Forum Discussion

nohurry's avatar
nohurry
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015

Opinions please; 2009 Silverado LTZ 2500HD Duramax

Well, I have decided to consider moving to diesel. I have had good luck with my last two Fords, but the new diesel truck prices are well, steep, so I'm also considering used. No 6.0 or 6.4's for me, and the used 6.7s are still pretty pricey as well, so I'm considering other brands.

I found a nice '09 D/A LTZ with 63k miles. Haven't talked to dealer yet, and not sure what they want for it, but having no diesel experience I thought I would ask here for opinions on this year/model. Good, or bad what can you tell me? Oh, and also the dealers website says all vehicles get a free drivetrain warranty for as long as you own it. Which is very appealing.

I have tomorrow off, so I'm gonna go out and shop. Thank you.
Tow Vehicles
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    I purchased my 08 Duramax 2 years ago with 100000 miles on it. The previous owner had all the service records, she only used one dealer to do the work. In nearly 24000 the truck has been flawless. Yes it does burn more fuel while doing its regen thing and smells really bad while its doing it. I get 16 mpg bobtail and 9-10 while towing. Check the trnny cooler line where it enters the cooler, the original ones are plastic and can.crack and leak. GM now has a bulletin out on it and will replace for free. Love my truck and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Apr 09, 2015
    I also agree with Rick. Avoid 08-10. They are not terrible trucks however they have known issues that have been improved upon in later years.
    Why buy into known problems at this point?
    The 2011 and newer also have significant frame enhancements resulting in much higher payload ratings.
  • neil57's avatar
    neil57
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    I also own a 2009' and have had no emission issues. Have a friend with a 2010(same lmm) with 340,000 km on it with no issues. It is a great towing and nice driving truck.
  • Paul_Clancy's avatar
    Paul_Clancy
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    2009 gmc here. Bullet proof tow rig. No emmissions issues. Check diesel place for real info.
  • jus2shy's avatar
    jus2shy
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    Personally, if you can find a version of the truck that uses DEF, that's the better way to go. Yeah it means topping off an additional fluid, but the regeneration events were cut down drastically, fuel dilution was cut down drastically, and EGR flow rates went from being in the 40% range down the around 10 or 15%. For the post 2007 emissions world, DEF is a god-send as far as I see it. GM and Ford was equipped in 2011, and RAM went to DEF in 2013.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    Agree with Ksss. The LMM platform has been pretty reliable and a LOT of guys delete out the emissions and run some very clean tunes. Mileage gets a lot better...

    The 2011+ LML is a significant upgrade if you tow heavy. Only downside is the CP4 vs the proven CP3 used on the LMM.
  • ksss's avatar
    ksss
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    I have a 2008 2500HD Duramax CC 4X4 that I use for work. 103K on it, and it has been more reliable than my personal LBZ. It has not missed a day of work since I picked it up new. All maintenance is done on time and by the book. The mileage is not great about what I get with my 3500 DRW, 17 or so highway, 9-10 pulling a Northwood 28' Desert Fox toyhauler loaded to the limit with equipment. I would not be afraid of the 07.5 through 2010 Duramax trucks, yea they have a DPF and use a little more fuel but is essentially an LBZ with a DPF, certainly not the end of the world.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Apr 09, 2015
    45Ricochet wrote:
    " the dealers website says all vehicles get a free drivetrain warranty for as long as you own it"

    I wouldn't trust this information, fine print must state otherwise.
    Most diesel engines had emission problems in the 2007-2010 range due to EPA regulations. They all had emission issues, so I'd get something prior to 2006 or after 2010 when the DEF engines came out.


    I agree with Rick... the first gen emission diesels had and to some extent still have issues.

    The big one that stands out to me for the Duramax your considering is the regen process causes excessive diesel fuel getting into the oil (Some call it making oil). If your considering something newer the only DPF equipped truck I would ever consider is one equipped with DEF. If considering something a little older pre DPF trucks is were I would look.
  • JustLabs's avatar
    JustLabs
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    I'd steer clear of Sunset Chevrolet.

    They're shady in my experience.
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2015
    " the dealers website says all vehicles get a free drivetrain warranty for as long as you own it"

    I wouldn't trust this information, fine print must state otherwise.
    Most diesel engines had emission problems in the 2007-2010 range due to EPA regulations. They all had emission issues, so I'd get something prior to 2006 or after 2010 when the DEF engines came out.

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