Folks, I may be looking at purchasing a 3rd gen, but I'm not sure which year to get. I'm not attempting to start a war here as to which is better! More like researching the pros and cons of each year. Is there a difference between them? I'm thinking either '05, '06 or '07, not an '04. Any input in to common problems and options is appreciated! Oh, it'll probably be a 2500 QC short bed, if that makes any difference.

 

Stick or Auto? Stick any year Auto either the 06 or 07 5.9 Stay away from the 6.7! 06 was the last year reg diesel could be run So if you go to mexico 06 is your choice IMO!

 

Well, I'd prefer stick for fun , but it'd really have to be an auto as I tow horses and need to be as smooth as possible. That's a good point about the diesel, although down here in Sth Fl. they've had LS fuel for a long time, and ULS is everywhere, well before the deadline. Not even sure you could buy LS anywhere down here after '07.
What's wrong with the 6.7? That was '07.5 right? I don't really know anything about it, and everyone say's to stick with what you know so it's a 5.9 for me anyway. Just curious as to what the problems are. Thanks for the input!

 

6.7 has alot of smog crap that really kills your fuel milage! Just to many bugs in alot of systems that are a royal pain!

 

Ahh, yeah, I didn't think of that. Those greeny idiots think they're saving the planet from nasty diesel smoke, which burns cleaner than gasoline no matter how much smoke there is. And no one says anything about what they do with all those batteries they pull out of the hybrids . Do you think they can recycle those batteries? Nope, they go in to a landfill. Yeah, nice. Here's what I'd like to do to all those greeny types who think they're saving the planet...

 

^^ Amen!

I think anything really from 03-06 is good IMO. Each year pretty much has it's own little bugs here and there...really depends on your personal preference

 

Personally, I would try to find a '05 (I like the headlights and dash better) with the G56 trans (I hate shifting NV5600s...). But again that is my personal opinion.

 

i like the early 3rd gens (03-05) but really any 3rd gen with a 5.9 is great, IMO if i was pullin that trailer id get a manual trans, but to each his own. how much are you lookin to spend?

 

I figured 15k - 20k should get me a pretty solid truck. I haven't done any looking yet, so I don't know what folks are asking. My wife floored me by saying we needed a new truck, I'm still getting over the shock!

Guys, thanks for all your input!