Looking At 2010 Inventory

fbachman · April 7, 2010

Don't be too hard on me, been very happy with my 07 (pictured/described in sig), so been out of the fray on the newer ones, but.....

Got equity in her, and was toying with looking at some 2010s.....and got a couple of ?s... you know, just playing the "what if" and "why not take a look" game.

SOOOO...

Denali is only available as a crew cab/AWD combo? (bummer, prefer the 4wd hi/lo thing) Would love the Denali trim and goodies, but think the 6.2 is waaay overkill for me. I like my 5.3. Not a freak to wrt getting the biggest V8 (not that it would be out of the question). I just like the 5.3 and it meets my needs perfectly. Got the 5.3 tuned and it runs like a champ.

gmc.com seemed to not allow me to make any other combo on the Denali. Has this always been the case? I don't recall that the Deanli was in the lineup when I got my 07, but not sure.

"Built" an SLT (got the SLE2 and thought SLT would be kinda cool for a change), and, in EC/4wd SLT, the closest truck in dealer's inventory is 90 miles away???? I mean, I don't live in the sticks. I know, I know, dealers can trade, etc., but, when I bought mine (07), every dealer had quite a few 07 trucks on the lot up unitl September of 07. You could drive around and see one of everything.

On the SLT/EC/4wd, the cast iron 5.3 V8 is out, gotta go Aluminum with a 6speed auto to get a 5.3, or live with the 4.8?? When did THAT happen? No more 4 speed auto on a 5.3, or is this an SLT thing?

I dunno, like I said, been out of the new truck fray for 3 years...seems like I missed out on a lot of line up changes...

Seems like all dealers around here (even the mega ones I wouldn't buy a lug nut from) seem to have little to no trucks on the lot...

Is it just the end of the model year, or, are they scaling back truck production and combos THAT much????

Maybe I just like what I have so much, but it seems lile the days of lego-trucks (build what/how you want from gazillions of combos) is out???? --- or a thing of the past???

I mean, I know times have been tough for Detroit. If that build-it-how-you-want-it with (almost) no rules/restrictions era is a thing of the past, I, for one, will miss it. If that's true, can't hardly blame GM given the reality of the times, but, it seems like I am more nostalgic any more than I thought.

What will be up with the 2011s --- more restrictive choices, or....?? anyone in the know?

Sorry if this is fragmented, just a little shell-shocked I guess. Been lost in my 07 Sierra world maybe?

C. Charles Hahn · April 7, 2010

A lot has changed in the automotive industry since 2007.... hell a lot has changed since 2009. It's tough, I know, but you have to adapt and kind of roll with the changes if you're going to keep up.

Stex · April 7, 2010

Cheer up, it will get worse...I would wait and order one just before the 'greens' mpg hits, say a 2012 and thus have a fresh truck for the next decade or so if needed...6sp A and 5.3/6.2 is what you get now....for awhile any way...car/truck dark ages seem to be near...I know, I lived thru the 70s 80s and 90s...I myself may grab a Camaro to go with the SLT...and hope they last.....Elections could change all the above if people would vote right!

nickvrebel · April 8, 2010

the Denali has always come with either 2WD or AWD options only.

in the GMT-800 the Denali 2WD had a 5.3L, the AWD had a 6.0L

in the GMT-900 they all have the larger option motor (currently 6.2L)

the 5.3L aluminum block is standard in the SLT trim truck. They still have the cast iron cylinder sleeves, so it's the same motor still essentially, just weighs less. GM has been using V8 aluminum blocks since the LS1 was introduced in the 1997 Corvette. In 2009 all 5.3L crew cab trucks got the 6 speed, now it's more available in 2010.

The 6 speed is nothing to be afraid of - in fact it's a huge improvement (so far) over the antiquated 4L60e who's roots go back to the 700R4. You get better fuel economy, better offline acceleration and a tougher transmission, no reason not to have it.

Also, keep in mind, you are asking for a SLT trim (high line truck) in the extended cab configuration, times have changed and the extended cab isn't nearly as popular as it once was.

Pumper · April 8, 2010

Just order the truck. Everybody always buys off of the lot and I don't know why. If you order it then you are guaranteed that you will get exactly what you want

fbachman · April 8, 2010

the Denali has always come with either 2WD or AWD options only.
in the GMT-800 the Denali 2WD had a 5.3L, the AWD had a 6.0L

in the GMT-900 they all have the larger option motor (currently 6.2L)

the 5.3L aluminum block is standard in the SLT trim truck. They still have the cast iron cylinder sleeves, so it's the same motor still essentially, just weighs less. GM has been using V8 aluminum blocks since the LS1 was introduced in the 1997 Corvette. In 2009 all 5.3L crew cab trucks got the 6 speed, now it's more available in 2010.

The 6 speed is nothing to be afraid of - in fact it's a huge improvement (so far) over the antiquated 4L60e who's roots go back to the 700R4. You get better fuel economy, better offline acceleration and a tougher transmission, no reason not to have it.

Also, keep in mind, you are asking for a SLT trim (high line truck) in the extended cab configuration, times have changed and the extended cab isn't nearly as popular as it once was.

ALl great info, appreciate it.

Not scared of a six speed. It's just, my wife's Enclave has the/a six speed auto, and the thing is ALWAYS hunting and shifting. Ya tap the gas and the shift is instantaneous. Seems like it is always working hard. As she has the dual clutch set-up, I generally pop it down so it has only 5 to choose from...adds a little driveability in my mind. I like my 4 speed where if you are easy on the gas and don't romp on it, you can use the engine's torque to just maintain the gear.

Personally, I just don't know if I am sold on the 6-speed auto from a drivability standpoint.... maybe it's just because I haven't ever owned one or am not too familiar with them. Maybe I am just becoming an old fart that is old school and have to get over it.

Interesting that SLT EC has dropped in popularity. There was a time not too long ago that EVERYONE wanted an EC. Not opposed to a crew, just seems like overkill for me, though the four doors seem like it would be WAY more convenient in a tight spot than the suicide rear doors I have now on my EC. Don't get me wrong, I love my EC. Just the tight parking lots have me pointing and scratching every now and then.

fbachman · April 8, 2010

Just order the truck. Everybody always buys off of the lot and I don't know why. If you order it then you are guaranteed that you will get exactly what you want

In all the vehicles I have ever owned, ONE was ordered, and I loved it.

I guess it's the "instant gratification" thing. I want it NOOOOOOOOOWW..... --- so you settle for what's on the lot, or find one closest to what you are looking for.

I guess the point I was getting at, even ordering it, it seems like you don't have all the choices one once did. The truck I ordered (2002), I mean, I took a book home that was like an encyclopedia, and sat for two days tinkering with all the possibilites.

Ordering NOW seems more like, pick from 1-3 general configs, and pick your color. You have a FEW things you can tweak, but, by and large, it's not the level of choice we once had. You choose between option GROUPS, rather than that axle, that engine, that tansmission, the 4wd setup, etc., etc. I mean, I can remember when you could order a highest level trim and get a manual 4WD with manual hubs, if that's really what you wanted.

I remember a buddy years ago ordered an F350, RC, SB with the monstor Diesel back then (we're talking late 80s here now), got the lariat trim, but was able to get carpet delete as he wanted the rubber floor. ALL doable then --- Not anymore it seems.

I can see GMs perspective. It a WHOLE lot cheaper and allows for quick production changes to meet demand to have production compartmentalized via 3-4 general overall configs, as opposed to having, like the old days, literally almost an infinite number of different combos possible. Makes for more inventory control as well. BUT, in the end, the customer is left with fewer choices. Sign of the times, I suppose. Too bad.

C. Charles Hahn · April 8, 2010

Just order the truck. Everybody always buys off of the lot and I don't know why.

They probably buy cars like women buy cars.... with their eyes only. "Ooh, look at it, it's so pretty! I want the pretty truck! If I order one, how do I know if it'll be pretty or not?"

Metro12 · April 8, 2010

Cheer up, it will get worse...I would wait and order one just before the 'greens' mpg hits, say a 2012 and thus have a fresh truck for the next decade or so if needed...6sp A and 5.3/6.2 is what you get now....for awhile any way...car/truck dark ages seem to be near...I know, I lived thru the 70s 80s and 90s...I myself may grab a Camaro to go with the SLT...and hope they last.....Elections could change all the above if people would vote right!

And the sky is falling too!

We are not going to be driving compact or under powered trucks after the new milage requirements. People need to take off their tinfoil hats and calm down! The technology is already there with direct injection gasoline engines, and clean diesels. Don't fall into thinking about this, as a factor in your decision making process.

High Plains Drifter · April 9, 2010

I'm glad to see these lots getting emptier, that means they're lowering production. The best way to bring up the value of the trucks and the brand is to put them in demand again. Lowering production will keep values of used trucks up and maybe this rebate nonsense will end.

GM has been doing this for 20 years or more and it's long time that they wean themselves off these incentives. I understand with the recession and economy the last couple years could not have been helped but they've been overproducing far too long. Dodge did as well. They had a 180 day supply or something ridiculous a few years back because they just kept building and storing with no regard to sales or what was really needed.

Dealers were tires of accepting all those RAMS because they'd sit there on the lot so long.

I have another car that's almost paid off and runs great but will not walk on the Chevy lot because I want that Camaro!

MacA · April 9, 2010

There was a time not too long ago that EVERYONE wanted an EC. Not opposed to a crew, just seems like overkill for me, though the four doors seem like it would be WAY more convenient in a tight spot than the suicide rear doors I have now on my EC. Don't get me wrong, I love my EC. Just the tight parking lots have me pointing and scratching every now and then.

My '99 and '04 Silverados were ECs. I loved the look, but I wasn't the one having to get in and ride back there! Now that I have the Crew Cab, my friends and family are saying "THANKS"!! I know the current EC owners are going to want to argue this, but...my Crew Cab is MUCH MORE convenient and comfortable than my old Extended Cabs! The only thing (in my opinion) that the EC gives you, is the option to get a std length bed. The "short bed only" factor of owning a Crew Cab doesn't bother me, but it can be an issue if you do a lot of hauling of large items.

Have fun looking!!

Kblaze94 · April 9, 2010

Most of the lots here are low on inventory too, i figured it was because '10 is going to be a shorter production year. And Im tired of hearing 09's are two years old, until i see a '11 on the lot, I'd still consider it 1 production year old.

I agree, ordering is about the best way to go. In my case I found basically the exact truck I wanted on the lot and was old inventory so I got a great deal, I got lucky that doesn't usually happen. Right now if i were looking since there's nothing around, I would have to order one, you just have to be willing to wait.

I like my 6spd opposed to the 4 spds I've driven, and is a big reason I didn't want an 09 ecsb. But good luck, btw your current truck looks great

KeithD · April 9, 2010

Dealers just don't have the inventory they used to, perhaps afraid the recession could turn into a depression and they're left with 100 trucks that are rusting..

I can't believe how unbelievably lucky I was, the dealer I went to had the exact truck I wanted in stock, I could not have ordered it better, right down to the colour (GMC EC 5.3 6 Speed 6 passenger seating, trailering package etc etc). I was driving it home the next morning.

EC vs CC was easy for me. I had a 4 door car before this truck and on 2(!) occasions the back seat was used. I'd much rather have more room in the back for my sled, as it rides with me much more than my friends do. That all being said, the 900 EC's don't seem to be as big as the 800's.