Just seeking opinions on a used Duramax

trail-explorer wrote:
Those that have a 5 speed say there's no need for a 6 speed - probably because they haven't towed with a 6 speed. Those with a 6 Speed say they would never want the 5 speed.

The 6 speed also gets you manual shift capabilities, which as far as I'm concerned is a must have item for towing heavy.

06 and newer have the 6 speed Allison, which has manual shift mode, via a button on the shift lever, which works once you drop the lever to "M" mode.

I have an 2015 with the 6 speed, and had a 04.5 with the 5 speed towed for 100K miles with it. Personally, when towing either is fine. 5 speed has manual shift capabilities, just need to use the shift lever, 6 speed just goes to a tap shift.

In 95+% of the time, using tow/haul does fine. In fact, I actually in prefer the 5 speed overdrive lockout vs. the 6 speed tapshift. to drop out of 5th to 4th, just push the tow/haul button and hold it and it drops out of overdrive. Push again and back to overdrive.

No such thing on the 6 speed. you have to move the shift lever from drive down to M and then tap to 5, 4 or whatever.

If your looking for a used duramax, IMHO don't make the 5 or 6 speed a decision changer, either is fine.

6 speed does have a advantage if you do a lot of unloaded highway driving with the extra gear.