I am looking at a 03 crewcab GMC duramax loaded. It has 270,000 miles and it just had 8 new injectors put in. Runs and looks great!! few cosmetic issues but I can get truck for 11,500. I feel this is a good price. Any thoughts ???? it is 4x4

Well, when I first read your post, I saw "2003." I was going to warn you about the injectors, until I read on with your post. 270,000 miles for an '03??? I would try to find something better. Yeah, on the old diesels that don't have the DPF systems that actually accelerate polutants within the crank case, you don't have to worry much. But that 270,000 mile thing is still high for the price. I'd try to get it for under $7,500 if it were me. Otherwise, I'd search for a newer model with less miles and bit higher in price. Again, that's just me. Does the seller have the actual mechanic's receipt indicating the mileage on the truck at the time the injectors were replaced? Many of the '03, 04 and '05 Duramax's had to have the injectors replaced at around 100,000 miles. If that's the case, the existing injectors already have 170,000 on them. I'm not sure, but did GM replace those faulty injectors with the exact same ones, or were they new and improved injectors, thus eliminating the original problem to begin with? How's the transmission? Without actually taking it to a mechanic that specializes in '03 GM trannys (don't recall if that's an Allison that year), I'd be really leary. Also, hows the water pump and coolant system for that matter? I'd want the core scoped too if it were me. I'd also have the axle looked at, although that's pretty bullet proof. What was the truck used for primarily? Towing??? Does the seller have all his receipts for all the routine oil changes? I doubt it, but it doesn't hurt to ask. These are just questions you have to find the answers to when buying a vehicle with so many miles on it already. Yes, diesels tend to live longer lives in terms of mileage, but I'd still be questioning EVERYTHING. You gotta ask yourself, how long do you want to own this truck?

Older, high-mileage vehicles can be a great value as long as you've got the cash on hand if a transmission goes south or a rear end gives up the ghost, etc.If you're in that position & it's in great shape other than cosmetics I say go for it; the GM/DMax/Allison trucks have unquestionably proven themselves.

I would have to agree with Adam-12 and I do think the price is high.

Mine is a 2001 Duramax, I don't think a price of $11,500 is high at all, JMHO.

Mark from reading your prior post, I get the feeling you are very mechanically inclined. With that in mind, it sounds like a good find. A truck with 270K will require lots of nickel, dime and some high dollar maintenance. However you appear to be a very capable DIY'er that can do most of it yourself. Go for it.You won't find a Duramax in decent shape much cheaper.Any Duramax Allison that is in good running condition will be worth at least 10K

Looking to buy my first duramax. | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

lee_worsdell
Explorer
May 17, 2013
I have a 2004.5 lly never done injectors just put the inlet tube on last week big difference. My truck runs great touch wood
dave17352
Explorer II
May 16, 2013
MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
the owner of the dealer is a friend and his shop just put 8nnew injectors in. His cost was 2500 bucks. He let me take truck home and drive it for few days. The truck is amazing !!! runs perfect and has an escalade dash cluster. The web site is craseautoconnection if u ant to check it out. I am leaning toward not getting it even though I want it bad. My suburban does a great job towing and hauling all five of us around. I just cant get out of a suburban. Need duraburb to build me a duramax suburban!!

I checked that truck out. It is a nice looking rig with a clean carfax.
MARK_VANDERBENT
Explorer
May 16, 2013
I think the truck is worth it drives like new as far as Im concerned but the wife is just so darn practical and she is right when she says we just don't NEED it. I will get one someday !
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
May 16, 2013
In my opinion thats a lot of miles. Even though that is certainly a fantastic motor/trans combo i would be worried about suspension, transfer case, and electrical gremlins that can pop up on high mileage vehicles. Less money Id say yes, no way Id pay over 10k though
MARK_VANDERBENT
Explorer
May 16, 2013
the owner of the dealer is a friend and his shop just put 8nnew injectors in. His cost was 2500 bucks. He let me take truck home and drive it for few days. The truck is amazing !!! runs perfect and has an escalade dash cluster. The web site is craseautoconnection if u ant to check it out. I am leaning toward not getting it even though I want it bad. My suburban does a great job towing and hauling all five of us around. I just cant get out of a suburban. Need duraburb to build me a duramax suburban!!
mtofell1
Explorer
May 16, 2013
270K is A LOT of miles and there are A LOT of expensive parts to go bad IMO.
DustyR
Explorer
May 16, 2013
MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
I am looking at a 03 crewcab GMC duramax loaded. It has 270,000 miles and it just had 8 new injectors put in. Runs and looks great!! few cosmetic issues but I can get truck for 11,500. I feel this is a good price. Any thoughts ???? it is 4x4

The only problem I have with this vehicle is that it is nearing the end of its service life based on the mileage. Look around as there are units out there with less than 150,000 for $25000 or less.

The main thing is that you need to take your time and be patient. Go on the web and do a search. The Duramax is a splendid platform, but very expense to repair when things go wrong. The Duramax does hold its value very well and I was able to purchase a 08 extended cab 4x2 LT 1 LMM with 91,000 mls. The vehicle needed a new set of batteries which the selling dealer and I split 50%.
larry_barnhart
Explorer
May 16, 2013
LOWSU

You just said what I have done many times. I got a kick out of seeing how the seller lives and cares for his home, cars etc . This has been a good method for the used cars and trucks we have purchased since 1960.
chevman
Lowsuv
Explorer
May 16, 2013
the best used truck is the one you buy directly from the original owner .
that means no dealers.
why ?
you want to go to the guy's house and see how he takes care of everything he owns .
every duramax has towed something .
the guy who piles on the mileage towing his bass boat has a much better rig than the guy who is towing a 36 foot trailer .
the guy who is a contractor and piles on mileage because he drives all over the state doing government jobs has a better high miler rig than the guy towing the 30 foot trailer.
the guy who has every receipt since 2001 is probably better than the guy who does not .
there is no way of knowing what abuse that particular rig has had .
but buying from the original owner means he took care of it because he knew he was going to keep it for a while .
i am that guy. my duramax is a 2002 bought new .
every car i sell i have sold myself to the next owner . several times to friends or aquaintances . those folks know that i am a "car guy ".
none have been disapointed and all are still friends.
buying direct from a private party requires you to prospect the ads frequently and go look immediately . the best rigs sell immediately .
good luck with your search .
there is some old codger out there who was born before 1950 that has the perfect rig for you . now you have to be a detective and find him if you want the best truck .
Lantley
Nomad
May 16, 2013
Mark from reading your prior post, I get the feeling you are very mechanically inclined. With that in mind, it sounds like a good find. A truck with 270K will require lots of nickel, dime and some high dollar maintenance. However you appear to be a very capable DIY'er that can do most of it yourself. Go for it.
You won't find a Duramax in decent shape much cheaper.
Any Duramax Allison that is in good running condition will be worth at least 10K