new member and a question

[callmeishmael]

Hi all,

 

I'm relatively new to GM/Chevy products. I've always had Fords and Toyota trucks, but 2 years ago bought a 2006 Suburban 2500 and have been very impressed with it. I'm now needing a fullsize truck as my dad has taken over my other truck, and I'm looking at the 2500 HD series, 4x4, 4 door with 6 seats.

 

My question is - budget is 15-20K. I've been all over auto trader within a reasonable distance, and browsed the local dealers in the surrounding 100 miles or so. I really would like to buy local so I can look at the vehicle myself.

 

This truck will be used to haul wood occasionally, haul people regularly, make bi-weekly trips to see the family (about 70 miles one way). Some occasional farm work also.

 

Most trucks I can find in that price range are either 10-12 years old, or have 200,000+ miles on them. Reliability is a big issue to me and I don't mind paying more for it.

 

Question for you experts is: Is it wise to spend that much money on a 10-12 year old truck? Are the big GM/Chevys be reliable for 15-20 years for regular use?

 

I'm familiar somewhat with the 6.0 vortec, but are there engines/models that I should steer clear of?

 

Thanks much, I'm looking forward to reading more posts and learning.

 

 

[sahls01gmc]

Welcome! For $15K-$20K, you can absolutely buy a 10 year old truck that will last. I'm getting close to 300,000 miles on mine, and it's still all original.

[99silveradoz71]

Welcome aboard. Granted my 99 was only a 1500, but when I got rid of it in the fall of '07 it was very solid and I had no hesitation about driving it anywhere.