New to Forums and have questions about Sierra HD's

[dbeatty1954]

Hi all, new to the forums and am beginning to research and plan to purchase 2019/2020 Sierra HD Denali 4 wheel drive with the Duramax diesel sometimes in 2019.  I have so many questions.  I will be using it to pull a fiver to travel around the country after I retire.

 

1.  What is the actual difference between the 2500 and 3500.  I know towing capacity, so I am assuming it is suspension components are different between the 2500 and the 3500.

2.  MSRP between the 2500 and the 3500 is pretty close to being the same.  This being said is the reason I am leaning to the 3500.  A little more towing capacity.

3.  How much did you pay for the GMEPP.  I know this depends on length of time, mileage, and deductibles.  Probably doing something like 6-7 years, 100,000 miles and no deductible. 

4.  What about maintenance plans?  Are they worth it?

5.  How much below MSRP should I anticipate paying?  I am thinking about shooting for the moon and offering 20% below MSRP and then settle somewhere in between dealers so called invoice price and the 20%.  How much below MSRP did you pay?

 

I am sure I will come up with additional questions, but I appreciate any input by forum members regarding my questions.  Have a great day.

[4wdriver]

I paid 20% below msrp however this is deceiving because of incentives which technically are paid to the dealer. My dealer had discounted my truck nicely on their own then there were incentives like a $3500 red tag reducing the price further along with a couple other things like loyalty or something hard to remember now. I bought in December when deals seem to be easier to find if the truck you want is still available. 

[redwngr]

Before getting too excited about extra warranty, remember that

- the most expensive thing to is the powertrain, and there is a 5 yr 100.000 mile warranty on duramax powertrain (emissions is less) although the b to b is 3/36

-they sell extra warranty as a profit centre, to put more money in the sales guys pocket and the pocket of the company providing the warranty, not yours. (but if it makes you sleep better, then why not, that's why they can sell it)

 

from gm website: https://www.gmc.com/owners/warranty-details

"All 2017-2018 GMC vehicles come with a fully transferable, no deductible, 5-year/60,000 mile, whichever comes first, Powertrain Limited Warranty. 2500 and 3500 Series Heavy Duty (HD) Pickups equipped with a 6.6L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel Engine are covered for 5-years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first.  See dealer for details."

 

 

 

If you're planning a lot of miles towing a 5er, give serious consideration to a 3500 drw (dually).

They have significantly higher tow rating than the srw trucks. 

23,100 lb vs 17,400 lb for crew, long box, 2wd 3500's (4wd's a little less);  2500 long crew is 14,800 

 

Don't overlook the weight that will be added to trailer above the dry/unloaded weight.

[Saskquatch]

When I bought my 2016 2500HD 6.0 I paid just over 30 percent off msrp. Nobody wanted this truck... Its a boring double cab base truck with a few options.... But good enough for me.

 

This is in Canada also.

[powerhaulic]

The only read difference between 2500 and 3500 is the rear spring pack.

3500 also gets 18" wheels only as the tires have a higher weight capacity.

As for the dually, not for me as you have to take the longer wheelbase and the fenders stick out way too far for my usage when not towing.

The pin weight on my rig (actual not advertised) is 3200#, truck sits fine without, but have added air bags for comfort and piece of mind.

My only real issue was with the tires, they were 250# over weight each, which made me a bit nervous. i upgraded to 285/60-20 and am now better than good