust, or an 04. 5 and hack the CAT as I will do... .

The CAT on the 04. 5 has very low back pressure and does not cause much (if any) power degradation. The lower MPG may have to do with the third fuel squirt, which along with some very sophisticated software, saved us from EGR.



-George-

 

[JLehman]

I had an o3 for acouple of months then cheanged for 04. Hard to compare old had slt intieor new leather 410s vrs 373 47re vrs 48 re no probs with either!! 04 very nice, 16 city 23 highway better than 04. 5 from what ive been readin. dont think u can go wrong with anyof them. just find the one that suits u best!!