2016 Duramax vs 2002 Duramax Mashup

travelnutz wrote:
transamz9,

We drove 2 brands of new loaded diesel pickups in 2013, 2 in 2014, and all 3 in 2015 so we sure do know what they are like and didn't find them that impressive at all. What you don't know is that when our ordered 2004.5 Chevy CC LB 4X4 truck came in, I had it immediately Ziebart rust proofed and then soundproof coated over the Ziebart coating in Spring Lake, Michigan. Then had the firewall and the underside of the hood metal both undercoated and soundproofed since Ziebart wouldn't do it. Also had the same on the "A" pillar door side. A liability issue is what they said at Ziebart and they couldn't do it, Corporate policy! Absolutely no engine sound inside the cab of our 2004.5 from approx 30 MPH on up and a lot quieter than our gas trucks or the SUV's. Most people won't spend the extra $$$ to have their new vehicle properly rust protected and soundproofed but I do and will!

Always get top dollar when trading in or feel good when selling ourselves. To a family member as they often want them and that's what we mostly do and they last with no rust. We live in Michigan where they salt the roads and the 1993 Chevy 2500 ext cab LB 4X4 truck we sold to an asparagus farmer friend now has nearly 400K on it and still NO rust! 23 years old now. Speaks for itself!

The 2015 diesel GM was just little quieter than our 2004.5 D/A but certainly not worth spending an extra $50,000+ when our 12 year old truck does everything we need or have asked it to do and is extremely comfortable to drive and still looks new inside and out. No dents or other blemishes either. The 2015 Ram Cummins was considerably louder noise level inside at from idle to even 70 MPH than our 2004.5. Also, the Ram rode hard and jolty and felt every road joint, bump, or tar strip so much more compared to either the Ford or GM or our truck. Wife is disabled and she said NEVER to the Ram I sure agreed!!!

Our pickups are only used for RV'ing because we have other SUV's and vehicles for daily use or towing one of our boats to a launching ramp when home etc. One of the boats usually goes with us when the Lance TC is on the truck and you can double tow in Michigan so a boat often is behind the 5th wheel too.

Money isn't an issue for us but throwing it away for not a very good reason is! We always buy cash and have for nearly 50 years now because we collect interest, not pay interest, and won't! Money in the bank, Frank!

I understand what you are saying believe me. I also understand that you spent a lot extra to get your old truck to be almost as quite as the 2015 you drove. Do the same thing to the new truck and then go hook to a load. My FIL had a 2003 Chevy D-max so I know your old truck. You can say it does what you need but so could an ole 80's model in good shape. To each their own I guess.