01 2500 Duramax, or 03 F250 7.3L

[rangerrick63]

I'm not looking to start any sort of argument, but looking for folks that have either of these trucks. I've been shopping & I've narrowed it down to either one of these. Trucks are very similar in mileage (high 90's), & price, both are 4x4 with auto tranny's, both are very clean trucks. I'm looking for reliability, boat is the only "heavy" pulling I'll be doing; in & around the local Gufport area, & over to the FL panhandle is most of the pulling I'll be doing. It will be a daily driver besides that, so decent fuel mileage would be nice. I'm having a difficult time deciding which truck is the better way to go. I saw the thread regarding the Duramax T-case problems, that wasn't good to see, but that would just be something I'll have to check out, & I can do the repair myself. I've heard that the Ford auto trans has a life-span of about 100k miles. So that makes me wonder if I'll have to jump right in to a tranny. Bottom line, any input from folks who know of any real problems with either of these trucks. I did consider Dodge with the Cummins, but not been able to find one with decent mileage & price. I'm looking to buy next week, so I really appreciate any input.

[Ike]

Duramax!!!!!! You won't be sorry.

[jeff32]

fuel milage? duramax ANYTIME... transfer case? I'm a GM dealer and to tell you the truth, I have one transmission / differential / transfer case mecanic, and most of his time (90%) he works on other things then what he's with me for!

[Slick02]

I own a brake/suspension shop, and as far as suspension, I like the ford better, and being 2 years newer I would think that the book would be higher on the 03 ford than the 01 chevy.
No matter which one you buy, take the vin and go to the respective dealer and have them run a maint/repair/warranty history report. Some of the 03 ford 6.0s had problems.

[Sydwayz]

Buy the Ford. Its two years newer for the same price. This will be significant at resale.

The 2003 Ford w/ the 7.3L PSD is a very desired truck. being the latest year you could have a new 7.3. Book value on a 2003 is a little sketchy because many folks and all of the value books/sites believe that all 2003 Fords have 6.0L PSDs; and EVERYONE knows how bad the early 6.0Ls were. You will have NO problems selling it when the time comes.

The 2001 D/A is the first year offering of such setup, and they did have some fuel injector problems, as well as a few other small bugs.

[jeff32]

seems like nothing is perfect...

[spilman]

I would go with the Ford...2 years newer is a big diff, the last 7.3's were awesome. My 99' F-350 had 243k miles when I sold it for 15k & it was still like new. The original trans lasted 183k with a power chip & lots of towing. I've got an 05' 6litre that has 65k miles & no problems....Picking up the 08' 6.4 this week...off to work I go!

[articfriends]

Everyone has there favorites,the ford will need a tranny sooner than later (I know because I re-build them), If you rxr it your self and can buy one wholesale from the ford dealer it will cost you about 2000$ w/tax,the duramax t-case deal,if you bought the truck and pulled it BEFORE it gets a hole in it will cost you 250$ for the pump piece and possible a little under 300$ for a rear case 1/2 if its wore out. I have customers (haven't done this myself) who have also had to replace turbos,fuel pumps and replace alot of front end parts on the fords after 100k plus miles. I don't really favor one over the other although I drive a duramax because it drives much more like a car empty than a ford. Either way if you buy a truck with 100,000 on it you will put some money in it down the road but thats how it goes. You have to dismiss the opinions of 1/2 the guys on this board when it comes to these trucks and their major repair cost because they buy new trucks BEFORE they ever need major work. A 03 ford for the same price as a 01 chevy is probably a better deal in the long run if you don't have any real preference as long as it wasn't used as a work truck pulling things every day of its life. Either way you will be doing your part in supporting the economy fixing either truck eventually ,Smitty

[rangerrick63]

I really appreciate all the input, it's good to get input from folks who have different view-points. I'm going over to drive the Ford again this morning. I am leaning towads the Ford, giving the fact of being 2 years newer. I'm not one to play the manufacture prefrence when it comes to this. I pulled the Donzi from Miami back to Gulfport, with a Duramax, & it really impressed me, especially thru the panhandle, a bit hilly across there & it never missed a beat, but now that same truck (2002) has been in the shop for over a week with fuel troubles & they "say" they can't figure it out, but all trucks have troubles of some sort, hell that's what keeps the shops & parts folks in business... . Again, thanks....

[Wobble]

I am a GM guy, but in that age range I would buy a 7.3 Ford in a heartbeat. Avoid the 03 and 04 Ford 6.0 diesels unless you are a very patient person