Hello everyone, as you can see I'm a "newbie", but I believe I'm posting this in right place, at least I hope so! Anyway, I have been reading all the info on this site, and really enjoyed it, so I figured this would be a good place to post my dilemma. I know this has been discussed to GREAT lengths, however, I have a specific "dilemma" I was hoping to get some input on. I have narrowed my search down to 2 specific trucks, one of which I will be purchasing this coming week, so I need to make a decision quickly, but I'm finding it to be a LOT harder than I thought, so PLEASE give me your best "neutral" feelings if possible, on which would be the better buy.

Truck 1.) is a 2002 Chevy Silverado 4x4, LS model, 6.6 Duramax diesel with the Allison automatic, single rear wheel not a dually, it is an extended cab with a nice aftermarket flatbed on it, it has 220,000 miles on it, was fleet maintained, base model with A/C, cruise control, no power locks or windows, which is fine with me (just makes 2 less potential problems), and it just had all the injectors replaced, and new batteries. It has no rust, dents, leaks, or weird noises either. This truck is bone stock with no upgrades or aftermarket parts, I can get it for $6950.00

Truck 2, is a 99 Ford F-350 Dually 4x4 Crew cab, long box, 7.3 Powerstroke with 6 spd manual trans, with 638,000 showing on the odometer, HOWEVER, the whole drivetrain has been replaced, including engine, trans, axles, drive shafts, etc. the owner says there are less than 200,000 miles on the drivetrain, it has no leaks, noises, etc, this I know, and I feel he is telling me the truth, he purchased the truck from the original owner, who is also a very close friend, and neighbor, of his. This truck also is equipped with an Edge 160 hp programmer (which is a concern of mine), the owner states it was only used for fuel economy, NOT for "hot rodding" around like most kids these days. It's a beautiful truck, with NO rust or dents at all! The interior is also in GREAT shape as well. He is asking $7500.00 for the truck, but I'm pretty sure I could get it for $7000.00.

Now I know about the problems with the Duramax, such as the injectors, which as I stated were just replaced, and I'm trying to find out if the transfer case problem was ever repaired, or replaced, because I also know about the motor rubbing a hole in the t-case. Regarding the Powerstroke, I read about the potential problem with the headgaskets, so I know both trucks have their little "idiosyncricies", for lack of a better term. Both trucks would work for me, as they are both either an extend, or crew, cab, and both are 4x4's, along with both being diesels. Also, both seem to get about the same MPG's, around 20-22 on the highway, so either one might be a good choice. What I am mainly concerned with is getting the most bang for my buck, how well the truck runs, rather than now it looks, and I need a truck that won't break my bank account, or be in the shop all the time! I will be 55 next month, so I've been through my "hot rodding" phase already, now I'm just looking to keep a truck running as long as possible, with as little money as possible, I will be towing a horse trailer on occasion, and taking some long trips with it, and I just don't feel I can get the same overall fuel economy, plus having the space for me(I'm 6'3")and passengers , torque, etc., that I want, from a gasser, as I can with a diesel, ANY input would be GREATLY appreciated!!! I apologize for this being so long!
Thank you kindly for your time and expertize!

 

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I pulled the trigger on the DMAX, it is a fantastic truck, I love the power, ride, room, flatbed, etc., etc., etc., and I especially loved the price...$6950.00, with brand new set of injectors (all 8, and this is it's first set at 235,000 miles),also came with 2 brand new 880 CC amp batteries, and fully serviced with all the right filters! It's bone stock, except for the 4 inch exhaust, with no muffler or cat, and 6 inch chrome tip, and I plan on keeping it pretty stock, except for maybe a lift pump, Nictane Cat filter set up, and anything to help with longevity of the drivetrain, not for racing. Even my banker was shocked at what I got it for, he said that is a "wholesale" price around here, he hasn't seen one go that low even with problems, so I figure I did ok. The main thing is I love the truck, I won't beat it up, and I really think it will last me for a long time to come. It has no rust or dents either, so if I need to rebuild it at some point I may just do that, but for now I'm happy as can be.