2013 vs 2014 Sierra 1500 SLT

zephyr424 · June 25, 2020

Hi Everyone. This is my first post here. I'm curious... I've been looking for a newer truck and my budget is right around a 2011-2013 or 2014-2015 SLT. I believe the 2013 is the last year of that style as 2014 is the first of the next one. They always say the last model year is the one to get as the bugs are usually worked out. Conversely, the first year of a new design has more problems that need to be addressed. Does anyone know if that is the case here? I really like both models and would prefer to go newer. However, reliability is a big factor too. If you had to choose between a lower mileage 2013 {2011,2012 as well) and a higher mileage 2014 (or 2015) which one would you choose? Also, are there any common issues to be aware of for these model years? Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

Edited June 25, 2020 by zephyr424

Ralph Ciardullo · June 27, 2020

When buying used there can be problems caused by vehicles previous owners and not so much the problems with the specific model years. I went from a 1996 GMS Sierra I owned for 23 problem free years to a used 2012 GMC Sierra SLT I bought last year for the same reason "budget". I love it as that year is a mix of old/new style. Before buying any used vehicle have a mechanic friend look it over if you can't do it yourself.

I do like the new style introduced in 2014 to present but can't comment on ownership...

Good luck with your search.

Ralph

zephyr424 · June 28, 2020

On 6/26/2020 at 8:15 PM, Ralph Ciardullo said:

When buying used there can be problems caused by vehicles previous owners and not so much the problems with the specific model years. I went from a 1996 GMS Sierra I owned for 23 problem free years to a used 2012 GMC Sierra SLT I bought last year for the same reason "budget". I love it as that year is a mix of old/new style. Before buying any used vehicle have a mechanic friend look it over if you can't do it yourself.

I do like the new style introduced in 2014 to present but can't comment on ownership...

Good luck with your search.

Ralph

Thanks for the information Ralph.

Sierra89 · July 2, 2020

I was in the same situation as you exactly a month ago. I ended up going with a 2013 LTZ. I liked the idea of buying a model near the end of a cycle. I also am a fan of the 07-13 style, especially the later front end. I found a one owner with all service records, he even kept the original window sticker. I plan to keep this truck for a long time so we'll see how it turns out. That said, I have no issues with the 2014+ model, but the later models are still a bit out of my price range. Besides the updated infotainment, the 2013 has pretty much everything I'd want from a more modern LTZ/SLT. I was pleasantly surprised by many of the options in the 2013 high trim models.

IMO, one of the biggest things is not to be hung up about getting the best deal. Paying a bit more now for the right truck could save a ton in the future. Good luck with your search!

diyer2 · July 2, 2020

I would buy the lowest mileage truck I could find.

Bought my 2012 with 41 k miles in 2015.

No regrets.

swathdiver · July 4, 2020

On 6/25/2020 at 3:11 PM, zephyr424 said:

Hi Everyone. This is my first post here. I'm curious... I've been looking for a newer truck and my budget is right around a 2011-2013 or 2014-2015 SLT. I believe the 2013 is the last year of that style as 2014 is the first of the next one. They always say the last model year is the one to get as the bugs are usually worked out. Conversely, the first year of a new design has more problems that need to be addressed. Does anyone know if that is the case here? I really like both models and would prefer to go newer. However, reliability is a big factor too. If you had to choose between a lower mileage 2013 {2011,2012 as well) and a higher mileage 2014 (or 2015) which one would you choose? Also, are there any common issues to be aware of for these model years? Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

The K2s (2014+) had many teething issues such as the new rear axles that caused vibrations. You must give them a thorough going over to see if your prospective truck has any issues. One of the pros of the newer ones are their higher towing capacities and more powerful and fuel efficient engines. The GMT-900s are less expensive to repair as they do not have the Direct Injection engines.

Like many here, I'm partial to the GMT-900s. Make a Tech-2 or equivalent (MDI2 for K2) part of your budget as you cannot quickly and accurately work on these trucks without the dealer level diagnostic tool.

While not as common, the 6.2 in the SLT gave 3.73 gears and upped the tow rating to over 10,000 pounds. I also require my vehicles to have the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller just because I like it.

zephyr424 · July 4, 2020

7 hours ago, swathdiver said:

The K2s (2014+) had many teething issues such as the new rear axles that caused vibrations. You must give them a thorough going over to see if your prospective truck has any issues. One of the pros of the newer ones are their higher towing capacities and more powerful and fuel efficient engines. The GMT-900s are less expensive to repair as they do not have the Direct Injection engines.

Like many here, I'm partial to the GMT-900s. Make a Tech-2 or equivalent (MDI2 for K2) part of your budget as you cannot quickly and accurately work on these trucks without the dealer level diagnostic tool.

While not as common, the 6.2 in the SLT gave 3.73 gears and upped the tow rating to over 10,000 pounds. I also require my vehicles to have the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller just because I like it.

Thanks for the information. Here is a nice video I found on someone going over these trucks we like. Do you or anyone else know where he got the brushed aluminum panels to replace the fake woodgrain ones? Was that an option? That's the only thing I dislike about the interior of these GMT-900s.

Edited July 4, 2020 by zephyr424

swathdiver · July 5, 2020

22 hours ago, zephyr424 said:

Thanks for the information. Here is a nice video I found on someone going over these trucks we like. Do you or anyone else know where he got the brushed aluminum panels to replace the fake woodgrain ones? Was that an option? That's the only thing I dislike about the interior of these GMT-900s.

I saw that one too and appreciated it very much. The brushed titanium is a Z71 thing. There are places that sell wraps in just about any color, texture and style you want so customizing them to your liking is easy.

About those crew cabs, GM does not give them a gooseneck tow rating because of their short bed though companies do make gooseneck hitches for them and I've seen people towing with them.