Silverado Custom

trojanone1 · July 16, 2015

Hello everyone,

I plan on being in the market within the next six months for a new truck. I have been looking at baser model trucks, specifically the Ram 1500 Express with 5.7 8 speed or a 5.3 Silverado Custom. This is my first truck and I don't really need a fully loaded ltz and I'm trying to keep the budget under 34k. Anyone have any opinions on either truck? A local dealer has a double cab Custom for 32k but I am open to opinions on what everyone would suggest with a 34k budget.

Thanks for looking.

TKLP · July 17, 2015

I've got on an LS custom, with 5.3L, double cab. Sticker was just over 35K, I got it for about 18% off. Everything I need, and nothing I don't. I've got just over 5000 miles on it, it replaced a 05' LS 5.3 Xcab, with 336,000 trouble free miles. It's a good basic work truck with a little bling.

trojanone1 · July 17, 2015

I've got on an LS custom, with 5.3L, double cab. Sticker was just over 35K, I got it for about 18% off. Everything I need, and nothing I don't. I've got just over 5000 miles on it, it replaced a 05' LS 5.3 Xcab, with 336,000 trouble free miles. It's a good basic work truck with a little bling.

Nice truck! Whatever truck I buy will be my daily driver and whatever I need it for various projects for the new house my fiancee and I just bought. Do you like your Custom? Or did you regret not getting a more optioned truck?

TKLP · July 18, 2015

Nice truck! Whatever truck I buy will be my daily driver and whatever I need it for various projects for the new house my fiancee and I just bought. Do you like your Custom? Or did you regret not getting a more optioned truck?

Congratulations on the new house, and the upcoming nuptials.

This truck is my daily driver. I'm a working tradesman, and I average 30-35000 miles a year. When I bought it, I wanted it to mirror the one I was trading as close as I could because of the reliability I experienced with the 05'. I'm also the type that will likely keep it for a long time. I like it a lot. I've been driving trucks as daily drivers for 30 years, and I've never had one I liked better. Even my wife has commented on my enthusiasm.

I've got no regrets about the model/option level. The LS Custom pushes a lot of buttons for me while allowing me to hit my budget. I don't think it looks or drives like a base model, and frankly, I'm not sure what other options I'd look for. I have done a few upgrades. I added the Kicker amps and subwoofer to the radio, which would be optional on any model. I also added aftermarket side molding, and found some factory assist steps on craigslist. And just for fun, I added a Flowmaster CatBack exhaust. I am definitely enjoying it.

With A 34K budget, with incentives and some haggling, an LT is certainly realistic, and would add some options.

jobeck · July 19, 2015

With A 34K budget, with incentives and some haggling, an LT is certainly realistic, and would add some options.

This is true, I got my LT with LT2 with the All Star package for 34,750, stickered for 44k. I got it in June when there was a ton of incentives though, but it's definitely possible.

trojanone1 · July 20, 2015

This is true, I got my LT with LT2 with the All Star package for 34,750, stickered for 44k. I got it in June when there was a ton of incentives though, but it's definitely possible.

That would be ideal to get a nicer model. My thought process is I'm 23 so i dont need all the bells and whistles right away, just bought a house so a truck would be nice to have, and i have a decent job but don't want to go overboard on monthly payments.

Debra in Cali · July 20, 2015

That would be ideal to get a nicer model. My thought process is I'm 23 so i dont need all the bells and whistles right away, just bought a house so a truck would be nice to have, and i have a decent job but don't want to go overboard on monthly payments.

You are wise beyond your years. Long term thinking will save you a small fortune.