New Guy Trying to Make a Decision - Opinions Wanted

pb65stang · June 23, 2014

Obviously you can see via my username and avatar that I own a Ford - hopefully the powers that be allow me to stick around!

I currently drive a 2009 Tacoma crew cab that was recently rear-ended square in the hitch with possible frame damage, as well as pushed into the car in front of me. The truck may be totaled, but even if it's not, I'm upgrading, as I'm not going to drive and tow with a truck that has taken a direct hard hit to the frame (especially with Toyota's frame reputation). So, here I am. I have no problem admitting that when shopping domestic, I lean Ford, but am not a fanboy. Everyone gets a fair shot in my book. With that being said, I've driven a 2014 Sierra Denali and Silverado LTZ, both with the 5.3. They were extremely impressive. I won't ask you guys to sway me on the GM vs the Ford and start a Ford bashing thread, because I do believe that both are great trucks these days. But, I am curious (1) your reasons why you went with the GM over the Ford, and (2) how happy have you been with your choice? Are there any issues you've had, or common issues I should be aware of? I am debating between the 2014 GM (either LTZ or SLT/Denali), 2014 King Ranch, and 2015 Lariat or King Ranch (depending on price). I just thought I'd get some feedback from 2014 owners on what you like, what you don't like, and why you made the decision you did. Price is always a factor, and a big plus for GM is I do get some kind of "Friends and Neighbors" discount with GM as my girlfriend's dad works for GM corporate and has been kind enough to provide me with that discount should I go GM. The salesman at the Chevy dealership was very cool, and basically said in October/November he will be able to get me any 2014 LTZ with all the options anywhere in the country for around $40k, which would be great.

Thanks in advance for any comments/opinions/feedback. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

00Silverado4x4 · June 23, 2014

All I can say is everytime I was shopping I always ended up with GM. It wasn't because of anything other than GM always gave me the right options and at the right price. However, in your case, drive all the options. See which one "feels right" for you. It could be Dodge, Ford, Toyota...who cares, if you're smiling, then you're buying.

fondupot · June 23, 2014

I had a 2011 F150 FX4 super cab with the 5.0. Great truck. I loved it. A few comparisons.

The 5.0 was terrible on gas. I do most of my driving around town. And while trying to drive like a grandpa, I got 13-14 mpg, and best i got on the higway was 17-18. Now it was an FX4 with 3.73 gears. But still. my 2002 Silverado got better mpg around town with 33" tires and a 6" lift. I would think a truck 9 years newer could get better mpg.

In my 2014 5.3, I can get 17-18 easy around town. And I goose it quite a bit. If I am really hard on it, it'll be 15-16 but still better than he Ford. Also on the highway i can get 21-22 mpg easy. A lot of people will complain about AFM (cylinder deactivation). But it really does not bother me. If it helps the truck get better mileage, I am all for it.

The interior of the Ford was cheap. Lots of hard plastic. Granted nothing rattled. But it was not very touch friendly, and looked a bit dated.

The interior of my Sierra All Terrain is leaps and bounds ahead of that Ford. Soft touch material all around, solid door panels. Way less plastic.

The FX4 I had rode pretty rough. My Sierra is a Z71, but it still rides better. And it has 20" wheels/tires vs the FX4 that had 18" wheels/tires.

Now I have no idea what the 2015 F150's will be like on the interior until I sit in one. But The exterior re-design of those trucks is enough for me to stay away. They are butt-effing-ugly.

I prefer the exterior design of the 2014 Sierra much more than the new redesigned F150.

Good luck in your truck search!

pb65stang · June 23, 2014

That's good to know on the 5.0. Ideally, the KR would be a 5.0 w/ 3.55s. I know it's not rated at quite the same as the EcoBoost, but after driving both I'm just not sold on the EcoBoost with the potential turbo issues, especially down the road.

The interior of the 2014 Ford vs 2014 GM is hands-down GM, all the way. That's one of the big things pushing me GM. The Ford was great in 2009, but today it feels outdated. I'm sure the 2015 would fix this, but at what cost obviously. One feature that I love in the Ford that I can't find in any GM truck (even Denali) is rear heated seats. Living in the mountains, that would be a big perk for my passengers. Not a deal breaker, but still worth noting.

The 2014 GM trucks do ride great, and I agree are softer than the Ford. I don't mind either of the rides, but agree that the GM is smoother. And I got 22 mpg on my test drive with the 5.3, which would be great. I do not need maximum power all the time, so AFM is a great feature to me. GM really did their homework with the new trucks, and hit a home run. The real question in my mind is reliability. I don't have enough first hand experience with GM products to really know how they hold up. I plan to have this truck 10+ years.

patriot · June 23, 2014

Every GM I've had has been great. Every Ford had MAJOR issues.

It's your money....Buy what you want. Either you'll be happy or you won't.

Northside · June 23, 2014

I chose the Silverado LTZ over F 150s because I don't trust turbos, nicer interior, and easier to get into with out steps hanging off the side. I also live in Colorado and rarely use the heated seats, I do park in the garage, and the cooled feature feels wierd to me. As for reliability, face it they are all great, but JD Power rates Chevy a bit higher than Ford for reliability. In reality there aren't many serious problems in any of them

Actually we're pretty lucky these days to have so many great choices. The new trucks are all pretty awesome.

pb65stang · June 23, 2014

Thanks Northside. Are there no common themes with issues on the 2014s? I have seen one thread detailing non-starting issues that sounds like were related to a bad batch of starters? For instance, on my Tacoma, common issues include the frame, weak rear leaf springs, faulty radios, and other small things. Just curious what common issues have popped up on these new GM trucks.

And I do agree, we do have multiple quality choices in the truck market. That's what makes the choice so hard!

ajm11 · June 23, 2014

I bought my 2014 back in February, so far it has been a great truck. Aside from the one recall that was done it has not been back to the dealer. It is way smoother ride than my 2000 Silverado 2500. The best I have got with mine for fuel economy so far is 19.8 mixed mpg but again I am only at 4500 km's.

fondupot · June 23, 2014

Thanks Northside. Are there no common themes with issues on the 2014s? I have seen one thread detailing non-starting issues that sounds like were related to a bad batch of starters? For instance, on my Tacoma, common issues include the frame, weak rear leaf springs, faulty radios, and other small things. Just curious what common issues have popped up on these new GM trucks.

And I do agree, we do have multiple quality choices in the truck market. That's what makes the choice so hard!

Read through the "issues/troubleshooting" section of the forum. But don't let it scare you the issues people have in there may seem widespread but probably represent less than 1% of the trucks built.

BR-TEXAS · June 23, 2014

Thanks Northside. Are there no common themes with issues on the 2014s? I have seen one thread detailing non-starting issues that sounds like were related to a bad batch of starters? For instance, on my Tacoma, common issues include the frame, weak rear leaf springs, faulty radios, and other small things. Just curious what common issues have popped up on these new GM trucks.

And I do agree, we do have multiple quality choices in the truck market. That's what makes the choice so hard!

The most common issue and with no solution (so far) is vibration. Test-drive it before.

losky79 · June 23, 2014

I went with GMC because IMO it's the best looking truck out there. I did look at a F-150 FX4 Ecoboost and it was a very nice truck, but I liked the interior much better than the Ford. Plus as others have stated before, if you are one to keep your truck for 5 or more years I would be very weary of some type of turbo malfunction. Im not saying GM doesn't have it's own set of problems right now, but one turbo will be expensive to fix, much less two of them.

soltys · June 23, 2014

I test drove everything before I bought my SLT and for the while, I was sold on the Ford. But interior comfort, I just couldn't beat GM's interior. I now drive a 2013 F150 5.0L for work and as Fondupot said, their mileage sucks. If I had to do it again, same decision would be made.

Northside · June 23, 2014

Thanks Northside. Are there no common themes with issues on the 2014s? I have seen one thread detailing non-starting issues that sounds like were related to a bad batch of starters? For instance, on my Tacoma, common issues include the frame, weak rear leaf springs, faulty radios, and other small things. Just curious what common issues have popped up on these new GM trucks.

And I do agree, we do have multiple quality choices in the truck market. That's what makes the choice so hard!

The only issue that seems to be not easily resolved is the wierd vibration a few of these trucks have had. Mine is smooth as glass. Some folks have had the vibration fixed with tires, others by replacing the driveshaft, some never resolved it. Most of us don't have the problem. i'd drive the truck I was going to buy up to 80-85 m.p.h. to make sure it didn't have this problem.

That said, I can't tell you how much I love my LTZ. It's like a luxury car inside, with a bed to haul stuff, and goes off road too! I've had it since November and no issues at all.

Thanks Northside. Are there no common themes with issues on the 2014s? I have seen one thread detailing non-starting issues that sounds like were related to a bad batch of starters? For instance, on my Tacoma, common issues include the frame, weak rear leaf springs, faulty radios, and other small things. Just curious what common issues have popped up on these new GM trucks.

And I do agree, we do have multiple quality choices in the truck market. That's what makes the choice so hard!

The only issue that seems to be not easily resolved is the wierd vibration a few of these trucks have had. Mine is smooth as glass. Some folks have had the vibration fixed with tires, others by replacing the driveshaft, some never resolved it. Most of us don't have the problem. i'd drive the truck I was going to buy up to 80-85 m.p.h. to make sure it didn't have this problem.

That said, I can't tell you how much I love my LTZ. It's like a luxury car inside, with a bed to haul stuff, and goes off road too! I've had it since November and no issues at all.

pb65stang · June 23, 2014

Well, let me just say, if forums hold any weight in my decision, then GM has it in the bag. You guys have been very quick and informative so far, and everyone seems to be very pleased with their purchase. I posed the same question on a Ford forum and have yet to receive any replies.

RONKO · June 23, 2014

I've only had my 2014 Silverado for a month. No complaints, rides smooth, very quiet inside. My previous truck was a 2008 Ford F250 diesel. As with everything in life things changed, and didn't need a diesel. Plus multiple front end issues plus the cost of fuel and maintenance. Didn't look at Ram (Hemi doesn't use E85). Didn't like the look of the 2015 Ford F150. The Silverado IMO is the best looking truck inside and outside that's on the market right now.