New member, new Sierra

N83 · October 28, 2014

Hello all,

I just wanted to post and say 'hi' along with thanks for all the good info here. I spend quite a bit of time here in my quest for a new truck. It was a multi-month search for me, deciding between new and used, and between Dodge/Ford/GM.

I decided to go the new route with all the great model year-end discounts to be had, putting prices not much higher than what I was seeing used with low miles go for. Picking a make was a little more difficult, as the big three are all making great trucks right now. First and foremost, I was limited by my budget. After that, it had to have a front bench seat, back-up camera (I have tight parking at work), and offroad capable (tow hooks and skid plates, essentially). Anything other than that was a perk. I really liked the ride in the 1500 RAM along with the 8 speed automatics, but I didn't like the gray interior of the entry-models. The F150 could be had with some decent options on an entry model (really liked the body-colored grill/bumpers of the STX) but the price was too high. I saw quite a few Silverados in my price range but really didn't like the non-Z71 grill (I've always liked the Sierra front ends more).

I ended up finding a nice red Z71, double cab, and a pair of black Sierra SLE's with the Carbon 20 package. Both had automatic climate control and the larger 8" screen, but the Sierra also had power seats and, of course, 20" wheels. I went with the Sierra because I'm a bigger fan of black, but also really liked the salesperson I spoke with. It didn't hurt that they gave me a great deal on my trade, as well. Seeing the Sierra in person was even better, as the carbon graphics really look nice on the black. I tried doing research on the Carbon packages ahead of time, but everything I found was only for 2015s. I was suspecting the dealer added the package on to get more money, but apparently there were 200 made in 2014, and it's on the factory build-sheet.

All in all, this has been a great vehicle so far. I bought it on the 17th and already have 600 miles on it. I'm a little bummed that my highway/city mix isn't better (~17mpg), as I easily got 22mpg on the way home from the dealer doing all highway. Something that has to be done soon is installing some mud flaps, as these tires can throw-up mud and water all over the side. I think I'll have more piece of mind knowing that the paint won't get all chipped-up, either.

Sorry the pics aren't a little better- I guess my lens was a little smudged.

20L8TSierra24 · October 28, 2014

Welcome to the club and congratulations on the new ride!

GMMediumDutyMQ · October 28, 2014

Welcome, and congrats on the truck! Apart from the Carbon package and the wheels, yours seems spec'ed very similar to the one I picked up last weekend.

Regarding fuel economy -- is your truck a six- or eight-cylinder?

davecaris · October 28, 2014

Great looking truck!

Welcome to the site.

N83 · October 28, 2014

Welcome, and congrats on the truck! Apart from the Carbon package and the wheels, yours seems spec'ed very similar to the one I picked up last weekend.

Regarding fuel economy -- is your truck a six- or eight-cylinder?

5.3L and 4x4. Guess I forgot to mention those in my original

And thanks!

fondupot · October 28, 2014

I have some OEM GMC mudflaps for sale if you are interested. Send me PM.

welcome to the forums. Sharp ride.

99silveradoz71 · October 28, 2014

Welcome aboard.

olegachevy · October 29, 2014

Beautiful truck. Enjoy the ride!

Pathor · October 29, 2014

In your months of research, did you visit this form and forums for Ford and Ram? If so, what did you learn from those forums? We get plenty of people who are unhappy and complain here, but there are also plenty of people who are very happy with their trucks. I'm one of those happy guys. Welcome to the forum!

BigBadSierra · October 29, 2014

Welcome

N83 · October 29, 2014

In your months of research, did you visit this form and forums for Ford and Ram? If so, what did you learn from those forums? We get plenty of people who are unhappy and complain here, but there are also plenty of people who are very happy with their trucks. I'm one of those happy guys. Welcome to the forum!

I only visited Ram forums. Guys really liked their trucks and loved their Hemi. They complained quite a bit about thin, cheap body panels that kept denting- that was probably the biggest complaint.

Honestly, some of the things I read on this forum scared the crap outta me. I almost swore-off GM al together because of the vibration and frame rust threads. If nothing else, I was more cautious when checking out my Sierra. But man was I worried...