hope you plan on driving the truck a lot, if not look at some of the late 90 gm trucks the vortexs get good power and now the price is down. if gas goes to 3 a gallon it won't matter if it gas or diesel

 

I agree 100% with BUDXXX, I bought a new 2000, Z71, it worked fine for the toys and trailer I was towing at the time. But, after 2 years, I knew I didn't plan correctly on picking the right truck. With all my toys and the trailer attached, I was over the weight limit on my rear axle and gross vehicle weight. I did all I could to move the weight around, but, bottom line was, I was over weight for the 5.3, Z-71 after 2 years.
So, I recommend that you sit down, look and see what you think the future might hold for you in 5-7 years. Unless of course you like to buy a new vehicle every few years.(Just some food for thought)
I sold my Z-71 for a decent profit and moved up to a 2001 F250 Powerstroke. Haven't looked back for one second[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] JMHO Lt.Dan

 

I got a 6.0 2500 and love it. But regret not waiting and springing for the duramax. Now its gonna be a long wait for the diesel since I wont change untill 250K and i'm only at 59k now after 4 years.

 

Definately plan for the future. I could easily buy my dad's extended cab Z71 for around $15,000 but for what I am planning on doing in a year or two it just wouldn't be practical, so I'm saving up and hopefully getting a 2500HD Crew Cab with possibly a Duramax Diesel. Yeah, it sounds like overkill for a first vehicle and what I would be using it for now, but in a year or two, the Z71 just wouldn't be able to hold up to what I would be doing. (Hauling lawnmowers, a compact tractor, and oh course some quads). So think about what you are going to be doing in a year or two, not right now. It will definately save you some money in the long run.

 

i have had gm products for a very long time..there is nothing like em.....as was mentioned before plan for the future.....

right now i have a 03 gmc 2500 hd 6.0, it has plenty of power, the only time i realy wish i had the 8.1 or the durmax is when i have about a ton in the bed and hauling the skid steer up hill....where i can only get to about 40-45 but come on thats alot of weight ahahha

i could never go back to half ton especially a regular cab.. ext is the best for me and the HD is just awesome....it tows better sits up high and plows snow like a tank

the next truck for me is def gonna be a the hd again but cant make up my mind if i want the duramax or stick with the 6.0

witht he way gas prices are now im leaning toward the the disesel.

So another wards.....if you dont mind the 8-10 MPG go with HD you wont regreat it.....youll notice a big diff in handleing when towing and hauling...its deffinatly worth it in my book

I hope it helps...

Luke

 

While diesels may be great in the warm california weather, In this area it goes below zero almost all winter. I drove a diesel for one winter and It sucked. You have to find some where to plug it in so it stays warm enough to start.

 

I have to agree with Sandman430, the late 90's models are down on price, and there are alot
of them out there. I am in the process of getting rid of my 2000 1/2 ton and looking at a 96
3/4 ton.
I currently have the 5.3, and as far as acceleration goes, this thing is quick, but as mentioned
before by someone, it doesnt pull as well as the old tried and true 5.7 (350)

If you can find a 96 or newer 3/4 ton with a 5.7, it will be a Vortec. These engines pull WAY better
than the 5.3. Plus, (aside from the brakes,) the trucks are a better design, IMHO.

I am sure by now you have already gotten a new truck, since you posted back in April.
Just thought I would give my opinion.