Should I trade 2023 tundra for 2021 gmc 2500?

Alright, I got an offer to trade my truck. I'm a general contractor, and I use my truck to tow a single-axle enclosed trailer (7x10) with my tools. While towing, I get about 12 MPG.

The offer is a straight trade: my Tundra (Limited, 22k miles) for a 2021 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD Duramax (6.6L diesel) with 49k miles. No money involved. I’ve been told the GMC gets an average of 18 MPG and around 15 MPG towing a similar trailer, but I’m not sure how accurate that is. I currently get 15.5 MPG average and 12 MPG towing with my Tundra, so it doesn't seem like a big difference in fuel economy. Gas and diesel are about same price in my area.

Honestly, I like my Tundra and want to keep it unless the trade makes more sense in the long run, especially in terms of reliability. My Tundra has been flawless so far with no issues.

I’d appreciate any advice or insights to help me make the right call!

My truck is paid off, no financing or banks are involved, both trucks are crew cabs 6.5 beds

 

No. That would certainly not interest me. Two years older, and over double the mileage. Your towing requirements certainly do not warrant dealing with the added costs and aggravations of a diesel. Your Tundra is still under warranty, so you should be able to purchase the extended warranty for a total of ten years. I suspect the GMC is out of factory warranty? Any extended warranty? I see no upside for you with this deal.

 

That's what I thought as well. Even with the issues surrounding the V6 Toyota engine, I believe Toyota will be more reliable in the long run. I've owned many Toyota trucks (Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 2.5, and Gen 3 Tundras, along with Gen 2 and Gen 3 Tacomas), and they've all been mostly trouble-free. The only exception was my 2006 Tacoma, where the rear end failed at 180k miles, but that happened while towing a max load.

I've also had the Lexus GX470 and currently own a GX460. They've both been perfect, reliable workhorses, even if a bit outdated and, frankly, boring—but I can live with that!

I think I'll stick with my truck. I had a 2021 GMC AT4 2500 (gas), and it was an okay experience. There were a few glitches and issues with the rear tailgate, but nothing major. I ended up getting rid of it within six months without losing any money, thanks to the post-COVID market.

I've never owned a diesel, and while it's tempting, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble.

 

I have been told "If you don't truly NEED a diesel, don't get one". Even without considering the price of fuel, every bit of maintenance and repair (and it's a GM, there will be repairs) costs twice as much as gas. Add on that the truck is older, has more miles, and probably out of warranty, you would be crazy to trade. Just curious, was it the GM owners idea, or yours?

 

GM owner.

I'm not really concerned about warranties. I've never used one on any vehicle in my life, except for recalls. In the long run, I believe it's cheaper to pay for repairs out of pocket than to buy an extended warranty. I've owned many vehicles across different brands (even Ford) and never opted for extended warranties.

Even with some major repairs along the way, the total cost has still been less than what I would've spent on extended warranties for all those vehicles. So, I'll take my chances

 

Smart guy

 

Probably fine with the Toyota. The GM product not so much.....Or, so it seems to me...

 

If you don’t need a 3/4 ton truck don’t do it. If I were to need a 3/4 or 1 ton truck I would get a GM again.
I had an 04 3/4 ton GM with 6.6 duramax (made by Isuzu btw) with Allison transmission. Came with 7yr 100k powertrain warranty. Great truck, tons of power.

 

I'm 99% sure I'll stick with Toyota. Overall, I think it's the better choice. I don't need a diesel since the heaviest load I tow is 8,000 lbs, and that's only a few times a year for 40 miles per trip. The enclosed trailer I tow a few times a week is just 3,000 lbs.

 

Think about the unloaded driving experience as well.

That Tundra would feel like a tiny cloud compared to a 3/4 ton...

 

Amen. My buddies F250 is harsh. Jarring. Unloaded ride is brutal.

 

The financial consideration here.

1 diesel maintenance costs are no joke. Do your homework.

2. Diesel HD trucks retain their value better than anything on the road. Long-term it maybe worth more than the Tundra given the current gen seems to be depreciating quicker than previous gens

 

I agree with all the above, stick with the Tundra.

 

I watched this awhile ago wondering about the 6.6 gas motor vs the duramax.

https://youtu.be/24Lnj959WoA?si=eqFUfzypTJybjbRH

 

I have had one Chevy that was a lemon and it took over 2 years to get my money back under the Lemon Law. I got a GMC after that and it came home from the dealership new with an oil leak. They got it fixed in 2 days and then sent it home only to have more oil leaks. Dealership had it for 20 days and said they fixed all the oil leaks but the dealership took it out for a test drive and totaled it while stopped at a red light. It took 2 months to get my money back. I have a Tundra now and love it. You will not see me owning a GM product again.

 

Ya, was gonna say, ouch....
The world must been on it's wrong leg when you got the GMC and all that....

 

GM was the only other truck I was considering, but with your towing requirements I wouldn’t get a 2500 and deal with diesels. New diesels are a pain, they arent like the older trucks. Personally unless you need a heavy duty, don’t get one.

 

I test drove that 2021 GMC diesel. It drives really well—smooth ride, tons of power, and it feels unstoppable. Overall, it’s a very nice truck. However, I decided not to trade. The Tundra just fits my needs better. The GMC has more power than I need, along with added complexity and weight, plus some concerns about reliability and potentially higher repair costs. That said, 18 mpg for such a big truck is impressive, especially since that average included some towing over the last 400 miles

 

Big no. If you wanted a GMC you would have bought one originally. There’s a reason someone else wants this trade…

 

Diesels are towing machines!!! You cannot do better for towing, BUT, high maintenance costs and more often maintenance. They all seem to have their issues. I traded an absolutely beautiful F250 with only 30K miles for my Tundra. I loved that truck & thought I'd have it for a long long time. 12 recalls, oil leaks, & death wobble, plus costly maintenance made me change my mind.

 

ya, avoid the big diesel monsters unless you really need the towing abilities.

When actually needed, they can't be beat, but for light loads, daily driving, short trips, etc, big pass there.

if you just need payload, go HD gas IMO

 

Tundra has an engine issue they've addressed but what the F is going on with Ford quality. This is the 5th qtr the CEO has had to explain warranty claims being out of control across all product lines and a major drag on earnings. Ford stock down aprox 10% after the earnings call. They are regressing, not improving.

 

What towing size would you make the jump to HD diesel? For me, it's about 8000lbs but I'm very conservative.

 

I would say, quickly off the top of my head, largely due to payload running out too fast

7,500-8,000 I would go HD gas

12K+ then diesel

I like reserve if Im going to go bigger.

although I love torque, etc, the EPA has ruined these newer ones unless your daily towing heavy, etc. Aren't just injectors costing a ton? would those be covered under extended warranties?

anyways, moot for me on the personal side as a 1/2 ton is all I need. for my business I have high top vans promaster 1500 and a transit 350 for the heavy stuff.