Thinking About Buying New Body Style Sierra Truck But Need Some Advice

CobraSnake · August 30, 2010

Hello everybody. I've been thinking about buying a Used GMC Sierra truck for college but I thought I would get some information first. The year range is between 07-09 New Body style (of course) and the mileage can be around 50K. Posted below are the options I would like to have on the truck. I prefer a Crew Cab truck because it makes the truck look badass, but I will consider Extended Cab. So the question is, are there any advice or secrets to keep in mind when it comes to buying this truck? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Options:

-Sunroof

-Fog Lights

-Trailer Package

-Trailer Mirrors (big ones)

-XM Satelite (I'm ok without it)

-Bluetooth (Would like this, but ok without it)

-Hard Bed Cover (Factory or Aftermarket, either way as long as it doesn't scratch the paint)

That's all I can think of. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Oh and for the wheels, I would like to keep it stock because I don't want to look too flashy during my college years. Maybe after college.

Thanks,

CobraSnake

Picture of the Day

CobraSnake · August 30, 2010

15+ Views and no replies? Come on guys, don't be afraid to speak up!

Wingnut · August 30, 2010

15+ Views and no replies? Come on guys, don't be afraid to speak up!

You posted at 1 in the morning. What do you expect?

I wouldn't buy a 25-30 thousand dollar truck for college unless somebody else was paying my bills. Trucks are expensive to drive. I would buy a 10 year old truck for less than 10 for a few reasons. Main reason being that whatever you buy will be pretty much junk by the time you graduate unless you're going to be attending a school that screens for people that don't give a hoot about other people's cars.

But if you're going to buy one anyway...Buy what you want and can afford. There's really no advice than can be given over the internet, as it's a highly personal choice and nobody here really knows you. And nobody can accurately predict what's going to be a wise choice, as the threads here serve as proof of.

I've bought a brand spanking new truck that crapped out transmission after transmission after transmission along with several other problems before I hit 30k miles. I've also bought a 3 year old used truck with 30k miles on it from an oilfield supply company (they beat the living piss out of their trucks), and that turned out to be pretty much the longest lasting and most reliable truck I've ever bought. I sold it with 350,000 miles on it without any major rebuilds or repairs. I've had a lot of trucks, have a pretty good eye for something that's been beaten and abused, and I can say without reservation that NOBODY can tell you if a particular vehicle is a wise choice. Not Carfax, not GMVIS, and especially not random dudes on the internet

Wingnut · August 30, 2010

Welcome to the forum by the way

Nick The Great · August 30, 2010

I bought my 1999 RCSB Chevy truck in 2002. It was after my Freshman year in college. I got it for cheap because it was a 2WD RCSB with the 4.3L V6.

It was great because I could fit all my things in it when it came to moving. The box was full and so was the cab, but I fit everything in it every year (no big furniture for the dorms). Plus the regular cab meant I rarely had to drive when there was 4 or 5 of us guys going somewhere. But it was 'cozy' when you had to haul 2 or 3 girls home from a party . . .

Now I was fortunate that I had lots of scholarships and some money saved so I didn't have to take a loan for it. You hear of a lot of guys who'd buy an expensive truck in school and have a tough time making their payments. My only advice to you is to make damn sure you can afford what you get!

jblakeney · August 30, 2010

It is just going to get door-ed and scratched by people walking by it with backpacks...... Trust me I know.... Just look at my truck.... It shows college life.

Jbo

GMCSierraSLE1500 · August 30, 2010

I agree with the above statements, buy what you want and can afford, otherwise in the long run you'll end up having a visit from Repo because you werent making your payments or fell to far behind, especially if your in college and not working it'll be twice as hard to keep up on payments, just a thought as said previously.

Major_Kong · August 30, 2010

As the previous posters have touched on, buying a relatively new vehicle while going to college is probably not the wisest move. Aside from the monthly payments and higher insurance, the vehicle is going to get dinged up. Most college kids drive beaters and don't care about other people's cars. Also a newer vehicle will be a better target for thieves than a beater. With school, you'll have enough to worry about. Adding the stress of worrying about a new vehicle will make it worse.

If I were you I would buy an older vehicle (something reliable but disposable) to tide you over until you are done with school. When I was in school, I had a rusty Honda Accord that was very reliable. I could park it anywhere on campus and no one would mess with it.

GM is not going to stop making trucks so you can buy one after you graduate.

CobraSnake · August 30, 2010

15+ Views and no replies? Come on guys, don't be afraid to speak up!

You posted at 1 in the morning. What do you expect?

I wouldn't buy a 25-30 thousand dollar truck for college unless somebody else was paying my bills. Trucks are expensive to drive. I would buy a 10 year old truck for less than 10 for a few reasons. Main reason being that whatever you buy will be pretty much junk by the time you graduate unless you're going to be attending a school that screens for people that don't give a hoot about other people's cars.

But if you're going to buy one anyway...Buy what you want and can afford. There's really no advice than can be given over the internet, as it's a highly personal choice and nobody here really knows you. And nobody can accurately predict what's going to be a wise choice, as the threads here serve as proof of.

I've bought a brand spanking new truck that crapped out transmission after transmission after transmission along with several other problems before I hit 30k miles. I've also bought a 3 year old used truck with 30k miles on it from an oilfield supply company (they beat the living piss out of their trucks), and that turned out to be pretty much the longest lasting and most reliable truck I've ever bought. I sold it with 350,000 miles on it without any major rebuilds or repairs. I've had a lot of trucks, have a pretty good eye for something that's been beaten and abused, and I can say without reservation that NOBODY can tell you if a particular vehicle is a wise choice. Not Carfax, not GMVIS, and especially not random dudes on the internet

Welcome to the forum by the way

Ha, it was one in the morning when I posted this but I noticed that people saw this thread already and no replies. I'm not going to buy a brand spanking new truck for $25-30K. I just wanted to see if I can get a used truck that is in great condition. I may have to consider getting a 5-10 year old truck for college though. I always make sure what ever I buy is what I can afford. Wow, the oilfield don't care about their truck as much? Well, that's good to know because I don't want that kind of problems in the future.

Thanks for the welcome by the way.

I bought my 1999 RCSB Chevy truck in 2002. It was after my Freshman year in college. I got it for cheap because it was a 2WD RCSB with the 4.3L V6.

It was great because I could fit all my things in it when it came to moving. The box was full and so was the cab, but I fit everything in it every year (no big furniture for the dorms). Plus the regular cab meant I rarely had to drive when there was 4 or 5 of us guys going somewhere. But it was 'cozy' when you had to haul 2 or 3 girls home from a party . . .

Now I was fortunate that I had lots of scholarships and some money saved so I didn't have to take a loan for it. You hear of a lot of guys who'd buy an expensive truck in school and have a tough time making their payments. My only advice to you is to make damn sure you can afford what you get!

I think my truck is going to be a 2WD also, but if I can find a 4x4 for a great deal, might as well take that. (According to the bold statement) That is the reason why I'm considering buying a truck because I have a mustang gt right now and it doesn't have a lot of room for stuff. Haha, it is always "cozy" when you have some ladies in your truck. I will take your advice about the payments and will make sure I can afford it.

Thanks buddy.

It is just going to get door-ed and scratched by people walking by it with backpacks...... Trust me I know.... Just look at my truck.... It shows college life.

Jbo

Yeah, good point. I may have to consider getting and older model, but we'll see. I usually park far from school so it doesn't get scratch and door-ed like your said. Thanks.

I agree with the above statements, buy what you want and can afford, otherwise in the long run you'll end up having a visit from Repo because you werent making your payments or fell to far behind, especially if your in college and not working it'll be twice as hard to keep up on payments, just a thought as said previously.

Definitely agree with you buddy. Don't want a Repo knocking on my front door in the future. I think I am going to get a job soon if the baseball situation at my college doesn't work out for me. Thanks for your input.

As the previous posters have touched on, buying a relatively new vehicle while going to college is probably not the wisest move. Aside from the monthly payments and higher insurance, the vehicle is going to get dinged up. Most college kids drive beaters and don't care about other people's cars. Also a newer vehicle will be a better target for thieves than a beater. With school, you'll have enough to worry about. Adding the stress of worrying about a new vehicle will make it worse.

If I were you I would buy an older vehicle (something reliable but disposable) to tide you over until you are done with school. When I was in school, I had a rusty Honda Accord that was very reliable. I could park it anywhere on campus and no one would mess with it.

GM is not going to stop making trucks so you can buy one after you graduate.

Like I have said earlier, I may have to consider buying an older truck that is reliable but disposable like what you said. As I mentioned, I drive a real nice mustang GT and I think my car will be a better target than the truck. I always take care of my trucks/cars and park far from campuses if it's a real nice ride. Don't mind parking far because I love to long board my way into school. I certainly hope GM doesn't stop making Sierra trucks after I graduate! Thanks for your input buddy, I appreciate it.

To all, thank you for the input - I appreciate it a lot and it has helped me out. Keep it coming though, would love to see what others had to say if he/she was in my situation. You guys are awesome. Post some pictures of your truck if you want to get some 'attention'.

CobraSnake

atxman · August 30, 2010

Speaking from experience: I bought a brand spanking new truck last year. (my Junior year) I have many regrets, but the biggest is letting go of so much money i had in savings for it (down payment).

I can afford my monthly payments and all the truck's expenses with my PT job, but I would have rather bought, a nice sedan and saved my savings for graduation.

The goal is to try to get out of school with the least amount of debt as possible.

rodram · August 30, 2010

here's what I think... find a good low mileage 99-02 ... something that is still stock and looks like it was taken care of ... it might take a while looking around.. but it will be worth it. There is always somebody who is trying to sell a well-maintained truck in order to buy a new one. Pay cash if you can ... then you are not making payments (... payments suck !!!) ... it may need a little maintenance costs from time to time, but at least that beats paying every month, especially if you are not using the truck very much.

... and when you don't buy that 07 or newer, you will be giving GM time to figure why 5.3L AFM engines start burning so much oil after 30,000 miles ... wait a few years and they will get that fixed, or they will be selling all their engines without AFM by then...

... then plan to buy a brand new (or near-new) one with all the options you want when you are finished school... I got my first new Chev truck when I graduated (... but that was a long time ago in ... 1976)

peirek · August 30, 2010

Debt is BAD!!!!!!!!!!

Education is CRITICAL!!!!!!!!!

Keep your priorities in order and you will thank yourself many times later in life.

oldmann · August 31, 2010

You need an old balls truck! One an old dude drove. 2wd, cap, towing mirrors 03-06 almost like new. They are out there. And are sweet.

Sierra89 · August 31, 2010

In my opinion buy an older truck.

I bought my 89 Sierra my first year (2003), it was beat to crap. I remember driving by a truck lot with all the shinny trucks out front and seeing this big ol' beast parked out back up a snowbank. Walked in and the guy said he'd take $1000 cash. Drove her over 3 hours to my parents place on headers alone (if I loose my hearing later in life I know why!) I Spent about 2 grand over that summer, drove it for the school year and then another 2 grand the following summer and I had a nice truck. I drove it for the remaining years of University and I'm still driving it almost 8 years later!

Moral of the story, no debt and I put money into the truck when I could afford to make it a bit nicer.

Good luck with your education!

CobraSnake · August 31, 2010

Speaking from experience: I bought a brand spanking new truck last year. (my Junior year) I have many regrets, but the biggest is letting go of so much money i had in savings for it (down payment).

I can afford my monthly payments and all the truck's expenses with my PT job, but I would have rather bought, a nice sedan and saved my savings for graduation.

The goal is to try to get out of school with the least amount of debt as possible.

Thank you for pointing out man, I appreciate it. Definitely don't want any kind of debt in the future.

CobraSnake

here's what I think... find a good low mileage 99-02 ... something that is still stock and looks like it was taken care of ... it might take a while looking around.. but it will be worth it. There is always somebody who is trying to sell a well-maintained truck in order to buy a new one. Pay cash if you can ... then you are not making payments (... payments suck !!!) ... it may need a little maintenance costs from time to time, but at least that beats paying every month, especially if you are not using the truck very much.

... and when you don't buy that 07 or newer, you will be giving GM time to figure why 5.3L AFM engines start burning so much oil after 30,000 miles ... wait a few years and they will get that fixed, or they will be selling all their engines without AFM by then...

... then plan to buy a brand new (or near-new) one with all the options you want when you are finished school... I got my first new Chev truck when I graduated (... but that was a long time ago in ... 1976)

I've been searching some where around that year range and found some here and there. How "low" would you consider a low mileage on a used truck or suv? I'll see what I can do about buying the car with cash or not. Maybe that is a good thing for me to put on hold for newer trucks with AFM engines. A new truck or suv won't be for another 4-5 years but that is ok with me. I'll keep this in mind when searching.

Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it a lot.

CobraSnake

Debt is BAD!!!!!!!!!!

Education is CRITICAL!!!!!!!!!

Keep your priorities in order and you will thank yourself many times later in life.

Yes, I agree debt is very bad. I will do my best to keep my priorities in order. Thanks for your help buddy.

CobraSnake

You need an old balls truck! One an old dude drove. 2wd, cap, towing mirrors 03-06 almost like new. They are out there. And are sweet.

I hope you're not talking about that old balls hanging from the truck. I'm looking for a decent truck that is well maintained so that I can drive for the next 3-4 years. Thanks for your help.

CobraSnake

In my opinion buy an older truck.
I bought my 89 Sierra my first year (2003), it was beat to crap. I remember driving by a truck lot with all the shinny trucks out front and seeing this big ol' beast parked out back up a snowbank. Walked in and the guy said he'd take $1000 cash. Drove her over 3 hours to my parents place on headers alone (if I loose my hearing later in life I know why!) I Spent about 2 grand over that summer, drove it for the school year and then another 2 grand the following summer and I had a nice truck. I drove it for the remaining years of University and I'm still driving it almost 8 years later!

Moral of the story, no debt and I put money into the truck when I could afford to make it a bit nicer.

Good luck with your education!

Haha, you may need to check your audiologist for your hearing. I'm surprised that truck is holding up really well. I hope I can find something that is as durable as your truck. No debt is always a good thing - free of stress. I will keep this in mind, thank you for help buddy - I appreciate it a lot.

To all, please keep it coming if you have nothing to do! Would be greatly appreciated.