Buying First Truck Advice

SouthGeorgia · June 5, 2014

Hey Folks,

Just signed up; looking for some advice on buying my first truck. I have driven a few different models and have settled on a GMC Sierra 1500. I have never had a truck before, so this is all a new experience for me.

My question is, do I get a newish (lightly used) truck, or an older one? Basically, here is what I am between:

A 2013 with about 14,000 miles bought by the dealer at auction. Once owner, 2WD SLE. It is the same price as a 2011 z71 4WD with about 50k miles-- carfax shows 2 maybe 3 owners (but I think one of them was a transfer from one dealer to another). All I know is the 2011 was last owned for just under a year, then sold. Dealer says it was used by an older couple to tow a boat from GA to FL. I'm a bit at a loss of how to asses this. Ideally, I would like to have my mechanic check out either truck before I purchase, but both are about an hour away, so that may or may not be an option.

Can anyone lend some advice on how I should go about this? I do not NEED 4WD, but I do spend a good amount of time on dirt roads, dog training off in the middle of nowhere (which my forester has been fine with). However, it will also be my family car and I'd like for it to be my vehicle for the next 15 years. Would it be helpful if I posted cars.com links to the trucks?

Thanks in advance.

intheburbs · June 5, 2014

Either truck has plenty of life to it. When maintained properly, 200k is an entirely reasonable expectation.

Personally, I'd go with the 2011, because the 4WD and Z71 package will help it maintain its value longer. Even though you said you plan to keep the truck for 15 years, if the truck depreciates quickly, it's more likely that an accident will be declared a total loss by the insurance company, and you'll end up with a check instead of a fixed truck. The 2013, being newer and only a 2wd LS, is going to depreciate faster, and if you're financing, will increase the possibility that you could be caught upside down after a crash. Look at NADA or KBB - price out a 2009 LS 2wd and a 2007 Z71 4wd - that will give you a good idea of what the two candidates will be worth in 4 years.

I bought my last truck in Ft. Wayne, IN, about three hours away. I found a reputable mechanic online in Ft. Wayne who charged me $100 to give the truck a thorough check. Have had the truck a year with zero issues.

And, FYI, my last 2 trucks were bought with 85k and 108k miles on them. The one bought with 85k now has 190k with the original engine and transmission. The one bought from Ft. Wayne had 108k on the clock, and I've had it just under a year and it's been flawless. I fully expect it to go 200K+ without any major repairs.

kstruckcountry · June 5, 2014

If in doubt, get the 4x4. Never know when you might need it.

chupe442 · June 5, 2014

I agree with the 2011 choice.. The 2011's got great reviews across the board for reliability, low complaints, etc... The 4x4 and Z71 will offer more ability and value for you as time goes on as well.

My dad was always on me for not needing a 4x4 and if you know what and how to drive, you can do anything in a 2wd.. Then he bought a 4x4 and never looked back... Just saying!

Good luck!

'01LS1 · June 5, 2014

I agree with the 2011 choice.. The 2011's got great reviews across the board for reliability, low complaints, etc... The 4x4 and Z71 will offer more ability and value for you as time goes on as well.

My dad was always on me for not needing a 4x4 and if you know what and how to drive, you can do anything in a 2wd.. Then he bought a 4x4 and never looked back... Just saying!

Good luck!

Sounds like my Dad. He always told me 4wd would only get me 10 feet further than the chain will reach.

That said, he never owned anything other than a RWD truck & was never stuck. My last three have all been

4wd & this 2013 I have now, the switch has never been turned to see if it works.