Hello everyone and I hope that you had a Merry Chistmas!

I might be in the market for a 3rd gen, and I am wondering what year would be best. I am looking for a 4X4 quad cab with a 6-speed and less than 150K. I have a budget of $20,000.

First, I have heard that the 03-04 models (pre "600" Cummins) are the best for fuel economy. Is this true and, if so, is there a big difference in fuel economy?

Also, what are your opinions about the NV5600 vs. the G56?

Finally, are there any model year specific problems with the engine or the pickup in general?

Thanks for your input!

 

They are really all good. (04.5 is the best only cause I have one..)


It really depends on what you want. 03-04 generally get a little better mileage.....but that can vary greatly from truck to truck. Some get great mileage out of 600 engines too.

NV vs G56........I can only say I hear they are both great. The NV may be a little stronger....but the G56 is smoother shifting and plenty strong too unless really abusing it...(ie...sledpull events etc.)

..

 

I'm partial to the '05s, only because we have those. I didn't like the O/D programming that they put in the 05's, but you are looking for a 6-speed so no big deal there. And some 05's have plastic intercooler endtanks. Other than that no issues.

 

I like my '03 (this is my first CTD) but I had to do a few updates to it. It had the old style P/S pressure hose from the pump to the booster which causes a nasty dash vibration at 2k rpms, and the rear tail light housings had to be replaced to fix a constant 'lamp out' warning. I still have to do some other repairs, but the truck is in good shape with 115k miles on it. It pulls great and gets about 18.5 mpg in daily driving.

 

try craigslist.com near your town, people are giving these trucks away

 

I had a 03 5.9 no problems, 06 5.9 clutch went out, now a 6.7, 4th time in shop @ 27K miles

 

I bought my 06 5.9 quadcab long bed about a year ago sometimes I think I should have bought another 2nd Gen but the interior on my 3rd Gen is great no more cracking dash.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. I have noticed that quite a few of these things are showing up on lots and I have also been watching craigslist. The prices make me think that this is the time to buy. The only problem is that I need to sell one or two pickups!

 

stay away from the g56 it has a crappy overdrive ratio other then that i would say 03 to 05.5 when they went with the g56. i know about the g56 have 2 trucks with it

 

I could be wrong but the G56 tranny is designed around someone who tows. mine truck is not great with fuel mileage, but i prefer it better than my buddy who has the NV. Just my two cents.

 

Yeah, I hear that the G56 is best with 3.42s because of the OD ratio. What about the dual mass flywheel? Has that been an issue for it?

 

i tow for a living running about 4k miles a month, give me something that will give me better mileage like the nv56 or a higher gear ratio like the the 08 have but a g56 with 3:73's is like having 4:10's and you couldnt give me a ctd with them in it

 

I think 04' is your best option. You should be able to get a heck of a good truck for 20k if you look hard enough.