Buying budget/used TV with high mileage...

mrad wrote:

memilanuk wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
For your budget and mechanical aptitude (assumed), I’d find the lowest mile, best kept V10 Ford or 6.0 Chevy gasser you can get.

Noted. I don't disagree. I *could* work on them; I just have zero interest, and probably lack the tools anymore to do more than the very basics.

I may have stumbled across a 'deal' on an '02 GMC 2500 with the 8.1l gas engine & Allison transmission. Mileage seems okay - 160k - high probability of proper maintenance, etc. Kinda thinking this might be a good bet, or at least worth looking into.

Thoughts?

This is coming from a guy who bought an v10 excursion with 4.30 gearing 7 years ago. I also figured 5-7,000 miles per year. I ended up putting more than the 5000 per year due to kids getting drivers licenses and needing a vehicle to run to twon with . We have put on roughly 70,000 miles and teh only maintenance I have had is a fuel pump and brakes. I hear nothing but good things about the combo you are looking at. You might want to make sure it has the 4.10 gearing if you think you may go with a tt over 10,000 lbs. My v10 pulls 10,500-11,000 quite well. could hold 50 mph on Colorados steepest inclines. I would think the 8.1 with 4.10 would do the same. You'll get 6.5-8.5 mpg towing, but with only 5,000 towing miles a year, it probably isn't worth the price jump to a diesel to get 10-11mpg.

I had a 01 with the 8.1 and Allison 5 speed combo until 2 years ago, great tow vehicle, just don't expect great fuel mileage. Also if the previous owner has not replaced the ball joints then they will need it soon. Also the 8.1 engine is known as an oil eater, so stay on top of the oil, it's something to do with the intake manifold, there is a fix but not required.

My current diesel gets 10 mpg with 10k plus behind it, my 8.1 got 8 on a very good day with a similar load. I ran the numbers and it got .5mpg at WOT at 115 mph, don't ask. Just know it's a great gas engine.