Can't Decide

[bigman32hockey]

Well, I've decided it's time to part ways with my 2018 Silverado 1500.  My truck has the 6.2L and the 8-speed.  The transmission in my truck has been a nightmare since 455 miles.  That's when it developed "the shudder".  After finally having that fixed, my transmission started shifting hard from first to second gear, second to first gear, clunking, hesitating, etc, etc.  It's all the same things that affect many 8-speed owners on this forum.  My truck also shakes when in Park and idling and has now developed a new issue where when it shifts from first to second gear the first time I take it out, it goes into almost a false neutral.  The RPM's go up but the truck doesn't grab second gear right away.  That was kind of the last straw for me.  I've brought it to the Dealer many times and voiced my issues.  Escalating to GM Customer Care is useless as I've done that twice.  According to everyone, my truck is operating as designed.  I've been doing a TON of research on trucks and have driven just about all the brands, except for Nissan.  I've owned nothing but Chevrolet since purchasing my first truck roughly 12 years ago.  I guess I am somewhat brand loyal, but right now I have no issues moving into something else.  So...here is the point of my topic.  I've narrowed it down to two trucks:

 

1) 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro -  Pro's: Extremely reliable; great transmission; sounds great, lower price tag

                                                            Con's - Dated design; horrible fuel economy; low towing weight; barely any technology offered

 

2) 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LTZ w/ 6.6L gas engine - Pro's: I love the look; rides great for HD truck; shifts smoothly; great towing numbers; incredible technology

                                                                                                         Con's: It's a first year truck; new engine (bugs?); I've read people have had steering issues at highway speeds; my current truck has

                                                                                                         made me gun-shy to own another GM product; higher price

 

OK.  There it is.  I'm opening up the flood gates for everyone's opinion.  I know this is a GM forum, so the majority will lead to the 2500.  However, I really want to pick the right truck here.  I can't afford to trade the next one in early.  Whatever I get I have for 10+ years.  Help me make the right decision!  Thanks. 

[rbrjr1]

I'd keep what you have, but that's just me.

 

if you really want to appreciate your truck.. trade it in for a dodge, ford, or nissan..

 

everything has a trade off, nothing is perfect.

[3tspapat]

If you want 10+ years with minimal issues out of the next truck then I'd go with the Tundra. 

[tmo]

rbrjr1 is right. My brother has a 2018 F150 and I have an 18 GMC. His truck has the new 10 speed that gm and ford developed and that thing shifts horrible. His engine also sounds like he has 200k miles on it, but he hasn’t even hit 15k. They all have issues. Hasn’t tuning helped with the trans for some people?

[Bob2C]

Anything mass produced will have a certain percentage that has problems. Every car maker has its fair share of problems. And yes, even Tesla does. Just the way it goes


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[mcdavis]

The 2 options you've given, and the 1 you own, are 3 different trucks. In fact, you state that the Tundra has a low towing weight and not much technology, so comparing it to a 2500 LTZ is really apples and oranges. Here's what I'd be wondering about each truck if I were you:

 

Are you sure you can't live with the shudder in your 1500? If not, gotta go (which is what you've said,  just asking).

 

Are you going to be happy driving the very outdated and under optioned Tundra for 10 years? I doubt I would, plus I think it's one of the ugliest trucks on the market.

 

Do you need the additional size/towing capability/etc that you're paying extra for on the 2500? If you do, great, but if you don't you're spending extra money for no functional reason.

 

How about a 2020 1500? 2nd year, not first, probably better price than the 2500, new body style.

[wforrest08]

No way I would want to be a first year Guinea pig for the gasser 2500HD. 

 

Why not consider a 019 2500HD with the almost bulletproof 6.0 drive train? I have found a few new still on the lots mostly dbl cabs but have found a couple crews. 

 

Otherwise my vote unfortunately (I’m almost as GM diehard as it gets currently own 4 GM trucks & 2 SUVs) is for the Tundra if your #1 objective is reliability.  I strongly considered one before I bought my 015.
 

43 minutes ago, mcdavis said:

Are you going to be happy driving the very outdated and under optioned Tundra for 10 years? I doubt I would, plus I think it's one of the ugliest trucks on the market.

That’s how I feel about the Chevy 2500HD. Body is ok but that face...  WTH? 
 

 

[bigman32hockey]

Thanks for the replies.  All helpful.  I chose these two trucks specifically because neither of them have cylinder deactivation. I don't want another truck that has that "feature".  I do what I would call "light towing" (dirt bikes and utility trailer, small boat, 15-foot enclosed trailer with golf cart, etc.).  The truck I have now pulls everything I tow just fine.  But the transmission is junk.  These 8-speeds are horrible.  Or at least SOME of them are.  Some people seem to have luck with them while other's don't.  I totally understand the Tundra is outdated compared to the newer trucks from other manufacturers.  There is a night and day difference between the Tundra and the new 2500 LTZ.  I just can't ignore Tundra's reputation for reliability.  I don't want to go through another ordeal with a new truck where there is a problem but no fix.  That has been the frustrating part.  Keeping my current truck is not an option for me.  I can't drive this thing for the next 10 years with the daily issues  it has.  

[dieselfan1]

Has anyone had any issues with the new 6.6? I haven't heard of any.

I wouldn't be afraid of it .

 

[ksiesel]

Have you considered a GM 1500 with the 2.7 Turbo.  I don’t think that has AFM and many are liking that mill.  I personally have not driven one.

[Donstar]

A 2018 Denali is about the nicest truck on the planet, imo.  The transmission can be fixed or replaced.  Have you tried another GM dealership for your warranty work?  If you've tried and got the same response, then get a professional diagnosis from a reputable transmission shop. Supporting documentation may help achieve better cooperation from your service advisor.  I also wouldn't hesitate to seek legal assistance if I believed my claim to be legitimate.  You will definitely lose if you quit but may end up with an outstanding truck if you persevere.

[j-ten-ner]

Any truck you buy today will be outdated in 10 years.

Buying any vehicles is a gamble.

I'd push hard to get the tranny in your truck fixed. Even if you end up paying for it yourself, it's probably cheaper than loosing money on the trade-in and the high depreciation of a new truck.

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[wizard4878]

just read on here that the new 6.6 has the dfm technology, so if you want to stay away from that,  well...

[KARNUT]

Thanks for the replies.  All helpful.  I chose these two trucks specifically because neither of them have cylinder deactivation. I don't want another truck that has that "feature".  I do what I would call "light towing" (dirt bikes and utility trailer, small boat, 15-foot enclosed trailer with golf cart, etc.).  The truck I have now pulls everything I tow just fine.  But the transmission is junk.  These 8-speeds are horrible.  Or at least SOME of them are.  Some people seem to have luck with them while other's don't.  I totally understand the Tundra is outdated compared to the newer trucks from other manufacturers.  There is a night and day difference between the Tundra and the new 2500 LTZ.  I just can't ignore Tundra's reputation for reliability.  I don't want to go through another ordeal with a new truck where there is a problem but no fix.  That has been the frustrating part.  Keeping my current truck is not an option for me.  I can't drive this thing for the next 10 years with the daily issues  it has.  

A couple of suggestions if you have any patience left. Try tow-haul mode, manual mode. If a tune is available? The last one only if you exhausted all options at the dealership.


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[Nitrousbird]

5 hours ago, 3tspapat said:

If you want 10+ years with minimal issues out of the next truck then I'd go with the Tundra. 

And might as well buy a 10 year old, low mileage one, as they are all the same.  2007 release, 2010 motor refresh and 2014 minor interior/exterior refresh.

 

6 hours ago, bigman32hockey said:

Well, I've decided it's time to part ways with my 2018 Silverado 1500.

Have you tried to lemon law it?  Sure sounds like a candidate.  

 

1 hour ago, Donstar said:

A 2018 Denali is about the nicest truck on the planet, imo.

Nope.  The '19+ Denalis are nicer for sure.  The '15+ well equipped Fords have quite a few more features.  The current gen Ram has a nicer interior and is more feature rich.  

 

I bought my '18 because of the price, not because it was the best of the bunch.  When I needed to spend 10k+ (and pretty heavy on the + in many cases) to get an equivalent truck from another brand, it wasn't a hard decision.