Looking Into A New Truck For Work, Need Some Info!

[Tklei14]

Currently I have a 2009 Sierra 1500 and 2000 Sierra 2500 and I'm looking to replace the 2500 as it's more truck than I need.

 

I'm looking for a 1500 work truck with a regular cab. I'm undecided on long Or short bed, and 2wd or 4wd. I really like the look of a truck with the regular cab and short bed, but I don't know how practical that will be. The only option I want is the work truck preferred group option as I would really like cruise control. I'm fine with having a base model truck as it will get beat up for work.

 

Msrp for the 2wd is something like 22,980, and the 4wd is 26,200$; both short bed. What should I be looking to pay for these trucks? I know GM has a 2,000$ off incentive this month. I'm going to look for a leftover 2010 too but there are not many around now.

 

I have also looked into a Colorado/Canyon, but I'm not too sure I want something that small.

 

Are there any important features I'm missing? This truck will be a nice upgrade from my 2000 Sierra 2500 work truck.

 

Tom

[05GMCZ71]

Long bed can't be beat, you'll be glad to have a long bed. I see no purpose in having a short bed when owning a truck Just make sure you have what you need, A/C, and you will have to determine if you need 4X4 or not. If you have winter driving conditions and will be driving the truck in the winter, get 4WD, or at least the G-80 locking rear diff with good snow tires. (if you don't drive in deep snow)

 

Good luck!

[jro909]

long bed for sure, atleast a 4.8...the 4.3 just dosen't have the nuts to do much besides move an unloaded truck from point A to point B....4x4 is up to you, a g80 and good tires has suited me just fine for 4 harsh winters now with no issues....

[oneillt]

If its going to be a work truck, the short bed reg cab dosent make too much sense, go for the 8'

[mike94silverado]

My dad bought a 2011 RC/SB 4x4 V-6, Cruise Automatic MSRP $25500 for 21900 OTR and from Driving the V-6 it is more than enough for the truck. There is nothing worth paying 2k for a v-8 unless you are going to tow or something. That 6 goes in the small truck

[Tklei14]

Mike I have to agree with you on the V6, I test drove one today and it has enought power for me. With the amount I drive the fuel saving will be nice too!

 

As far as the short vs long bed goes you guys are probably right a long bed is the better option. I just don't think it looks as good as the standard bed wih the regular cab. I need to see some pics of the long bed with a leveling kit, I think that is what will really make me like it.

 

Another question I had is what is the better seat material? Vinyl of cloth? I like the black cloth, but the vinyl might hold up better?

[oneillt]

If your getting one with A/C get it with vinyl, if no A/C go cloth. Last truck had vinyl seats with no A/C, they held up great but I dreaded them in the summer.

[foghorn23]

You mentioned a Colorado. While they are a good little truck, if you are thinking about saving money through operating costs you won't see much gasoline savings vs a Silverado, at least in 4x4 trim. My dad has a 06 Colorado extended cab 4x4 with the 4cyl and his gas mileage isn't much different than my 2011 Silverado crew. The big GM trucks are good gas mileage performers if driven conservatively.

[mike94silverado]

we have vinyl in the 2500 HD's at the Mine where I work and it HAS NOT held up well. these are 08-09 model trucks and the thread in the seats have separated on 2 of them... not to say the cloth would be better in our application but it's not impressive.

 

other thing you may want to check is if you want a CD player or not. we overlooked that (thinking it was standard) when getting my dad's truck and now have to add it.

[mike94silverado]

also, I have had a few Colorado/Canyons for service loaners and they are much smaller, and seemed to get worse mileage. I had one for a week and put the same amount of gas for the same driving as my Silverado... just something to consider

[mike94silverado]

Mike I have to agree with you on the V6, I test drove one today and it has enought power for me. With the amount I drive the fuel saving will be nice too!

 

As far as the short vs long bed goes you guys are probably right a long bed is the better option. I just don't think it looks as good as the standard bed wih the regular cab. I need to see some pics of the long bed with a leveling kit, I think that is what will really make me like it.

 

Another question I had is what is the better seat material? Vinyl of cloth? I like the black cloth, but the vinyl might hold up better?

 

 

 

I may never have considered a v-6 before but my wife's grandfather has a 93 Sierra with the 4.3 he has plowed 4 driveways with for 18 years and never has had anything done to so we looked at the one on the lot and he bought it without driving the 4.8.... it was impressive and it is proven.

[jro909]

the v6 gets crappier mileage then the v8s...the weight to power ratio kills the mileage...i had a buddy who had a v6 in a fullsize and he got worse mileage then my 5.3....i guess gearing depends too...4.3 is a solid motor but it is no power house let alone up to date

[oldmann]

Long bed for sure. A plain v6 2wd black grill painted wheel and bmpers leftover 2010 is like 16.5k