Ordering a Chev 3500 (Oct 2023)

I was also in the buy :new: camp but it all depends on what you happen to come across. I came across a low mileage 2003 Ram 3500 dually 5.9 back in 2006. Since it was a 2 WD it was not moving on the dealer's lot. It had 7,000 miles (14,000 km) on it and had been traded in for a single wheel 2500. I would never have bought a used diesel but I spoke to the previous owner in person and the rest is history. Like someone just posted we do not drive it but maybe 5-6,000 km per so would we have had any better experience with a new 2006 as compared to the'03, no. I must also say that if you want new warranty coverage and don't mind the depreciation go for it. This is my opinion only. I just happened across our truck by accident. I was looking at "new" back then but s*** happens. Good luck with your new truck and be safe out there.

mkirsch wrote:
Do you "save" $50,000, OR are you buying an old truck and getting $50,000 less value out of it?

Maybe but you also minimize your potential loss if you pay 30K vs 100K. That's assuming you buy a solid 30K truck. The 100K truck isn't new once you drive it off the lot. In 3 years, will you be able to tell the difference? That's up to you.

In the Northwest, it's pretty easy to find even 20 year old vehicles with almost no rust or body damage. There isn't a crate motor that cost anywhere near that much if we assume the biggest danger is the engine. Brakes, steering parts, and other consumables are common to be replaced based on mileage not age.

Is it a good idea to buy a new truck and put minimal miles on it? That's up to everyone to figure out. If you look at used RV ads, it seems most people put 4-5K per year on them. At that rate, it's 20 years to even put 100K on them. It might be similar for a truck that is only used to haul a TC.

I was once in the buy new group, and then one day I realized that I was trading in perfectly good vehicles. I figured there are other people doing the same thing. I've had good luck buying used for the past 20 years, but I could be lucky.

As always, YMMV.

Grit dog wrote:
^Thanks for the sage financial advice Jim. I’m sure it will make the OP sleep better knowiing your disapproval of his spending habits, lol.

Thanks, your comments are just as useful as they usually are.

I'm in the fun phase so far.

When on a dealer lot, pickup trucks, especially HD ones, really hold their value. So much so that 1-2 year old used ones with ~20,000 miles are often right at or more than list price of a new truck. (Of course when you're trying to trade one in, it's worthless and you should just scrap it.)

Do you "save" $50,000, OR are you buying an old truck and getting $50,000 less value out of it? You're looking at a 10+ year old truck to find one priced $50,000 less than new. Around here with the GM's that means the body is shot.

When you do come across one that is priced like you think it should be, what's wrong with it? Been down that road a few times. That "too good to be true" deal, usually is.

^Thanks for the sage financial advice Jim. I’m sure it will make the OP sleep better knowiing your disapproval of his spending habits, lol.

I wouldn't buy a new vehicle just to carry a TC. There is no capability increase over the past decade. Spend some time looking and save 50K or more. There are a lot of trucks out there that don't have that many miles on them. Most diesels should last 200K or more miles at least.

Likewise, there are still good deals out there for used TCs. Sure, you have to spend time looking, but with new ones going for 100K or more, there is a lot of room to save.

However, if you have a lot of money burning a hole in your pocket, have fun spending it.

Good choice getting the Duramax since you will be towing too.

I still have the truck in my signature. I bought it new and it currently only has a tad over 79k miles on it.

I tow when hauling my camper too and can't image doing it with a gasser. Even my old school, lower HP Duramax makes driving effortless.

It's a LT, diesel, crew cab, 8' bed. The truck camper is very light so even a 350/3500 is major overkill, but I have plans to tow and hate the idea of running out of payload. I got the diesel for the extra range over a gasser.

Which engine?
Which cab config? (Double cab or crew cab)
Which trim level?

Did you order a Dually? I hope so. They are far better for truck camper hauling duties for big, heavy truck campers.

I bought a 3500HD Dually with Duramax in 2009. I hauled an AF 811 for 10+ years.
I now have an AF 992 on the same truck.
The truck only has a tad over 79k miles on it because I don't daily drive it.
It hibernates in the winter. In fact just yesterday I put to bed for the winter.