Need Advice - New Truck Purchase

[GMBound]

 

 

Hey All,

 

 

 

I'm in the market for a Truck - GMC/Chevy 1500 but not up to date on the latest news. I had a nice 2002 Silverado 1500 that I sold for a Jeep Grand Cherokee back in 2008...worse mistake ever! Decided to sell the Jeep and return to a Sierra/Silverado.

 

 

 

I'm looking at used 2007/08/09 Silverado 1500's / Sierra 1500's and having a bit of trouble deciphering the best buy. Can you guys point me in the right direction on the latest info, what to look for, what to stay away from, where maybe to look for deals, etc?

 

 

 

Requirements:

 

Black, Silver, Platinum, Dark Blue

 

5.3L

 

4x4

 

< 40k miles

 

Extended cab at a minimum but prefer crew cab

 

 

 

Preferable:

 

Leather

 

Crew Cab

 

 

 

Price Range: <$25k

 

 

 

Looks like late 2007 they went to the new body style which is a must have for me, do I want to avoid this year (working out the kinks theory) or are late 2007 models ok? What benefits do the later models have 07 to 08 to 09, etc? I noticed that the 2010's have 6 spd automatics vs. the 4 spd, what is the benefit of this?

 

 

 

I've been finding 4 door SLE's/LT's with 35k or so in the 07/08 date range for around $22/3k, is this a good deal?

 

 

 

Please help, my understanding is outdated and I'd like to know what I'm looking for so that I make an educated purchase.

 

 

 

Thanks much!

 

Josh

 

[Zembonez]

New body came out in early 07. They did produce a few 07 Classic (old body style trucks). Trucks are pretty much the same 07 up with the normal exception of a few option package changes. Some people don't like to buy first year vehicles, but so far, I haven;t heard of a lot of first year issues on these trucks. My 07 has been flawless.

 

There have been a few AFM issues. Some people are having to have lifters replaced on the 5.3 V8. Otherwise I can't think of anything major going wrong with them.

[bluArrow]

Changing to the 6 speed as opposed to the four speed picked up 3 miles per gallon on the window sticker and allowed getting the 3.42 gears without getting hammered on fuel economy. With the four speed to get the better milage you needed the 3.08 gears but getting those gears cut trailer towing to 6700 pounds.

By getting the six speed/3.42 setup trailer towing is increased to 9500 pounds while still getting 21 mpg highway..

[frogdog]

First post btw. I was in your same shoes for the past week or so. Looking for an 07 or newer truck with low miles, 40k miles or less and found a few.They would not come off the used trucks hardly any ,but would come off the new one's 7 or 8k right off the bat. I just bought an 11 model 5.3l Z71 4x4 crew cab for 30k off the lot and couldn't get them down to 25 on an 08 with 44k. It seem's to me the best deals right now are on brand new trucks.Try to deal with multiple dealers and compare the prices and they get really competitive.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Don't know your location but areound here, you can get a left over 2010 for about the same price as a 07-09 used 1500. Shop around, you may find brand new for a good price. IMO, you are better off buying a new one.

[GMBound]

Don't know your location but areound here, you can get a left over 2010 for about the same price as a 07-09 used 1500. Shop around, you may find brand new for a good price. IMO, you are better off buying a new one.

 

 

Whats the best price you've seen on a 5.3L 4x4 crew cab SLT / LTZ? I found a 2008 5.3L 4x4 crew LTZ (heated leather and such) - black with 36k miles for $25.9k. I shot the dealer an offer for $24k hoping to meet in the middle, good deal or ?

[GMBound]

What is gained between the SL / SLE / SLT models. (same for Chevy's?) Is it all interior upgrades like onstar, memory leather seats, navigation etc or are there core upgrades between the different models? (better suspension, etc?

 

I'm thinking maybe a middle of the road (SLE or LT?) then ordering after market leather seat covers. I prefer leather as its just easier to clean up when the lab sheds after a muddy hike etc. I'm considering a 2.5 inch daystar level kit to level out the front end and some aftermarket rims and BFG's so the upgraded stock wheels will just be sold. Curious if the higher end models just boast luxuries that can be added if I can find a deal on a non-SLT truck?

[Pyggy]

What is gained between the SL / SLE / SLT models. (same for Chevy's?) Is it all interior upgrades like onstar, memory leather seats, navigation etc or are there core upgrades between the different models? (better suspension, etc?

 

I'm thinking maybe a middle of the road (SLE or LT?) then ordering after market leather seat covers. I prefer leather as its just easier to clean up when the lab sheds after a muddy hike etc. I'm considering a 2.5 inch daystar level kit to level out the front end and some aftermarket rims and BFG's so the upgraded stock wheels will just be sold. Curious if the higher end models just boast luxuries that can be added if I can find a deal on a non-SLT truck?

 

Download the brochures from gmc.com/chevy.com (or gm.ca if you're in Canada) and compare. You can also play with the configurator on each site, and compare what options are available at each trim level. For the most part it's options and interior upgrades. One of the biggest differences is the upgrade from SLE/LT to SLT/LTZ will get you the SUV dash, rather than the truck dash (and standard leather seating). It's not just included options, either - some trim levels will have options the lower trim levels do not offer. Basic things like the suspension types, etc are available across all trim levels, I'm pretty sure. SL/LS models are limited with regards to engine choices, SLE/LT models have the full range of engines available, so if you want a 5.3 or 6.2, it's SLE/LT or better.

 

You CAN get leather in an SLE/LT from the factory, don't have to go to an SLT/LTZ. I bet you'd be happy with an SLE/LT.

[P71_CrownVic]

Don't know your location but areound here, you can get a left over 2010 for about the same price as a 07-09 used 1500. Shop around, you may find brand new for a good price. IMO, you are better off buying a new one.

 

 

Whats the best price you've seen on a 5.3L 4x4 crew cab SLT / LTZ? I found a 2008 5.3L 4x4 crew LTZ (heated leather and such) - black with 36k miles for $25.9k. I shot the dealer an offer for $24k hoping to meet in the middle, good deal or ?

 

 

That is a DAMN good price.

 

I paid $22,477.25 out the door for my 2006 LT3 CC Silverado with 18K on the clock...and that is when the used car market bottomed out in Jan/Feb 2009. For that price, I say jump on it...

[Zembonez]

^^^ What he said.

 

So many little trim level differences. If you are buying used, I suggest just going out and finding one you like? You'll drive yourself silly trying to determine every possible option on every truck.

[oldmann]

Found my 07 gmt900 sierra slt with 22k miles for $24k usd. I love it. No problems.