I bought a 2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0L work truck 2nd hand from a government conservation crew from alberta with 58,000KM on it back in late 2007. I've put 70,000km on it in the last 1.5 years, most of that done with a sled deck, 2 sleds and sometimes towing. I love it. Even fully loaded with 2 sleds, 4 passengers and gear it still rips on the highway, and uphill and I haven't had any engine issues so far. I threw a KN air filter on it, am probably getting a cold intake soon. Super durable, super reliable. I love my truck and I've put it through way more than most people have in terms of towing, payload and 4x4ing.
They are practically giving trucks away right now, it's the perfect time to buy. Here in Canada you can get a 1500 4x4 crew cab 2009 NEW for 20,000CND. (Not that you'd want a 1/2 ton though.)
I had a 92 Ford beforehand and it gave me nothing but problems and kept breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
Mines a base model, no power options, rubber floors which is great to hose out. Carpet rots anyways. You have to realize it's a truck, and hauling heavy gear. It will cost more than a car, but Chevy/GMC trucks get the best mileage out there for gas engine trucks. Both my room-mates have the same truck, one has a 2500HD allison diesel, other has a 6.0L gas. Out of my riding buddies 2 have 6.0L gas and 3 have the Allison Diesels, all 2500HDs. There's a reason why we all have them, they put up with the abuse we put them through.
. I have an 07 Duramax Diesel with 164000 kms, I'm very afraid driving it off warranty, been good so far, no repairs. The best thing I have liked about the Duramax is the brakes, original brakes and still 90% front, 60% rear.
