http://www.coverthutto.com/Used-2005-Chevrolet-Silverado-2500HD-LT-4X4-CRW----Round-Rock-TX/vd/27421052I just bought my wife a new car two weeks ago and saw this truck on the used car lot. For some reason I keep thinking about it. I currently tow a 8K travel trailer with a 2000 Ford Excursion V10, but have always wanted a true truck for multiple reasons. I have never owned a diesel, but I do know that some Duramax motors are more desirable than others. Anyone have an opinion or random thoughts about this year and model? Thanks for any response and I apologize if I am beating a dead horse in regards to the topic.

2005 will have an LLY engine in it. They are a good engine overall but a few, and I do mean just a few were over heaters.I would pick this engine over the years before because those had very expensive injector issues.The LLY is an easy fix even if it is an over heater.Seems like just a fair price. Quite a few miles though. Be sure to find out what kind of maintenance it had.

phone man wrote:http://www.coverthutto.com/Used-2005-Chevrolet-Silverado-2500HD-LT-4X4-CRW----Round-Rock-TX/vd/27421052165,000 miles is getting up there. The D'max is a 500,000 mile engine, but the rest of the truck will be wearing out.Also, the 2005 will be a 5-speed Alison, rather than the six speed of later years.And to Turtle and Peeps - thanks for you the matter of fact comment on the LLY. There are others on this Forum who think ALL LLYs will overheat. The "Official" number (those that had the service fix done) was less than 1%. That includes mine, which, while it never really overheated, used to kick on the auxiliary fan more than I liked.The GM fix was simply to install the 2006 LBZ air-cleaner that draws cool air from under the fender, instead of hot air from behind the radiator. I've never heard the aux fan since I had mine done.Not sure what rocket scientist thought hot intake air was a "good idea"

phone man wrote:http://www.coverthutto.com/Used-2005-Chevrolet-Silverado-2500HD-LT-4X4-CRW----Round-Rock-TX/vd/27421052I just bought my wife a new car two weeks ago and saw this truck on the used car lot. For some reason I keep thinking about it. I currently tow a 8K travel trailer with a 2000 Ford Excursion V10, but have always wanted a true truck for multiple reasons. I have never owned a diesel, but I do know that some Duramax motors are more desirable than others. Anyone have an opinion or random thoughts about this year and model? Thanks for any response and I apologize if I am beating a dead horse in regards to the topic.Just sent you a PM.

I have an 03 that I bought new in 02. 132,000 and motor runs great as does the trans. Have an Edge tuner on it I run mostly in level 1 for 40-60 hp more which the one your looking at probably has stock. Friend of mine went through two Fords and is now on a Dodge since I bought mine. The mid year Fords are the ones to look out for.Learned my lesson to check the serpentine idler pulleys a couple times a year. Do that when/if you buy It.

Thanks for all the replies so far. I've looked at a lot of used trucks in that price range in my area and the diesels and gassers all seem to have 150K+. I guess people in Texas drive the hell out of them. What caught my eye on this one is it is very clean and it seemed odd the previous owner just put brand new tires on it. I mean you can still smell the new rubber smell on them.

Just seeking opinions on a used Duramax | Good Sam Community

Tystevens
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
48ford wrote:
Opinions are like belly buttons......everybody has one. This is mine.:)

Some have problems, some don't
I believe the 2005 Duramax is one of the best used trucks out there.

I would agree with this. An '05 Duramax would be my choice out of the other available options for that year. Great powertrain, and should be a decent truck.

That said, a 10 yr old truck could have any number of problems. While the engine and transmission can last a very long time, other parts of the truck are not as robust. Injectors can become an issue at that age. Check the transfer case for the 'pump rub' issue that is quite common on these trucks.

Good luck!
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
ktmrfs wrote:
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.

^^^^^ This.

I have a 6 speed LBZ and I have driven a 5 speed LB7. Both are great trucks and I would have either. Solo, sure it makes a bit of a difference but towing, naaa.

Now a 4 speed to a 5 speed is a whole different kettle of fish. I would have a Goat in my garage instead of a Bow Tie if it wasn't for the 4 speed in the Goat at the time.
48ford
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
Opinions are like belly buttons......everybody has one. This is mine.:)

Some have problems, some don't
I believe the 2005 Duramax is one of the best used trucks out there.

05 GMC LLY 2500HD
93000 miles
Never overheated
#2 and #7 injector harness rub through repair
RR axle seal replaced
CD/radio replaced
Rims refinished
Right side body molding replaced
All repairs done under warranty
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2015
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.
kaydeejay
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
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.
On my '05 I don't miss the 6-speed when towing. 2000 rpms at 62mph in 5th (O/D) works for me.
But I DO miss the extra O/D when NOT towing. Engine is turning 2400 rpms at 75 mph.
Manual shift IS available via O/D lockout and manual gear selection with the shift lever, but not as convenient as the paddles.
IdaD
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
I'd have a hard time spening that much for a truck with that many miles, but maybe that's just me. I wanted a diesel but I couldn't find one for a price I thought was worth it relative to just buying new (other than a 6.0/6.4 Ford, which I didn't want to deal with).
trail-explorer
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
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.
bgum
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
Some 05s had temp problems. Get you an 06 LBZ motor bullet proof.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2015
our 04.5 LLY turned 125Kmiles and now our son has it. only non normal maint cost was two front wheel bearing assemblies. still tight as new, not rattles, no squeaks.

Compared to our new 2015 Denali, yes the 15 is quiter, nicer riding etc. but power wise, there really isn't as big a difference as you might think. 6 speed does help on mileage when empty but not when towing best I can tell.

we towed 10K + lbs all over the west in some pretty hot weather. never got hot, although you know it when the fan kicks in. More than I'd have liked it to, but never came close to overheating. I suppose if you stuffed your foot into it to see how fast above the speed limit you could pull a long steep grade it might overheat, but not at reasonable speeds or loads.

allison is a sweet transmission, easy to change fluid on, grade brake is nice.
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Jun 12, 2015
I feel our 05 3500 duramax is as good as new because it runs and drives like it is. 72K miles No need for a 6 speed as I see it. No need for an exhaust brake or a programmer.

chevman