Denali Duramax: Expectation vs. Reality

[Seamus]

While all of the above is true, I would add that the LM2 is probably one of the most forgiving light diesels designed. It was put together for the average person who wants the advantages that a diesel has to offer. It can handle short trips better than any other dmax as it has been designed for a daily driver type mode. I have never seen one on any of the forums I read (and I read many) "Gummed up" from short or non use. This vehicle comes up to temp as fast as any I've owned and completes regens in shorter mileage than any I've owned, even if interrupted. I've drove it 1k in a day and I've drove it less than a mile per day for 2-3 weeks straight. Not a whimper out of it either way.

I concur. I am almost the exact same story. 2-3 weeks I may only drive 2 miles each way to my garage, one highway trip if lucky. Then just tow 1600 miles round trip to Va. But not one issue and I think I am at 16 months ownership and 13K ? I read somewhere it was designed this way also, for soccer moms. Just drove 165 miles today and 28 mpg, cant beat it. I think if you live in a very cold climate up north and do alot of short trips, that may be an issue where one would consider gas over diesel.

 

[skisanger98]

I have a 22 Suburban Durmax and within my first 6500 miles I have average well over 26 MPG. When I drive straight highway miles I am exceeded 30 MPG. As far as DEF at 6500 miles I had 3 bars left.

I have had other Suburbans with gas engines and the decision to go to diesel was the best move. I have been very happy with the power (towing and non-towing) and the milage.

 

[steiny93]

While all of the above is true, I would add that the LM2 is probably one of the most forgiving light diesels designed. It was put together for the average person who wants the advantages that a diesel has to offer. It can handle short trips better than any other dmax as it has been designed for a daily driver type mode. I have never seen one on any of the forums I read (and I read many) "Gummed up" from short or non use. This vehicle comes up to temp as fast as any I've owned and completes regens in shorter mileage than any I've owned, even if interrupted. I've drove it 1k in a day and I've drove it less than a mile per day for 2-3 weeks straight. Not a whimper out of it either way.

Wife and I both have baby diesels (eco and dmax) as our daily drivers. Either of them will go months of sub 10 minute trips before a long drive. Infrequently we will get a regen notification, but 10 minutes on the highway and all is back to normal. The dmax will regen quicker but it regens significantly more often and uses significantly more DEF (2x at least more), not really a complaint but an observation.

 

[Seamus]

Well, someone will own it when the oil pump belt needs to be changed. May not be the first owner, but if you are selling it, and the potential buyer knows they are staring at $1500 general maintenance coming, it will affect the resale. Agree, it’s not that big of a deal - similar to timing belt/water pump at 100k on Honda’s V6; gotta be done. But to just dismiss it as a “non issue” because the first owner won’t own it doesn’t alter that it needs to be done…is a bit short sighted. If someone is selling a rig with 120-130k on it, the buyer will ask if the belt has been changed, and it will swing the price as appropriate.

I still think the diesel is a fine option, and it’s a great engine. Depends on user’s application and preference.

I wish people were as maintenance conscious as alot of us but they are not. They just buy on price point. Especially used. But being a car nut always in and out of several cars, when I buy I look at maintenance when newer and along the way. Tells alot about how it was taken care of and used. We all look for common known issues. So this argument can be made for all 5.3 and 6.2 since 2021.....Everyone knows of the lifter, pushrod, cam issues. Whole top end comes off and metal may have gone through the motor. IF I were buying a 2021-2022 5.3 or 6.2 and DIDN'T see that the lifters were done.....I'd be reluctant to buy that truck knowing that had to be done and thats alot more expensive out of pocket..several thousand dollars. I'd probably be reluctant to buy if it was recently done too, because who knows if it ate the cam and put metal through that motor. I'd be MORE reluctant to buy the gas motor with no warranty as it is a guaranteed issue. Not one oil belt has been documented anywhere, and engineers recently said when interviewed they were happy to announce the interval is now 200K on the belt. The gas motors are dropping lifters with very low miles, there is no escaping that its coming eventually. I think the gas resale will be worse, thats an expensive fix. No man wants his wife in a truck that can get stuck.