Opinions/Which Burb would you buy?/2500 BB/1500 SB

[Actrac]

You guys are most likely tired of all my questions. I'm at impass to decide which of these trucks to purchase. I would like to proceed and get this behind me. All comments/suggestions/advice appreciated. I'm leaning towards 3/4Ton/BB I will have to pay more $$ for slightly older vehicle, but it is in very good condition, Thanks.

Vehicle #1, [leaning towards this one] 99 Chev 2500, 7.4L, 94K, garage kept, V.Good condition. Engine runs alittle rough at low r's, 3.73 axle, rates high on Autocheck. $6500-

Vehicle #2 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500, 5.3, 150K, pretty good condition, undercarriage clean, not rotten, runs good, Auto check rating at top, 3 accidents on report, front right, front. I see front bumper pushed in slightly at Lic. plate, Body shows v.good, damage was repaired well, $5000-

Vehicle #3 1999 Chev. 1500, 5.7 155K, rusting rear undercarriage, owner hauled boat 20+ miles round trip, back of truck in/near salt water. Shocks rusted off rear, body nice condition. No accidents, asking 5500-

I'm a carpenter, will pull seats, load w/ 500 lbs of tools that stay there. Will install ladder rack, 1 ladder on top, sometimes 3, lumber, etc. Plan on 6X10 trailer to pull materials.equiptment to jobsites when needed. Most of my work is pretty close to home, I usually only do about 12K miles per year.

Is the better fuel economy of the 5.3 really make up for the lighter duty vehicle, will I be limiting myself when/if I want pull a 8K lb trailer somewhere? I can get the BB MPG up to 12/13 from what I have been , is this T/F?.

 

[ak diesel driver]

#2

 

[dka99burb]

Agree. #2

 

[Burning oil]

#1 looks nice. Got pic of #2? is it a salvage title? until then I also say #2

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

#2 #1 will eat you alive in fuel costs, and sounds like it needs injectors. And #3 is scrap metal with the rust you describe.

 

[Actrac]

Photo of 01'. Drove it today, drives like a dream. Called dealer and gave them the bad news [on the 99" BB truck]. Going down in AM to buy this one. Little high on miles, but they did a bunch of work it needed, runs soooo smooth, shifts good, only thing I want to check is 4Whl drive operation. Is there any sure way's of testing 4WHL drive portion? They offered to put it on lift and engage/run it to check it out. Thanks for the good advise, this one will do me fine.

 

[btfarm]

only thing I want to check is 4Whl drive operation. Is there any sure way's of testing 4WHL drive portion? They offered to put it on lift and engage/run it to check it out.

Take it out to a dew covered grass field early in the morning or a dirt/gravel road if that isn't an option.