rouser

Greetings: My forum name is rouser. I come from a three-generational family that has had numerous Chevy trucks ranging from 3100s, Apaches, El Caminos, S-10s, and full-size trucks. Our family was "eccentric" in the fact that we kept the trucks an abnormally long time. Mostly high-reliability but when they broke down was able to fix/repair adapting technologies from carburetors to fuel injection to ECM modules to conventional / CAN/ODB II code readers. The GM dealers would say jokingly "Come back sooner than 10+ years for your next truck with a laugh". Two weeks ago, I purchased a new white 2025 GMC Sierra Pro, "double cab" / extended cab with the 5.3 Liter V-8 engine. I came from an old 2003 Silverado extended cab "base" truck with the 4.3 L V-6. I had been looking off-and-on since November for an extended cab truck with the 5.3 either new or used feeling like I was looking for the "unicorn" in reference to the features I wanted. I was shocked at looking at 1-2 year old models that were in the 75K - 150K miles range and holding price because there was a real market for these late model trucks no matter the mileage. In January, the old 2003 started breaking down more and more and it took an "intervention" from one of my close friends while helping me do one of the fixes to convince me that it was time for a new truck and that I deserved a new truck. Back in February, the "almost unicorn" popped up in a GMC search as it had everything I wanted and only three additional options. Two similar Silverados at two different dealers popped up as well in a Chevrolet search. I looked at the sticker price and researched the rebates and found that there was a considerable amount of rebate money on the table along with dealer incentives to where I decided to see what I could do and ended up making my purchase. Chevrolet #1 - dealer 55 miles away - when looking on their web page, the text had both "in transit" and "just arrived" mixed throughout. I called to clarify and was actually told "come see me and we can walk the lot together and find it, else find another truck for you..." I hung the phone up. Chevrolet #2 - another dealer but owned by a NASCAR team owner. Found the truck but not mentioned on the web page was the "second stickers" that had the three most ridiculous bovine scatology fees of "trademark/copyright fee" where they wanted money because of the NASCAR team name and NASCAR driver; the "advertising fee" to pay for the ad spots to advertise on media and the "Husking/unloading" fee where they claimed that the auto carriers would set up the ramps but no longer drove the vehicles off the truck and that a specially trained employee had to drive the vehicle off the auto carrier. Additionally the salesman talked down to me and denied that some of the rebates existed calling it old and outdated information. I left - I almost went to Dodge but cooler heads prevailed and decided to try the GMC dealer GMC - dealer salesman was friendly and diplomatic. Straightforward and acknowledged all rebates and we did go back and forth for more discounts only one round when the dealer came back with a price lower than I estimated. I took the deal. First GMC in the family He admitted to me that their competition wasn't Ford, Toyota, or Dodge, it was the NASCAR Chevrolet dealer that would extend out loans to 10 years (had heard 8 years if over 50 grand but not 10), or worked people psychology of being good ole' southern back country NASCAR boys, or would trick out the trucks and add those costs to the extended payments. Mods so far (not pictured - picture taken one hour after ownership) Front license plate holder - GM authentic part found under the passenger seat by the detailer and given to me. Installed Red silicone tow hook covers to simulate the red tow hooks of the AT4 - amazon crossrail toolbox - UWF Husky floormats and under rear seat storage bin Receiver hitch bar (on order) - brok warrior vent visors (on order) - AVS in-fender tie-down hooks (on order) - came with new truck when truck was purchased, removed from a totaled 2023 Silverado and placed on ebay for sale console trays to make the contents within more organized - amazon Mods in consideration black hyperdip of the chrome "Sierra" letters black/clear American flag decals Front receiver hitch Reverse beeper - had one on old truck but researching and I am seeing (but not confirmed if true) that I may have to 'turn off" the outside lighting package that came with the truck to make a conventional reverse beeper work. Still researching. I hope to glean and learn more about my truck and make online forum friends in the process.