2500HD Engine and General Questions

[Brennank]

Hey there. Great site here, I am bummed I haven't been on here until now.

I currently have a 2003 Suburban Z71 with the 5.3l, I am planning on adding a 2004.5-2005 used Silverado 2500HD Crewcab to my fleet.
I have a few questions regarding the engine options in that year, and I am looking for some real world advice and numbers.

I am debating between the 6.0 and the 6.6 diesel.

I would like to know what you guys are getting as far a fuel economy in these trucks when unloaded and stock? I don't want to hear all the duramax guys telling me how their mods helped, I want some stock highway/city numbers.

I am also new to diesel, so I am cautious of how much more general maintenance and repair costs will be for the diesel over the gasoline engines. What are some typical numbers for routine maintenance of these two engines? What kind of milage can I get from these before more major maintenance is needed? When do I need to replace injectors in the duramax?

What are the know problems with the 6.0 and 6.6? I am only looking at the LLY diesel.

For these trucks, what would you consider a good milage to buy. I am looking to spend around $19,000. I understand the diesel will be higher then the gas, but what would be a good milage for that price point considering I am getting a well loaded truck. (LT)

Thanks for all the help. I look forward to using the site.
Brennan

[TRPLXL2]

I have an 05' silverado 2500HD that I absolutely love, 6.0 with automatic 2 wheel drive completely stock. I get 14mpg no matter what, I know there are some guys on here that say they get 19mpg with this truck and there full of it. Unless you drive 45mph on the highway you'll never get it, that motor is meant to run!! I have never had a diesel though, hopefully one of the guys will chime in.

[Brennank]

Thanks for the information. Do you have a 6 speed trans or some thing? I have the 5.3l and I am getting very close to that. I don't know how much of a difference 4x4 will make over 4x2 though. I am wondering what the Duramax guys will say.

[dsfloyd]

I have the 6.0 in a 4 wheel drive and average about 12 mpg can occasionaly get 13 if I drive 55-60 (before and after lift). engines been good, but diesel should get you better mileage.

[Metaluzc]

'03 2500HD 6.0L, I love the engine. Gas mileage is around the 12mpg mark if I don't get on it. More than enough power stock and it handles mods really well. I am in PA and I bought my truck a little over three years ago from a local dealership; paid $11,995, had under 65k miles and in really good condition. Personally, I wouldn't pay over $10,000 for a vehicle with 100k+ miles but I have seen places asking that kind of money.

[ntbush83]

I've got the 6.0 in my 2500 and I only get about 10 to 11 mpg's on a good day and mines only a regular cab. I wish I got about 14!

[ChevyHD]

My 02 6.0 gets roughly 12 or so and even when Im towing a 10,000+ lbs load, i get about 10. I like my truck, but my next truck will be diesel. Wasn't justifiable for me to get one before college. Its a lot about opinion though. If its justifiable for you to buy a diesel because your actually going to use it for towing and work, I say go for it. The LLY is one of my favorite engines made. They came out witht the variable geometry turbo that year as well as cold start managment. I would say you could get over 15 mpg with her even towing, if you drive normal and not hot roddin' around. Usually with duramax, i hear around 100,000 miles are so, its good to get the injectors replaced because they are starting to go bad. Its not a cheap thing to do either but once its done, you shouldn't have to worry about it again for a long time. The dmax/allison combo will run forever if you take care of it. An added maintenance with diesel is changing fuel filters. Like I said, Ive never owned a duramax so im just going off what Ive learned through research so it would be best for a dmax owner to tell you prices for maintenance and the kind of mileage they get but I was bored at work and just wanted to talk diesel so hope this helps!

[silveradotrailblazer]

Welcome to the club, Brennan. Diesels do get better mpg's, but they are alot harder/money to get worked on.

[paracutin]

My 2004 2500HD Crew Cab LT 4x4 6.0L averages 11.5mpg city and 12.5mpg highway with no load.
Pulling my 24' pontoon (only 4500lb but pulls like it is much heavier because it has so much drag) I get about 8.0mpg.
I bought it in October of 2008 with 28k on it. I paid about $19.5k. With only 67k on it now it still books at $16.5k. Not too shabby!
I had an 2004 F250 Crew Cab Lariat 4x4 with the 5.4L (largest ford gas v8 available in 04). The 2004 2500HD is a MUCH better truck! IMHO is beats the ford in every category.

[silverhobey]

wish I could add a 2500HD to my small fleet......I personally would go gas ....diesel is a little noisier in our small subdivision.
I know people who also have gotten 'close - to - stuck' for diesel when out touring or away on holidyas....good luck to which-ever
you decide on. Brian from Canada