Test drove LT Z71 today

[Rocky5000100]

I test drove a LT Z71 w/5.3, 20" wheels, front bench seat, crew cab with short bed today. I must say, this is definitely going to be my next vehicle. I forgot what a new vehicle drives like. It's a truck, but it's MUCH more smooth driving and takes bumps better than my "old" 4runner.

 

I'm coming from a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. I bought it last year so I can tow my trailer and motorcycles to Track days and race events (CCS Club Racing). My 4Runner tows okay, but if I want to bump up to an 7x14 trailer, that'd would be pushing the 5000 limit of the 4runner.

So I started looking into pickups. I will say I have never really considered a Chevrolet before, until the 2014 Silverado caught my eye. I think it's the best looking pickup at the moment.

Originally I was looking at the Toyota Tundra (I'm a Toyota fan). However, the lack of fuel economy with the engine options wasn't worth the trade to me. My 4runner gets about 17 MPG, 14-15 when I tow. Going to the Tundra would be going down in terms of MPG (IK, don't buy a truck if that's what you're looking for).

 

So then I looked at the Ford F150, with the Ecoboost V6. Good specs, but the interior and exterior are looking a little dated at this point, which explains the refresh coming out next year.

 

Then I looked at the Silverado, and was impressed with the specs. MPG was best in class, especially with the power available in the 5.3. It looks good, and is newly redesigned with a GREAT interior. The integrated trailer brake controller is a big plus when moving to a bigger trailer, as well as the towing modes. I like the cylinder deactivation as well.

 

So the main things I want:
-Deep ruby metallic

-5.3L V8

-Convenience Package with 20" wheels

-Front bench seats, but with leather

-Bose sound system

 

 

The truck I drove today had all of those things except leather and the color.

 

Unfortunately I won't be in a position financially to buy until next year, so I'll probably be getting a 2015.

A question I have:

-Do they normally have a truck month with all the discounts they have going on right now in March/April of every year?

 

 

Thanks all for having me. There's lots of good info on here.

[tomtom1988]

Sounds like you have a good idea there.

Wish you luck on the purchase. The four runner is cool too

I test drove a LT Z71 w/5.3, 20" wheels, front bench seat, crew cab with short bed today. I must say, this is definitely going to be my next vehicle. I forgot what a new vehicle drives like. It's a truck, but it's MUCH more smooth driving and takes bumps better than my "old" 4runner.

 

I'm coming from a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. I bought it last year so I can tow my trailer and motorcycles to Track days and race events (CCS Club Racing). My 4Runner tows okay, but if I want to bump up to an 7x14 trailer, that'd would be pushing the 5000 limit of the 4runner.

So I started looking into pickups. I will say I have never really considered a Chevrolet before, until the 2014 Silverado caught my eye. I think it's the best looking pickup at the moment.

Originally I was looking at the Toyota Tundra (I'm a Toyota fan). However, the lack of fuel economy with the engine options wasn't worth the trade to me. My 4runner gets about 17 MPG, 14-15 when I tow. Going to the Tundra would be going down in terms of MPG (IK, don't buy a truck if that's what you're looking for).

 

So then I looked at the Ford F150, with the Ecoboost V6. Good specs, but the interior and exterior are looking a little dated at this point, which explains the refresh coming out next year.

 

Then I looked at the Silverado, and was impressed with the specs. MPG was best in class, especially with the power available in the 5.3. It looks good, and is newly redesigned with a GREAT interior. The integrated trailer brake controller is a big plus when moving to a bigger trailer, as well as the towing modes. I like the cylinder deactivation as well.

 

So the main things I want:

-Deep ruby metallic

-5.3L V8

-Convenience Package with 20" wheels

-Front bench seats, but with leather

-Bose sound system

 

 

The truck I drove today had all of those things except leather and the color.

 

Unfortunately I won't be in a position financially to buy until next year, so I'll probably be getting a 2015.

 

A question I have:

-Do they normally have a truck month with all the discounts they have going on right now in March/April of every year?

 

 

Thanks all for having me. There's lots of good info on here.

[iCryWheniGoPoop]

Welcome to the forum and hopefully the GM Family.

[music]

Yes, GM has truck month every year at about this time. Incentives won't get worse until the new models come out... or I should say, not usually. Plenty of time to decide what you want.

[Pinnacle]

Sorry, we don't use the word Toyota around here!

[Rocky5000100]

Yes, GM has truck month every year at about this time. Incentives won't get worse until the new models come out... or I should say, not usually. Plenty of time to decide what you want.

Great, good to hear.

 

Sorry, we don't use the word Toyota around here!

Haha I'll be sure to sensor it from now on

[Mutau95]

i too was looking for truck and have been a loyal Toyota fan...still own a Lexus. My first stop was at the Toyota dealer and test drove a used Tundra as I always liked the body style but the MPG @ 12-14 avg was a deal breaker for me. The new body Tundra is just to vanilla and used trucks with low miles sell for nearly the price of a new these days

 

I traded in a Highlander for the Silverado and what an upgrade it is. The leather seating is on par with my buddies new Range Rover. Chevy really did an awesome job on this truck and its by far the most refreshing and best looking full-size 1/2 ton on the market. My hope is that with the 2015 models they include a center headrest for the rear seat.

[anthony2558]

Make sure its got the 3.42 gears. Going with the 3.08 gears drops your towing down to 6600lbs from 9600lbs.

 

 

 

Tapatalk via Moto X

 

 

[Rocky5000100]

i too was looking for truck and have been a loyal Toyota fan...still own a Lexus. My first stop was at the Toyota dealer and test drove a used Tundra as I always liked the body style but the MPG @ 12-14 avg was a deal breaker for me. The new body Tundra is just to vanilla and used trucks with low miles sell for nearly the price of a new these days I traded in a Highlander for the Silverado and what an upgrade it is. The leather seating is on par with my buddies new Range Rover. Chevy really did an awesome job on this truck and its by far the most refreshing and best looking full-size 1/2 ton on the market. My hope is that with the 2015 models they include a center headrest for the rear seat.

Yea, too bad for the Tundra. I agree with all that. One additional thing I'm hoping the 2015s have is projectors available from factory on the LT trims, not just ltz.

 

Make sure its got the 3.42 gears. Going with the 3.08 gears drops your towing down to 6600lbs from 9600lbs. Tapatalk via Moto X

Oh thanks, I'll have to double check that.

[mike94silverado]

Hope you find what you're looking for

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Spurshot]

I'm a long time repeat GM truck customer. My wife bought a Ford Flex last summer and the salesman was probably the nicest and most impressively knowledgeable guy I've met. We discussed a F-150 Ecoboost. Frankly, my opinion is that a turbo motor won't go 1/2 the distance a naturally aspirated GM motor should go, before the turbos need replacement. I put a good number of miles on my trucks. I don't want to think about worn out turbos and their cost.