Custom or RST

[Nrvna76]

Hi folks, registered to ask the experts this question. I’m looking to upgrade my truck. I do not need a V8 as I never tow. I do need a full size because of hauling my family and stuff for my wife’s business, definitely can not afford above an SLE Sierra or an RST Silverado. 

 

Im intrigued by the 2.7L turbo engine, but hate the chrome on the LT.  That puts me into a custom or an RST, I honestly like the look of both.  Or into a base Sierra vs SLE Sierra.  Pricing seems to be about $41k for a 4.3L V6 custom/Sierra crew and $48k for a 2.7L V4 RST/SLE crew.  Slight differences between the GMC or Chevy variants. 

 

If MPG and reliability are the most important, which would you go for and why?  

 

Further review, Sierra may be out as there are no base models, or 2.7L turbo models within 400 miles of me, V8 only available. 

[OnTheReel]

The Custom is missing a lot of things that might be hard to live without, depending upon what you’re driving now. It’s got the work truck interior that’s somewhat lacking storage, halogen headlights, etc. That said, it’s a proven platform, the 4.3 6 speed trans has been kicking around for awhile. It’s simple and should be more reliable and cheaper to maintain long term for that reason. Any fuel economy advantage on the 2.7 would be washed out by the higher cost of entry. I’d say if it’s strictly for business the Custom makes more sense. But personally that interior is just too “rental car” for me.

[z1boss]

58 minutes ago, Nrvna76 said:

Hi folks, registered to ask the experts this question. I’m looking to upgrade my truck. I do not need a V8 as I never tow. I do need a full size because of hauling my family and stuff for my wife’s business, definitely can not afford above an SLE Sierra or an RST Silverado. 

 

Im intrigued by the 2.7L turbo engine, but hate the chrome on the LT.  That puts me into a custom or an RST, I honestly like the look of both.  Or into a base Sierra vs SLE Sierra.  Pricing seems to be about $41k for a 4.3L V6 custom/Sierra crew and $48k for a 2.7L V4 RST/SLE crew.  Slight differences between the GMC or Chevy variants. 

 

If MPG and reliability are the most important, which would you go for and why?  

 

Further review, Sierra may be out as there are no base models, or 2.7L turbo models within 400 miles of me, V8 only available. 

@OnTheReel is very right.  Go with the RST.  The Custom doesnt even have a center console that opens, it's a decoy and there is no option to add it.  The RST is a much better deal if you can afford it, trust me you will regret the Custom unless you are looking for something very basic.

[Wiggums]

RST comes with LED lighting which I've come to appreciate. It has nice touches such as storage in the rear seat behind the passengers. You won't get that in Custom.

[qwank]

2.7T RST for sure.  should be perfect for what you need 

[Nrvna76]

Thanks!  I didn’t realize the interior was that stripped down. The exterior looks pretty good for the price though. 

[OnTheReel]

Yeah, the Custom is a nice looking truck on the outside. And of course stripped is just a relative term. These days they all have power windows, touch screen infotainment and so on. It just falls short on the details, some in the appearance and some functional.

 

If you spend some time in both, you’ll start to appreciate the extras the RST has...keyless go, color and texture contrast in the trim bezels, and stitching on the dash, larger infotainment screen, much more functional and color driver info center, the aforementioned console and seat storage. Most RSTs on the lots (all star edition) will also have heated seats & steering wheel, dual zone climate, power seat, etc. 

 

The RST also tends to have good incentives at any given time since it is intended to be one of the volume trim levels. Play your cards right and you may be able to shrink that price gap even more between the two at which point it becomes a no brainer.

[ShamrockShooter]

I drove my dad's 4.3 v6 16 from NY to Wyoming and back, and I had a 2.7 Turbo for a week as a loaner. I would take the 2.7 hands down with the 8 speed. Only wild card is it's a new motor so nobody can tell you what the reliability will be long term yet. I know Ford had issues with their turbos in the f150 when they first came out so who knows.

There is a 2.7 thread on this forum too.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[econometrics]

Get the 2.7L RST, for sure. 

 

I got the most loaded RST you can buy (leather buckets, Z71, 20’s, 5.3L, etc.) for $44K last month with all the rebates out there. 

 

If you want a more base level RST, you can get close to $40K easily if you wait for the right deal. Maybe even below $40K. 

[Wiggums]

Just go to cars.com and select new and you can even pick RST. Around here, this is what I'm finding.. a $50k RST for $38k. I got my $54k RST for $44k that way. Try it.

[383]

I have a 4.3 custom (work truck purchased by my employer). It's one step up from the work truck, but still a big step up from my previous truck. It has manual cloth seats, they fit me well and are comfortable. It has the features I wanted, remote start, power everything in the cab, floor carpet instead of vinyl, and the assisted tailgate with remote open is nice. Personally I prefer the looks of the custom grill, it has a nice, clean look. 

 

The biggest complaint by far is the lack of interior storage. It doesn't even have the pockets on the back of the front seats that the work truck has. No center console storage seems like a major "up yours" from Chevrolet. There is no excuse for such a waste of space. That is the only reason I would avoid the Custom package. It's a great looking truck, I've had a lot of comments since I got it. Several people have said they like the looks better than the bosses '18 LTZ.

 

 

[jlong1984]

The Custom will have a lot of hard plastic in the interior, no leather-wrapped steering wheel, no push-button start, etc. The RST is by far the best value in the Silverado lineup, especially with the generous incentives on them. 

[Nrvna76]

Just tested one yesterday. Incentives seemed standard for these trucks but the trade in was too low for me, may have to sell my current truck on my own, I did look at the custom interior and that would be a step down from my 06 F150.  Thanks for all the replies!