Opinions - Looking to buy 2015-2017

KMK94 · June 15, 2017

Hey all - I'm new to the forum. I am selling my 2012 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 crew cab in the hopes of finding a newer chevy 1500. I just do not need a diesel anymore, and I hate the ride quality of a 2500 with a solid front axle.

So I'm curious of many things:

1) I keep hearing that 2014-2015 models have ac and driveline vibration issues; is this true?

2) are you guys satisfied with your silverado's/sierras?

3) when is the best time of the year for haggling at a dealership?

4) 6 speed vs 8 speed auto????

5) is it possible to get a 6.5' bed with a crew cab z71?

6) 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017??? Positives and negatives?

7) real world mpg?

8) z71 ride quality?? (I heard they ride rougher)

I do not tow heavy. I sometimes tow a utility trailer with a rzr and extra luggage. I do plan on eventually getting a camper/toy hauler at some point down the road.... probably less than or close to 30 ft long... are these trucks capable of towing 8k or do they struggle at those weights?

I never thought I'd be considering a Chevy.. but here I am. They just seem like a great all around truck. And the styling on the newer ones really grabbed my attention. ESPECIALLY 2016+!!!

I really would like a grey 2016 crew cab 5.3 4x4 z71 with a full center console in the front. But it is hard to find one for a price I can afford. Do you think a 2016 z71 can be had for less than $34k??? Thanks!!

SilveradoSaver · June 15, 2017

Hey all - I'm new to the forum. I am selling my 2012 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 crew cab in the hopes of finding a newer chevy 1500. I just do not need a diesel anymore, and I hate the ride quality of a 2500 with a solid front axle.

So I'm curious of many things:

1) I keep hearing that 2014-2015 models have ac and driveline vibration issues; is this true?

2) are you guys satisfied with your silverado's/sierras?

3) when is the best time of the year for haggling at a dealership?

4) 6 speed vs 8 speed auto????

5) is it possible to get a 6.5' bed with a crew cab z71?

6) 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017??? Positives and negatives?

7) real world mpg?

8) z71 ride quality?? (I heard they ride rougher)

I do not tow heavy. I sometimes tow a utility trailer with a rzr and extra luggage. I do plan on eventually getting a camper/toy hauler at some point down the road.... probably less than or close to 30 ft long... are these trucks capable of towing 8k or do they struggle at those weights?

I never thought I'd be considering a Chevy.. but here I am. They just seem like a great all around truck. And the styling on the newer ones really grabbed my attention. ESPECIALLY 2016+!!!

I really would like a grey 2016 crew cab 5.3 4x4 z71 with a full center console in the front. But it is hard to find one for a price I can afford. Do you think a 2016 z71 can be had for less than $34k??? Thanks!!

Welcome!

So I'll comment on a couple of your questions...

2) Love my 2015 Silverado! Wouldn't imagine driving anything else right now. Just take your time when shopping and ensure you buy the truck that has everything you want on it so you don't have any regrets.

3) GM always seems to have deals on. End of the year clearance is probably your best bet, but considering we're a ways away from that, end of the month is another good time as they have sales targets to hit.

JimCost2014 · June 15, 2017

Hey all - I'm new to the forum. I am selling my 2012 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 crew cab in the hopes of finding a newer chevy 1500. I just do not need a diesel anymore, and I hate the ride quality of a 2500 with a solid front axle.

So I'm curious of many things:

1) I keep hearing that 2014-2015 models have ac and driveline vibration issues; is this true?

2) are you guys satisfied with your silverado's/sierras?

3) when is the best time of the year for haggling at a dealership?

4) 6 speed vs 8 speed auto????

5) is it possible to get a 6.5' bed with a crew cab z71?

6) 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017??? Positives and negatives?

7) real world mpg?

8) z71 ride quality?? (I heard they ride rougher)

I do not tow heavy. I sometimes tow a utility trailer with a rzr and extra luggage. I do plan on eventually getting a camper/toy hauler at some point down the road.... probably less than or close to 30 ft long... are these trucks capable of towing 8k or do they struggle at those weights?

I never thought I'd be considering a Chevy.. but here I am. They just seem like a great all around truck. And the styling on the newer ones really grabbed my attention. ESPECIALLY 2016+!!!

I really would like a grey 2016 crew cab 5.3 4x4 z71 with a full center console in the front. But it is hard to find one for a price I can afford. Do you think a 2016 z71 can be had for less than $34k??? Thanks!!

Having owned both a 14 and now a 16, I will say the 16 seems to be a overall better truck. The 14 had so many little issues that just added up to the point of me not trusting the truck. The 16 has had 2 minor issues so far after one year, most reliable Chevy I have owned to date after 1st year.

x219c · June 15, 2017

I'd say look at used but don't count out new. Sometimes the deals are just as good on a new one. Mine is an LT and I was able to get it for right at 34k new. It's not loaded or anything, but just because the sticker says 48 doesn't mean that's what you're paying. If you can find what you like in a used truck for a good price, I wouldn't run from that either.

One big change that you may not notice on a test drive on the 15 to 16 is the headlights. They now come standard with HID and have the option to be upgraded to LED. Big change.

As far as the weight, that's at the upper end of the weight capacity if you don't find a max tow. The bed combo you're looking for exists, but they're rare from what I understand. Most crews will have a short bed.

The driveline vibrations, it seems like it's still a thing. It really depends on the truck and how sensitive you are. Take it for a good drive before committing.

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Sierra706 · June 15, 2017

Get yourself a 6.2 liter max tow. Z71 is basically a sticker package. You can have the single transfer case skid plate it provides along with a new metal engine plate for less than 200. The rancho shocks it provides are garbage.

Max tow gets you a beefier rear diff, better gear ratio, and tow mirrors

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Krusty · June 15, 2017

Get yourself a 6.2 liter max tow. Z71 is basically a sticker package. You can have the single transfer case skid plate it provides along with a new metal engine plate for less than 200. The rancho shocks it provides are garbage.

Max tow gets you a beefier rear diff, better gear ratio, and tow mirrors

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X2

SkiDooNick700 · June 15, 2017

Yea if you are looking at used I'd go at least 16+, just for the LED headlights! Plus you get the more updated radio.

ChevyRoofer · June 15, 2017

2016+

4th of July will be the next best time to haggle at the dealership

8 speed auto

Always can get a longer bed

16-24 MPG depending highway or city

Less than $34k? It's gonna have 50k+ miles on it at minimum.

truckguy82 · June 15, 2017

Hey all - I'm new to the forum. I am selling my 2012 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 crew cab in the hopes of finding a newer chevy 1500. I just do not need a diesel anymore, and I hate the ride quality of a 2500 with a solid front axle.

So I'm curious of many things:

1) I keep hearing that 2014-2015 models have ac and driveline vibration issues; is this true?

The issue was not fixed, all gen v trucks have a vibration issue that is a crap shoot. Just drive it on the highway around 65-80mph before you buy, if it's smooth you're good.

2) are you guys satisfied with your silverado's/sierras?

yes they are awesome

3) when is the best time of the year for haggling at a dealership?

wait for a 20% off msrp sale, or buy at laura GMC and drive it home

4) 6 speed vs 8 speed auto????

both good, 8 speed is better

5) is it possible to get a 6.5' bed with a crew cab z71?

yes, it's called crew cab standard bed, they are rare though. Laura GMC has several

6) 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017??? Positives and negatives?

All the same pretty much

7) real world mpg?

City 12 mpg/highway 20-22mpg

8) z71 ride quality?? (I heard they ride rougher)

they all are pretty bad when you hit a bump, overall comfort is high because of the big buckets and low cabin noise

I do not tow heavy. I sometimes tow a utility trailer with a rzr and extra luggage. I do plan on eventually getting a camper/toy hauler at some point down the road.... probably less than or close to 30 ft long... are these trucks capable of towing 8k or do they struggle at those weights?

No problem for occasional towing, I'd recommend a 2500 if you do it often

I never thought I'd be considering a Chevy.. but here I am. They just seem like a great all around truck. And the styling on the newer ones really grabbed my attention. ESPECIALLY 2016+!!!

I really would like a grey 2016 crew cab 5.3 4x4 z71 with a full center console in the front. But it is hard to find one for a price I can afford. Do you think a 2016 z71 can be had for less than $34k??? Thanks!!

z71 really means nothing, only thing of value is the g80 locking rear differential. Whether you buy there or not, check laura GMC pricing if you want to know what you should be paying

Ironman24 · June 15, 2017

I would say if you want to go used, look for a 16 +

I was looking used and found a 14,15 and 16 all SLT or LTZ's with all the options I wanted. I ended up spending a few more dollars then I had planned and wend with the 16. So glad I did the headlights and the upgraded radio display is what made the decision easy.

But I would wait and see what the 4th of July sales bring. Might be able to get a new one for very closed to a used price.

Krusty · June 15, 2017

Hey all - I'm new to the forum. I am selling my 2012 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 crew cab in the hopes of finding a newer chevy 1500. I just do not need a diesel anymore, and I hate the ride quality of a 2500 with a solid front axle.

.................

I do not tow heavy. I sometimes tow a utility trailer with a rzr and extra luggage. I do plan on eventually getting a camper/toy hauler at some point down the road.... probably less than or close to 30 ft long... are these trucks capable of towing 8k or do they struggle at those weights?

.........

I also went from a 2500 diesel to my 2017 1500 - much better ride even from GM to GM and tows like a beast.

Here's towing pics from fellow Max Tow 1500 members here - the first pic is a 9,000 lb trailer:

emeryz28 · June 15, 2017

1) I keep hearing that 2014-2015 models have ac and driveline vibration issues; is this true? I have not experienced that
2) are you guys satisfied with your silverado's/sierras? yes I love this truck and so does my wife and kids and everyone who has rode in it
3) when is the best time of the year for haggling at a dealership? I went in the fall around thanksgiving and bought my 2015, just as the 16's were hitting the lot with the redesigned nose. I got about 10k off MSRP
4) 6 speed vs 8 speed auto???? the first 800 miles in learn mode were a tad annoying with the 8 speed. I then needed them to replace the TQ converter and do a few TCM updates. Right now it seems to be working great and in tow haul mode it shifts great and tows my boat like a charm
5) is it possible to get a 6.5' bed with a crew cab z71? I do not know
6) 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017??? Positives and negatives? most is appearance so personal preference
7) real world mpg? I have a 6.2 8 speed z71. I Drive 80% city, 20% highway and average about 15.5 MPG. When I am towing my boat it is around 11MPG
8) z71 ride quality?? (I heard they ride rougher) I have had a 2wd non z71 loaner and it does ride softer, with that said, I have a Z71 with a 2.5 level and aftermarket wheels and tires and people who have riden in it have commented how smooth it is for a big truck

I absolutely love this truck, I have had a few issues all fixed under warranty, but overall this truck is fantastic and I am so glad I made the purchase

aseibel · June 15, 2017

1) I keep hearing that 2014-2015 models have ac and driveline vibration issues; is this true?

95% chance you won't have issues. just test drive anything at highway speed to be sure.
2) are you guys satisfied with your silverado's/sierras? Hell yes.
3) when is the best time of the year for haggling at a dealership? end of month
4) 6 speed vs 8 speed auto???? my 6 speed is fine, i have no complaints about the shifting
5) is it possible to get a 6.5' bed with a crew cab z71? sure
6) 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017??? Positives and negatives? mechanically pretty much the same truck, only difference is cosmetic. shop for the best deal.
7) real world mpg? 15 in town. 22 on country roads, 20 on freeway.
8) z71 ride quality?? (I heard they ride rougher) ride is quite pleasant. of course it is subjective to what you are used to. coming from a 3/4 ton, you will think you are riding on a cloud.

Nick The Great · June 15, 2017

I don't think you'll find a 2016 for under $34k. I sure couldn't, but I was looking at LTZ's trims, too.

My 2007 was a Z71 and my 2017 is not. I don't think I can tell any difference in the ride. I mean, the 2017 rides better, but I think that's due to it being 10 years newer.

KMK94 · June 15, 2017

Wow guys thanks for all the quick replies, you guys rock!!! Definitely some good info.

Coming from a 2500, I'm sure I'll think that these ride like a dream. The only issue about not going the z71 route is that I love having the front bumper, grille, and rear bumper color matched to the truck. I know I could get that done later down the road on my own, but I'd like to just have it done and on my loan.... but I know z71's go for a higher dollar.

I was really leaning toward the 5.3 because of better gas mileage. I assume you can't get a max tow package with the 5.3.... only the 6.2, correct? I assume that's how it works. I hear both motors are great, I was just trying to keep mpg at its best when making my selection. But if the 6.2 will really help me out down the road, then maybe that's the way to go.

So seems like everyone likes both the 6 speed and the8 speed. That's good to hear. I don't know what year/package they started building them with the 8 speeds but from what I've learned, they didn't have them as an option in many 2016 models.