Which would be the best option? - Which would be the better option all in all? I like the 5.3 as that's what my dads truck has and it packs ...

Which would be the better option all in all?

I like the 5.3 as that's what my dads truck has and it packs a good punch for having 228k on the clock, but I also like the look and extra power of the 6.0, and there's some pretty good deals on Craigslist.

I know the 6.0 is obviously gonna get worse MPG but I think If I can keep my foot out of it I'd be alright since I only drive about a mile each way for work.

As far as need for a 3/4t truck I don't really have one, except for pulling people out of ditches, but a 1500 Z71 would probably handle most of that.

So basically I'm looking for your opinions on which would be better all in all.

Here's a couple of the trucks I'm interested in.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3103288622.html
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3076538559.html (Really like the look of this one, even for 315k)
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3149610338.html

I would be looking for a Duramax if I could afford one (~8k Budget) so I could have the mix of power and fuel economy but I haven't found and real good deals.

All your questions really come down to personal preference. Like you said, you're not really going to be doing a whole lot of towing with it so a 2500HD isn't really a necessity and neither is the 6.0L but I can completely relate to not really needing one but wanting one, I found myself in the same situation last July when I bought my baby. I upgraded from a '97 ext. cab Z-71 w/5.7L to my current 2500HD w/6.0L. I have an 18 foot, 3,000 lb car hauler that I tow maybe once a month so it's not like I NEED a 2500HD but it sure is nice to have when I tow, I don't have to take it easy with the new truck like I did with my old one. Yeah, I had plenty of power in the 5.7L but when I put the heavier loads on the trailer I had to be very careful how I loaded it so I didn't make the rear of the truck sag & drive like a boat...I don't really have to worry about that with my new baby, I just load up & go! The 6.0L is one hell of an engine when it comes to towing, she's a real beast even in stock form & with a few mods it really comes to life! I've got a S/C on mine so that helps a lot...mainly to empty my wallet, bald the tires & turn heads as I leave people in the dust at stoplights when I'm feeling frisky but when towing & I need to speed up quickly to merge into traffic or switch lanes it takes off like that 6,500+ lbs isn't even there! I like the look of the red truck in your post, the mileage wouldn't necessarily be a show stopper for me as I have all the tools, equipment & experience to do an overhaul myself but it's definately something to figure in, no matter how well it's running now you should be prepared to stick some $ in it in the short term, I haven't seen too many 6.0's with many more miles than that before overhaul but who knows, it could be one of those million mile trucks that'll never give you any trouble too

A 1500 will tow a surprising amount of weight with ease, don't overlook the fact that maintenance costs on a 1500 are a considerable amount less than on a 2500HD, depending on your budget it might be best to stick with a 1500 if you're not going to be needing to tow very often, the amount you save in gas alone during daily driving duties would pay for quite a few mods...

Whatever choice you make, make it for yourself, after all, you're the one that's going to have to live with and pay for the decision. Good luck!

I know the 6.0 would be nice, but if you're not really gonna use it I wouldn't put money into it.

I used to have a 3/4 ton 6.0 did I need it. Well no. Did I like it? Of course. I know have a 5.3 and I like it. I hardly ever used the 3/4 ton for what it was meant for I occasionally hauled a ton in the bed which it would be way better at than the 1/2 ton. If I could choose between the 2 I would choose the 6.0 again. There's multiple reasons. One is if I need the 6.0 power I got it. I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Two a 3/4 ton sits higher from the factory. My old 3/4 ton was leveled and on 33's and was only about 3 inches shorter than a new dmax with 6 inch lift and 35's. There are a few advantages of a 1/2 ton though. The biggest being I got 10 mpg in my 3/4 ton while in my 1/2 ton I average 16.1. I used to get better but I got an exhaust now and can't keep my foot out of it. Also the ride is a night and day difference. I dealt with the 3/4 ton because it looked good so it cancelled out the rough ride. I say if you can afford a 3/4 ton 6.0 go for it. I don't know how maintenance costs would be higher like previously mentioned since there both gassers. Now a diesel would be one thing. I say go for what you want if you really want a 6.0 and can afford it go for it. I know my next truck will be a 3/4 ton hopefully dmax.

I have an 08 with the 6.0 and realistically probably never will use it for what it's designed to be used for. And that's if I even end up keeping it. I have been doing a ton more driving lately and the 6.0 is not treating me too nicely on the wallet. Granted, you don't have a far drive at all from the sounds of it. It's just not enjoyable for me to hop in my truck and go drive around town...I probably couldn't drive any more conservatively than I do without being run off the road, and my mileage is about 15 average. That's probably a pretty good mix of city and highway driving...maybe a tad more on the highway side. Point being...if I had to do it again, I'd definitely go 5.3. But, that's if nothing else in my life changes. If I were to buy a boat or something in the future, well, that'd change things.

Get the 5.3. I was in the same boat and that is the one I chose. You can easily bolt on a little extra power and still have one of the most reliable engines in history.

don't forget about the 1500hd!! It's a hybrid combo with the better end of both worlds. The payload is that of a 3/4, the Towing capacity is almost the same as a 3/4 ton, comes with the 6.0, but has a little softer ride than my 2500 hd work truck!! If you can keep your foot out of it, the mileage isn't half bad either. I got 13.5 and I too have a short commute/ mostly town driving.

Started with a 1976 3/4ton 350. Did not need it, loved it.
Moved to a 93 1/2ton with the 305 Loved it
Next 04 1500 5.3. Best truck ever
Trailer habits have changed, just picked(Thru) up a 2012 2500HD...

Bottom line,
If you are not towing all the time, go with the 1500 with the 5.3 or 6.2L

I was in your shoes. I let go of my 1500 5.3 and went with the z71 4x4 2500hd. I don't tow anything. Just wanted a bigger truck. Bigger engine. 4 wheel drive. All my buddies got them. And the bottom line is I make great money and vastly improved my credit situation so my monthlys for the 2012 2500 will all the bells abd whistles cost me the same as a 2007 1500 LS.

If you don't need it, then it becomes about the WANT factor. and if you want it and can AFFORD it, do it.

jackrook wrote:If you don't need it, then it becomes about the WANT factor. and if you want it and can AFFORD it, do it.

I agree. If it makes sense to you, then go for it.