Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

[korygrandy]

As Kip Moore says, "there''s something about a truck". Main reason for upgrading is condition of current pick-up and fact I am debt free, with a sizable down payment and no kids until at least 1-2yrs. with no other major expenses in the future.

Well I've decided today my 2000 Silverado needs to be retired from the fleet. I'm looking to get a truck a couple years old so 2011, Late model 2010 if I had to. Oh and I think the better half has finally come to terms that it might be time as well...although she will most-likely "commandeer" it for the fist couple years of it's life until the type of vehicle we need changes.

I'm thinking of switching to GMC Sierra merely because I don't really like the look of the new Silverado. Then again this is day 1 of truck shopping so I am uneducated. Truck requirements are V8 4x4 Extended, White, grey or black, power windows/locks, and I hate to sacrifice the 8' bed I have now but I've noticed the beds seem to be getting shorter and the cabs longer.

If I could afford I would just go for a 2500, I could afford the gas as I have 4 other vehicles to drive but I haven't seen a truck that big in the underground parking garage downtown.

From 2010 and newer are is thee anything I should know about Silverado VS Sierra and any reason why you would prefer one over the other based on my above requirements? I left out price because I think that is an irrelevant discussion as it's based on local market and each individual "deal".

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

I prefer the sierra's myself based on looks. Pretty much all of the reputable reviewers rate them both equally for reliability. Yup, really sucks the beds are shrinking but I think they are for some reason keeping the overall rig length the same. The 2500 shouldn't be that much taller than a 1500.

 

[QC]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Pretty much all of the reputable reviewers rate them both equally for reliability.

Since they are identical except for the grille, headlights, logos and the fender treatment, I would certainly expect that.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

I prefer the sierra's myself based on looks. Pretty much all of the reputable reviewers rate them both equally for reliability. Yup, really sucks the beds are shrinking but I think they are for some reason keeping the overall rig length the same. The 2500 shouldn't be that much taller than a 1500.

I figured they were much of the same so it comes down to what look I prefer if there is a preference... Either way I'd like to snag an '11 for under 28k if at all possible...

I like this one except no bucket seats which are a must.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3061446696.html

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

"but I've noticed the beds seem to be getting shorter and the cabs longer."

Amen to that brother. it's a little ridiculous in my opinion. I am pretty sure the only extended cab 8' beds you are going to see will be 2500 series. If you like the look of the GMC over the Chevy, that's cool. Same truck.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

I like this one except no bucket seats which are a must.

Why are they a "must"? And from the picture, that "split bench seat" sure looks like two buckets with an afterthought of a center console/seat bolted between them.

 

[the vision]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Go with a 5.3 engine, the 4.8 is a turd and gets worse mpg's.

 

[maproy99]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

The only thing I don't like about my 2005 silverado, I wish it ran diesel instead of gas and had a much larger fuel tank.

 

[jkust]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Go with a 5.3 engine, the 4.8 is a turd and gets worse mpg's.

Agreed don't be fooled by their similar numbers on paper. 4.8 is a dog.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Agreed don't be fooled by their similar numbers on paper. 4.8 is a dog.

Yeah I will be going with 5.3l for sure. Test drive's this weekend!

 

[jkust]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Yeah I will be going with 5.3l for sure. Test drive's this weekend!

If you're going GM, pay attention to the crossover from the 4 speed transmission to the 6 speed if you are shopping a few years old. Also look for the G80, full locking rear differential. I don't know off the top of my head if it is standard equipment on trucks as it was with SUV's but if you can get one, do it. The RPO code in the glove box options code sticker will actually say 'G80'. Much of my knowledge is suv GM based as both of my newer SUV's are 5.3's and some truck stuff is optional on truck based suv's but not on trucks.
Also, forgot to mention, I bought my last SUV in Michigan where the economy was depressed compared to MN and vehicles were insanely cheap for the same thing. It was like going to a foreign country things were so much less money. Ohio and some of the other depressed/high unemployment states are good spots to buy.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

If you're going GM, pay attention to the crossover from the 4 speed transmission to the 6 speed if you are shopping a few years old. Also look for the G80, full locking rear differential. I don't know off the top of my head if it is standard equipment on trucks as it was with SUV's but if you can get one, do it. The RPO code in the glove box options code sticker will actually say 'G80'. Much of my knowledge is suv GM based as both of my newer SUV's are 5.3's and some truck stuff is optional on truck based suv's but not on trucks.
Also, forgot to mention, I bought my last SUV in Michigan where the economy was depressed compared to MN and vehicles were insanely cheap for the same thing. It was like going to a foreign country things were so much less money. Ohio and some of the other depressed/high unemployment states are good spots to buy.

Good lookin out just. You are referring to the all star package and they do a great job summing that up here:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f22/2011-silverado-package-changes-92045/

I have a hand shake deal on just this truck. Will b picking it up with the upgraded tow package z71 tranny cooler... All the goodies spray liner custom rubber chrome rails and chrome step side. Ooh boy

 

[jkust]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Good lookin out just. You are referring to the all star package and they do a great job summing that up here:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f22/2011-silverado-package-changes-92045/

I have a hand shake deal on just this truck. Will b picking it up with the upgraded tow package z71 tranny cooler... All the goodies spray liner custom rubber chrome rails and chrome step side. Ooh boy

Nice find with the Z71 and everything. Post some pics when you bring it home.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

I think it's safe to say I can post some numbers as I'm picking this up tonight.

I picked up the 2011 All-Star Edition Silverado, 5.3l 6spd Ext Cab 4x4 with 9,500miles for $25,9. For my local market this is a pretty good price I feel. I'm pretty sure the thing is still under warranty, but I won't know much until I see the "folder" on this bad boy.

The widow still has the original window sticker from last year, and she told me "Dwayne" would get on her before she even opened the door to "take it easy with the door..."

It's been babied. Pics to come tonight, although it might be too dark to get anything decent!

 

[jkust]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

I think it's safe to say I can post some numbers as I'm picking this up tonight.

I picked up the 2011 All-Star Edition Silverado, 5.3l 6spd Ext Cab 4x4 with 9,500miles for $25,9. For my local market this is a pretty good price I feel. I'm pretty sure the thing is still under warranty, but I won't know much until I see the "folder" on this bad boy.

The widow still has the original window sticker from last year, and she told me "Dwayne" would get on her before she even opened the door to "take it easy with the door..."

It's been babied. Pics to come tonight, although it might be too dark to get anything decent!

Sounds nice. I can't imagine a scenario where it isn't still under warranty. Also, as was the case for both my trucks, the "in service date" of the vehicles was right at the very end of the model year so ended up getting like 51 weeks of bumper to bumper warranty over what I would have thought. When you get it and activate the On-Star system for your three month trial period, your OnStar account information page will detail all the warranties if for some reason the folder doesn't have it. Having the bumper to bumper warranty still in effect is a gigantic benefit but given it is not even broken in yet who knows if you'll even need it. Any way you will definitely have the power trane warranty for a long time to come. Gotta post pics when you get it home.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Here's the pics! I found out this thing has Active Fuel Management and it was some good reading materials on how GM pulled that one off.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/active-fuel-management-50389/

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

..

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

 

[jkust]

Re: Truck shopping...probably going to be one of the highlights of the decade

Great looking truck. As for the active fuel management, GM put that on their 5.3's right around 2005 when they called it 'displacement on demand' but don't get too excited as it only bumps up highway mileage at most 5% for cafe standards. You'd expect a lot more mpg's cutting 4 cyls off but it is what it is. You'll notice the narrow band of parameters you have to be doing for it to kick on during a daily drive. Both of my 5.3's have it and as ok as the highway mileage read out is the second you slow down in traffic or exit the freeway the 21's and 22's on the mpg gauge, quickly turn to 16's and 17's overall. Ignoring all the great stuff on that truck, I really like the digital tranny temp read out and the light that goes on when you are in '4 cylinder mode'. The other great thing the previous owner did is put on that little bug/rock deflector. Those are really effective at keeping the hood in nice shape if you plan to keep the truck over the long haul. My 12 year old minivan has had one since new and it really saved the hood over so many miles.
Just noticed too that you have the 3.42 rear diff (meaning the optional 3.73 wasn't selected) so you'll have a little less low end grunt but get slightly better mileage. Given you have the G80, I'd call it a fair trade off.

The only downside I can see is that you are going to need a bigger boat.