v6 vs. v8 debate

CFRED70 · February 28, 2017

Looking at the new trucks got me wondering...to the average driver like myself that enjoys having a truck, will use it mainly for driving to work, dinner, running the kids places, etc. and a few times to haul a load of wood or pick up some furniture....is the v8 really necessary? Is the power drop off to the v6 in todays engines noticeable enough? I've never owned a v6 full size truck, but I saw a couple on the lot and thought....next truck might make sense to drop down to the v6 and save a few bucks. Thoughts?

15 Z71 · February 28, 2017

Don't think it's a bad motor at all. Only thing is it may not have as good resale value as a v8. Most people looking at full size trucking want a v8. Just my opinion.

Sierra706 · February 28, 2017

The way I see it, if it's worth buying, it's worth buying the most powerful. However, the price difference for a diesel is much much larger than that logic, plus with the added maintenance expenses over time

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CFRED70 · February 28, 2017

I get the idea about having the "extra power" when you need it, its there, but would you notice if it wasn't there? Just wondering if I'd ever even notice with my grandpa driving style....

Donstar · February 28, 2017

I've owned a 2015 GMC CC 4X4 standard bed 4.3 V6 for about a year and a half. There is no lack of power and I have never wished for more! I have owned several six and eight cylinder pickups and this 2015 V6 has been my favorite. As a bonus, the operating economy is reminiscent of my '91 4 cyl Sonoma! I would not hesitate to buy again!

O_J_Simpson · February 28, 2017

You will save a few bucks when you buy a new truck going V6 but you will have a truck no one wants with very poor resale. A good way to lose a ton of trade in value.

Mark Diedrich · February 28, 2017

Go test drive both, (or all 3 gassers)

And form your own opinions...... Everyone has their opinion as to what enough is.

For me, and my use, I love the 6.2!

If money was tight, I'd buy the 5.3, because there's no real difference in price between it and the v6, meaning you'll maybe PAY Less up front but you will get a lot less when you trade in the v6, because most people want the v8 in a full size.

GMC2015 · February 28, 2017

The V6s of today are similar to the V8s of yesterday. I own a 4.3 single cab and the engine is plenty enough for daily driving and hauling a light load. If you've owned a 4.8 or 5.3 from the past, than the new 4.3 should be pretty much the same in terms of power, or even higher if you run it on E85. Additionally, the fuel economy is excellent, provided that you keep your foot from the the floor.

Yes, a V8 will have more power and a slightly better resale value, but in the end it comes down to what works for you. I didn't plan on the V6, but I stumbled on an amazing deal for my leftover SLE single cab back in August. It's perfect for my needs, and most definitely will work for you.

Sierra706 · February 28, 2017

Your right you'll hardly notice the difference during your regular commute. But it's nice the few times you really hammer it on an on-ramp or when passing someone. If I was to purchase a new truck I would option the 6.2 10/10 times. However I found a certified 2016 5.3 with 1300 miles on it and a deal I couldn't pass up. I'm satisfied with it but I'd love a 6.2

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amxguy1970 · February 28, 2017

You will save a few bucks when you buy a new truck going V6 but you will have a truck no one wants with very poor resale. A good way to lose a ton of trade in value.

That is full of incorrect statements that I don't even know where to begin.

But I will fix this statement for the OP so as not to be mislead:

You will save a few bucks or more when you buy a new V6 truck and you will have a truck a few image concious poseurs don't want (good). The resale value is proportionate to any other vehicle, if you look a V6 is lower at the same relation as the V8 is in price from when new to now. It is possible to come out ahead on trade in value if you get it cheap enough up front and stay close to the book value.

Between this and the idiots that get 4wd for "resale" some actual research and common sense need to be used. Yeah 4wd gets more at resale time, maybe half of the increase in what you paid for the 4wd because you paid more upfront. Same in this instance, just ran a KBB same exact options, 2014 LT Z71, $500 more for the V8 than V6. Whoa, they are losing a TON and no dealer will take it in trade for anywhere near that price!!!

These aren't collector options for a 40 year old muscle car where a certain engine or option gets you tens of thousands in extra money. Buy what fits what you want and need, you aren't coming out any better or worse. You are an adult, no one is impressed with your box checker 4x4 and mud tires that only takes your kids back packs and soccer bags around town. Who are you trying to impress, you are married with kids? Chances are if you shop accordingly you will save money, that large motor or 4wd costs more to unsure, run, maintain, ect.

No worries buying a V6 OP, I would have if I had found an even better deal than my current truck. It does all it needs to do (tow small boat, haul jetskis, toys and cars) and these V6's aren't down on power anymore. Good luck!

Tyler

Colossus · February 28, 2017

Please just go with the V8, a year from now you'll be saying: "While the V6 is nice and does ok, I do wish I would have gone with the V8" It happens all the time on here!

Knightfall · February 28, 2017

My point of view might be wierd but I feel I'm not entirely alone. I needed a truck for the cargo room; I like driving a bigger vehicle and riding higher up anyways. I also intended on keeping it a long time and I hunt and all that fun stuff, just not a car guy. The only thing I absolutely needed was the double cab since I like that little bit of behind the seat storage; I keep the seat flipped up and back filled with my various collection of typical redneck truck stuff. I'm under 25 and didn't want to deal with the insurance on a V8, plus I don't tow or haul, etc. I didn't need one. The new V6 has the exact same power ratings as the old 4.7L V8 and almost twice the power of the old 350. I don't miss it. Old men in my family did fine with straight-6 trucks for decades with 120hp. As with 4x4, I never needed it. New 4x2 trucks have the same ground clearance anyway. Decided to save all the money I could, I still don't feel I need 4x4 even after moving to upstate NY, the G80 95% of GM trucks come with is adequate with good tires. Only options I got was the Custom package (I don't like the 20's much but I do like the color matched grill alot) and Z82 for the G80. I've had my truck for almost a year and I still fully intend on buying it when the lease is up. Best part is, the predicted buyout price is going to likely be around 20k.

Silverado Steve · February 28, 2017

The question is how much do you really save overall buying the V6? Gas mileage is almost similiar using GMs EPA mileage and looking at Fuelly and the price difference is what $750 for the 5.3 upcharge across all trims? People make the argument all day long about how the V8 is overkill for most truck buyer needs, well, so is buying a full size for most people. Truth be told, if a V6 full size fits your need based on the average buyers use of a truck, then reality is, a midsize truck is probably all you really need too.

Drive both, you make the call.

Silverado Steve · February 28, 2017

Depends on where you live or as they say YMMV. Here in Colorado, the v6 market in the full size and trade in is horrible, unless you are sporting an ecoboost.

That is full of incorrect statements that I don't even know where to begin.

But I will fix this statement for the OP so as not to be mislead:

You will save a few bucks or more when you buy a new V6 truck and you will have a truck a few image concious poseurs don't want (good). The resale value is proportionate to any other vehicle, if you look a V6 is lower at the same relation as the V8 is in price from when new to now. It is possible to come out ahead on trade in value if you get it cheap enough up front and stay close to the book value.

Between this and the idiots that get 4wd for "resale" some actual research and common sense need to be used. Yeah 4wd gets more at resale time, maybe half of the increase in what you paid for the 4wd because you paid more upfront. Same in this instance, just ran a KBB same exact options, 2014 LT Z71, $500 more for the V8 than V6. Whoa, they are losing a TON and no dealer will take it in trade for anywhere near that price!!!

These aren't collector options for a 40 year old muscle car where a certain engine or option gets you tens of thousands in extra money. Buy what fits what you want and need, you aren't coming out any better or worse. You are an adult, no one is impressed with your box checker 4x4 and mud tires that only takes your kids back packs and soccer bags around town. Who are you trying to impress, you are married with kids? Chances are if you shop accordingly you will save money, that large motor or 4wd costs more to unsure, run, maintain, ect.

No worries buying a V6 OP, I would have if I had found an even better deal than my current truck. It does all it needs to do (tow small boat, haul jetskis, toys and cars) and these V6's aren't down on power anymore. Good luck!

Tyler

Dana Mills · February 28, 2017

Agree with Tyler in that if you're piling on features with an eye on resale value you're making a mistake. In the end, all daily drivers (car, truck, foreign, domestic etc) are depreciating assets, with rates of depreciation based on little more than speculation. The only real "feature" that I have seen affect resale value is color, as it is the primary determining factor in car buying. In other words, a maxed out 4x4 LTZ with low miles in pristine condition will sell for less if it's an odd color than if it's black, white or silver. There's a whole host of data to support this. When Ford came out with the aluminum F150 ecoboost, I remember all the truck guys panning it and laughing at the prospect of a tin can turbo truck. Today, more than 56% of F150 sales come from the two V6 engines - I know it's not a straight comparison but the point is that opinions and reality are 2 different things. Data speaks for itself. Take good car of the truck, enjoy it, and get what you can for it when you ultimately trade it in.