Looking to buy, some questions

jgraves13 · February 8, 2018

Hey guys,

I will be looking to buy a silverado in the next few months. My budget will be roughly $35k-$40k. I will mainly be looking at slightly used 2016-2017's, CC 4x4 with LT trim package. However, I have seen some new 2018's with z71 package priced around $38-$39k, so new could also be an option if the price is right.

My first question is, when would be a good time to buy? I was thinking about when the new 2019's come out, but not sure when that would be.

Other questions involve differences between the years. I know they are minimal, but will ask anyways.

1) are there any major differences between 2016/2017/2018?

2) besides color matched trim and upgraded suspension, any differences between the z71 LT and normal LT? Suspension will most likely be replaced with bilsteins all around so suspension isn't really a reason for me to spend extra on the z71.

3) does any model after 2016 come with CarPlay or is that something I need to find out about each individual truck? This is something that I am pretty set on having.

4) anything else that I should look out for/be careful of when I buy, or anything else I should know?

Plans for the truck are the entry level camburg kit (UCA, bilstein leveling shock), 285/75/17's, and exhaust.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Still a little new to these trucks but trying to learn as much as I can.

duquephart · February 8, 2018

Good that you're asking questions here rather than at the dealerships. Much more likely to get straight answers. Good luck!

mookdoc6 · February 8, 2018

You want selection? Wait for 4th July......Labor day good too! Selection probably not as good....Whatever sitting on the Lot will be a major talking piece and you should do just fine!

jgraves13 · February 8, 2018

Good that you're asking questions here rather than at the dealerships. Much more likely to get straight answers. Good luck!

Thank you! Trying to avoid everything at the dealer besides negotiations.

jgraves13 · February 8, 2018

You want selection? Wait for 4th July......Labor day good too! Selection probably not as good....Whatever sitting on the Lot will be a major talking piece and you should do just fine!

Thanks for the advice! Would memorial day be similar to 4th of July? This is my first car purchase and from what I've read any holiday will do as most dealers have sales

aseibel · February 8, 2018

3 hours ago, jgraves13 said:

Hey guys,

I will be looking to buy a silverado in the next few months. My budget will be roughly $35k-$40k. I will mainly be looking at slightly used 2016-2017's, CC 4x4 with LT trim package. However, I have seen some new 2018's with z71 package priced around $38-$39k, so new could also be an option if the price is right.

My first question is, when would be a good time to buy? I was thinking about when the new 2019's come out, but not sure when that would be.

Other questions involve differences between the years. I know they are minimal, but will ask anyways.

1) are there any major differences between 2016/2017/2018?

2) besides color matched trim and upgraded suspension, any differences between the z71 LT and normal LT? Suspension will most likely be replaced with bilsteins all around so suspension isn't really a reason for me to spend extra on the z71.

3) does any model after 2016 come with CarPlay or is that something I need to find out about each individual truck? This is something that I am pretty set on having.

4) anything else that I should look out for/be careful of when I buy, or anything else I should know?

Plans for the truck are the entry level camburg kit (UCA, bilstein leveling shock), 285/75/17's, and exhaust.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Still a little new to these trucks but trying to learn as much as I can.

Advice, shop around. check Laura GMC for best posted price. some people claim they can fly there, buy truck and drive home for less than they can buy local. I don't know if its realistic. you can possibly find a new truck for $40k or just a bit more.

Best time to buy is generally late in the model year, so summer time when they are trying to get rid of trucks that have been on the lot for months. But if you don't want to wait that long, there are different incentives every month. I don't think the bottom line changes that much. Just watch the prices and you'll know if the model you want just went on sale. call or e-mail some dealers with the exact model and options you want and they will tell you the out the door price.

1) mostly just the grille, headlights and taillights.

2) don't forget the stickers. you get cool Z71 stickers. But seriously, if you're going to change out the shocks anyway, don't look for a Z-71 unless it just happens to be a better price. Sometimes the packages are better price depending on your options. I paid a whole $250 more for the Z-71 off the lot.

3) sorry, I don't use carplay, don't know anything about it.

4) my advice is, if you are willing to spend $40,000 anyway, don't look at used. Get a new one with full warranty with all the options you want. used truck prices are terrible values and you don't know if somebody beat on their leased truck.

jgraves13 · February 8, 2018

Advice, shop around. check Laura GMC for best posted price. some people claim they can fly there, buy truck and drive home for less than they can buy local. I don't know if its realistic. you can possibly find a new truck for $40k or just a bit more.

Best time to buy is generally late in the model year, so summer time when they are trying to get rid of trucks that have been on the lot for months. But if you don't want to wait that long, there are different incentives every month. I don't think the bottom line changes that much. Just watch the prices and you'll know if the model you want just went on sale. call or e-mail some dealers with the exact model and options you want and they will tell you the out the door price.

1) mostly just the grille, headlights and taillights.
2) don't forget the stickers. you get cool Z71 stickers. But seriously, if you're going to change out the shocks anyway, don't look for a Z-71 unless it just happens to be a better price. Sometimes the packages are better price depending on your options. I paid a whole $250 more for the Z-71 off the lot.
3) sorry, I don't use carplay, don't know anything about it.
4) my advice is, if you are willing to spend $40,000 anyway, don't look at used. Get a new one with full warranty with all the options you want. used truck prices are terrible values and you don't know if somebody beat on their leased truck.

Thanks for the response! Will keep it in mind when I start shopping. $40,000 would be a stretch and I'd rather not pay that much if I can help it, which is why I'm also keeping used in the mix. Anything used would be 2016+ with less than 30k miles.

Another question, I read that the z71 grants an automatic locking differential, is there a way that I can check other trucks for this, maybe a code imprinted somewhere?

ducklawyer · February 8, 2018

Hey guys,

I will be looking to buy a silverado in the next few months. My budget will be roughly $35k-$40k. I will mainly be looking at slightly used 2016-2017's, CC 4x4 with LT trim package. However, I have seen some new 2018's with z71 package priced around $38-$39k, so new could also be an option if the price is right.

My first question is, when would be a good time to buy? I was thinking about when the new 2019's come out, but not sure when that would be.

Other questions involve differences between the years. I know they are minimal, but will ask anyways.
1) are there any major differences between 2016/2017/2018?
2) besides color matched trim and upgraded suspension, any differences between the z71 LT and normal LT? Suspension will most likely be replaced with bilsteins all around so suspension isn't really a reason for me to spend extra on the z71.
3) does any model after 2016 come with CarPlay or is that something I need to find out about each individual truck? This is something that I am pretty set on having.
4) anything else that I should look out for/be careful of when I buy, or anything else I should know?

Plans for the truck are the entry level camburg kit (UCA, bilstein leveling shock), 285/75/17's, and exhaust.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Still a little new to these trucks but trying to learn as much as I can.

If you aren’t getting at least $10k - $12k off sticker you are paying too much. Very common. That price range will get you new Z71 crew cab.

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aseibel · February 8, 2018

the RPO code for the auto locking differential is G80

I think the new trucks no longer have a sticker in the glove box, so you need a QR code reader ap on your phone to read it. The sticker is on the driver's door jamb with the tire and weight stuff. If you buy used, it may be on a sticker in the glove box.

aseibel · February 8, 2018

2 minutes ago, ducklawyer said:

If you aren’t getting at least $10k - $12k off sticker you are paying too much. Very common. That price range will get you new Z71 crew cab.

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yes, but that 10-12k off the sale price is before tax title and license. You should compare the "out the door" prices, which should include all the taxes and fees so you know how much you are actually spending.

bottom line is, you should price out a new truck first and then decide if you are really getting any better value on a 1 year old used. My guess is you will not. I started out looking for a used truck. But when they wanted $35k for a 3 year old truck with 50,000+ miles, I said heck no, I'll pay $5,000 more for a brand new one.

Donstar · February 8, 2018

Any new GM 1500 CrewCab 4X4 in LT or SLE trim will be an excellent choice. You may not find one with every option you prefer but you'll have a well equipped truck with a full warranty.

jgraves13 · February 8, 2018

Thanks for all the help guys! If it's pretty common to see a z71 cc around that price range, I will most likely go new then, unless some crazy deal pops up on a used.

Aseibel, thanks for the code, I will make sure to download a QR reader app before going to the dealer.

I would assume it depends on the dealer, but does a muffler and/or leveling void warranty? I've read about the warranty act/law that says unless it causes the problem it won't void warranty, but I'd rather not fight with the dealer if I can help it

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olds442 · February 8, 2018

I just signed up on here to tell you my experience. Last month I bought a new 2018 Silverado LT crew cab, 4wd, with 5.3. I have 1700 miles on it now and I'm sick. It is sluggish at low speeds, has a hesitation or stutter on the 1st to 2nd shift. It runs terrible when you first start it up. And sometimes it down shifts and makes a terrible clunk. It runs great out on the highway but around town it's a pain to drive. I took it to the dealer last week and they drove it and told me if it wasn't getting a code there is nothing they could do. They also said it has to learn my driving habits and it may take several thousand miles. I contacted GM and they said there are no bulletins concerning this problem, but you can look on any of these forums and find many owners complaining of the same problems. I bought a new 2007 Silverado Classic in October 2006, extended cab 4wd with 5.3, I drove it 11 years and put 156,000 miles on it. It never had any problems like this. I just wanted to vent and maybe save you from a $40,000.

aseibel · February 8, 2018

mods will not void the entire warranty. but the dealership can deny coverage for certain parts if they feel like your mod caused the issue. Different dealers may be more forgiving than others. So if you level it and anything goes wrong with your front end suspension, tie rods, etc. be prepared to pay for it, maybe you'll get lucky. The rest of the truck should still be covered.

jgraves13 · February 8, 2018

I just signed up on here to tell you my experience. Last month I bought a new 2018 Silverado LT crew cab, 4wd, with 5.3. I have 1700 miles on it now and I'm sick. It is sluggish at low speeds, has a hesitation or stutter on the 1st to 2nd shift. It runs terrible when you first start it up. And sometimes it down shifts and makes a terrible clunk. It runs great out on the highway but around town it's a pain to drive. I took it to the dealer last week and they drove it and told me if it wasn't getting a code there is nothing they could do. They also said it has to learn my driving habits and it may take several thousand miles. I contacted GM and they said there are no bulletins concerning this problem, but you can look on any of these forums and find many owners complaining of the same problems. I bought a new 2007 Silverado Classic in October 2006, extended cab 4wd with 5.3, I drove it 11 years and put 156,000 miles on it. It never had any problems like this. I just wanted to vent and maybe save you from a $40,000.

This is an interesting experience. Any particular things that I can search for to find more on this? And is it something that I can feel while test driving to keep an eye out?