Need Advice: Purchasing a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500

RednGrey · January 1, 2014

Hi there!

I have been a part of different forums for Performance regarding gm vehicles but never part of a open one like this so i hope it works.

I was recently in a accident and wrote of my 2003 chev silverado 1500 5.3 (4x4,ext cab,LT). I really liked that truck and i was able to walk away from that accident and with only a seat belt bruise because of that truck. (T-boned a suv doing 95km/h who didn't yield for traffic on a rural highway). So first thing i do is go to the local GM dealer to look for a used vehicle to replace my old girl. At the time of the accident that truck had 312K on it and only thing i had to do aside from typical maintenance was the transfer case (pump rub,encoder ring ect) and a wheel bearing. That truck has treated me very well! Off to test drive a 2011 Sierra crew cab with a 5.3 and 6 speed auto transmission with 46000km on it. Loved the truck, way it drove and the interior was nice with cloth bucket seats almost bought it right there but thought i would come home and do some research first.

2 Days of research later and i am at a stop, People seem to hate the truck, Most of it being the transmissions are just absolute junk! Shifts bad, Lurches ect. Just poor quality all the way around!

So my question to post to you wonderful guys at this forum is simple. Would you purchase a 2011 gmc Sierra. Are they reliable? Is the transmission thing fixed or still a large problem? Is the paint as weak as they state? Or is this just blowhards hating Gm because they can. I am true Chev/Gm guy to heart but before i dump down a large amount of cash i just want to make sure i am not getting into a lemon i may regret!.

And i suppose one more question would be Trucks made in mexico in comparison to the ones assembled in the USA. Is there a difference in quality for that.

Sorry for the long read but i like to take very good care of my vehicles and treat them right, i hope they do the same for me.

DaveH71 · January 1, 2014

I love my 2011 ext cab. I'm not sure what people are complaining about on the 6l80e. Its an adaptive transmission and will change its characteristics based on how you drive to better suit you. The paint on all new vehicles is water based, oil based paint is a thing of the past. Still haven't had a problem with any weak paint.

Id say go for it if you are that happy with the test drive. Seems like a good match for you.

PGDriver · January 1, 2014

My 2011 has 50,000kms on the 5.3 and everything is great, love the truck, no transmission problems.

Mikeb52r · January 1, 2014

I have a 08 Sierra SLE2 with the 5.3 and 4spd. I would buy it all over again and not think twice.

My opinion, every has something bad to say about everything or any car or truck. Just gotta take it with a grain of salt and get what you want.

RednGrey · January 1, 2014

absolutely I could not agree more! I truly do like the truck I have test drove the dodge and even went as far as to try out the Toyota tundra as consideration but they just didn't feel like they were my style. Just been a little weary of Chevrolet after the bankruptcy. hoping the quality did not go down from my 2003 that I loved so much.

how about in comparison for trucks assembled in mexico to trucks in Idahoi?

mike94silverado · January 1, 2014

just relax..... people love to complain.....

Change can be good and if GM does one thing well it's the Evolution of the trucks. they get better and yet stay familiar.... Go for it. if you are worried about the mechanicials add in an extended service plan to give you some piece of mind or better yet look at GM Certified Used.... Good Luck

waumo1 · January 1, 2014

The only complaints I have with my 2011 are the decontented items I had to put back or buy - underhood light, cigar lighter socket, console tray etc and the cruise control is the worst I have even seen on a vehicle for maintaining speed on hills.

The paint is the most flawless I have seen on production vehicle, maybe I was lucky. If you have on/off road tires, make sure you have splash guards or the paint back the sides will be destroyed. In fact, check this closely on used 2011.

RednGrey · January 2, 2014

The only complaints I have with my 2011 are the decontented items I had to put back or buy - underhood light, cigar lighter socket, console tray etc and the cruise control is the worst I have even seen on a vehicle for maintaining speed on hills.

The paint is the most flawless I have seen on production vehicle, maybe I was lucky. If you have on/off road tires, make sure you have splash guards or the paint back the sides will be destroyed. In fact, check this closely on used 2011.

Well that makes sense, All minor in the large scope of things. I was never that immpressed with the cruise control on my 2003 as-well. Any hill it would drop gears hard and scream up the hill. I just got used to kicking the cruise control with the brake midway up and drive it from there. Maybe later on Blackbear Perfomance has a better shift map for this truck.

Thank you guys for all your advice, I just needed some real world knowledge from actual truck owners who have put some combined miles on there rigs.

2017SierraSLT · January 2, 2014

I have zero complaints with my '13 SLE Z71 EC. I think they are the best truck available.

mike94silverado · January 2, 2014

The only complaints I have with my 2011 are the decontented items I had to put back or buy - underhood light, cigar lighter socket, console tray etc and the cruise control is the worst I have even seen on a vehicle for maintaining speed on hills.

The paint is the most flawless I have seen on production vehicle, maybe I was lucky. If you have on/off road tires, make sure you have splash guards or the paint back the sides will be destroyed. In fact, check this closely on used 2011.

x2 I was losing paint on the bottom leading corners of the ext. cab rear doors WITH flaps since new....

RednGrey · January 2, 2014

I have zero complaints with my '13 SLE Z71 EC. I think they are the best truck available.

Thats great the hear! How many miles/km on yours?

2017SierraSLT · January 2, 2014

Just hit 4k miles.

KMGZ400 · January 2, 2014

After owning multiple gmt800's, I can safely say the gmt900 is a better platform. Better braking handling comfort interior gas mileage etc, 6 speed is way better then the ol 4 speed.. Would not be afraid to purchase another as so far I have only had mostly good expirences with gmt900s

RednGrey · January 2, 2014

Thank you guys so much, Seeing this has made me feel alot better about my possible purchase. Is there any other good things for these trucks. I always remembered my 5.3 would not come into full torque and power until 3k rpm. Is it a little better in that regard or better paired with the transmission?

2017SierraSLT · January 2, 2014

The variable valve timing in these lowers the torque peak some. A tune and new intake tube does wonders for these engines. Mine climbs a very steep hill around here in 4th at around 2k rpms with minimal throttle input. Totally stock, it had to be in 3rd with the pedal at least a third down.