Thanks to all for the great comments. I called Dave Smith in Idaho and talked to a salesman today. He quoted me on a 2005 Duramax/Allison 2500 SLT Crew Cab with all the accessories except the drop down DVD which the used one I looked had. The DVD option from the factory is $1200 and DS offered a better aftermarket version at $1500. The price included a $1500 discount from GMAC if you finance with them at a higher than market rate but you only have to keep the financing in force for three months then you cqan refinance with your bank. The deal also included a $1000 "hold back" discount which he explained is a hidden discount off sticker that the dealers get..this truck has a $1200 hold back. There was also another discount of $500 for whatever...The bottom line was $39,685.00 plus tax and license. That would be a much better deal than buying a 2003 for $36K less a generous trade in.

So at the end of the day I took the sensible road and decided to wait and keep the Suburban and spend a little money to detail it inside and out so it is like new. It is paid for so that is the frugile way to go.The emotional lure of a new truck is strong but I resisted it as I really don't need something new. With diesel at almost $2.50 I would still save money on fuel in the long run but it would take too many years to overcome the depreciation associated with something new or even used.