To Trade or Not to Trade...

[ForestryGuy]

Hi All, 

 

Looking for some opinions and what better place to get them than the internet. 

 

I've got a 2018 Sierra 1500 SLE, Z71, with the 5.3 and 6l80. She's paid off and got 109,400 miles - zero problems (knock on wood). Its been the best vehicle I've owned by far and its set up just how I want it. Since its getting a little long in the tooth, I've been shopping around for one of these newer Silverados WT or a Sierra Pro with Z71/X31 (since they are more in my budget and still have 4lo). Current truck is a double cab and it would be great to have the crew cab but with the standard length bed - odd combo anymore. My reservation is that and I just feel like I'd be trading a good truck that's finally paying me back for something newer but with potentially other problems and a car payment. My analysis of what I need to do to the potential new truck to make it comparable with the options/mods on my current truck (lift/suspension, topper, air bags and accessories) is almost the cost of a new transmission - should that thing go. My goal for the Sierra was to take it to 250k+. I just fear a huge bill that wont make sense to pay on an older/high mileage truck. I've reached the point of overthinking and analysis paralysis so that's what is brining me here. 

 

Is anyone looking at the newer trucks? What are your thoughts on the 10 speed? Is it worth it to trade up? 

 

 

[Fsu11]

as an owner of a 2016 gmc slt with 102k and already replaced the transmission 20k miles ago, im under the impression get out while you still can... love these trucks but im getting closer and closer to getting rid of it. Ive replaced the ac condenser, transmission, my head unit sproadically goes dark then comes back, roof top antenna leaks when it rains too hard, I now have a VERY random no start condition that happens whenever it feels like it... could be weeks between happening or days... new battery, alternator tested, starter tested just wont start for 5-20 mins then starts right up.

[ForestryGuy]

7 minutes ago, Fsu11 said:

as an owner of a 2016 gmc slt with 102k and already replaced the transmission 20k miles ago, im under the impression get out while you still can... love these trucks but im getting closer and closer to getting rid of it. Ive replaced the ac condenser, transmission, my head unit sproadically goes dark then comes back, roof top antenna leaks when it rains too hard, I now have a VERY random no start condition that happens whenever it feels like it... could be weeks between happening or days... new battery, alternator tested, starter tested just wont start for 5-20 mins then starts right up.

That’s where my mind is too - get out while it’s got good trade in value. Sucks you have all those issues - sorry to hear that. 

[Fsu11]

all good i love the look of these trucks and for the most part its been great, but honestly just getting tired of the constant issues that pop up. As a former GM truck owner who replaced multiple transmissions in my older trucks its ridiculous how often the transmissions go.

[mikeyk101]

I hear you on the 6l80 transmissions. I had to have mine replaced on my 2016 about 20k miles ago to and I'm around 114k miles now. The good thing is the trans if replaced with a GM Remanufactured comes with a 3 year 100k mile warranty. I still have about 1-1/2 years to go before that runs out. 

 

The general consensus on these is that the GM torque converters are to blame. They end up failing and when they do, the debris goes in to the trans body and you're done. I plan on changing out mine when the end of the warranty draws near. If my trans fails before then, I will get the it replaced under the warranty and replace the torque converter with one of the higher quality aftermarket ones right away...

 

I too plan on keeping this truck for as long as possible. I dread going into a new one. Besides the sticker price, these trucks have been taken over by electronics and EVERYTHING gets controlled by the entertainment center. I like old school knobs and switches. A few conveniences controlled electronically isn't too bad, I just don't want to get into something that you have to keep referring to the owners manual over and over every time I want to change some option. 

[Atlas]

Objectively, it's usually cheaper in the long run to drive a vehicle until the wheels fall off. It's not wrong to spend on repairs even if the value is low. The cost of replacing the vehicle, depreciation on a new vehicle, insurance on a new vehicle, etc will always be formidable compared to keeping a vehicle going if you can, even if there's a big repair bill every now and then.

 

That said, your preferences and wants are absolutely a consideration. It's not wrong to have nice things if spending on a new/newer truck isn't going to hinder progress towards your other financial goals.

 

The newer T1/T1-Refresh trucks are really nice. Drive one if you haven't already. The 10-speed in a 1500 is...decent. I'm of a mindset that these trucks really don't need more than 6 forward gears. 10 is shifty, but the transmission does a decent job of making it smooth and somewhat logical. My view is a little skewed, I have the diesel. FWIW, I didn't really like the 10-speed when it was behind a 5.3. The DFM plus constant shifting was too much. The diesel seems to do better holding gears, and the turbo boost is any gear is great.

 

I wouldn't read too much into the comments about electronics. Your 2018 is one big computer too. GM did a nice job of retaining buttons and switches where you need them, and the head unit is intuitive. THey did a nice job with the cluster display and configurability.

 

Analysis paralysis means it's time to decide how you feel about the data. Which would you rather have?

[Grumpy Bear]

 

11 hours ago, ForestryGuy said:

I've got a 2018 Sierra 1500 SLE, Z71, with the 5.3 and 6l80.

 

https://floridatorqueconverters.com/Torque-Converter-77-JMBXSD.html

 

You haven't killed it yet. But keeping the GM converter will assure you will. Have you done the 70C TBV yet? Have you been diligent about fluid changes on the severe schedule? 30K intervals? Heat and a weak converter clutch cover kill them often and hard. Clutch frags, eats the pump, clutches, valve body. So if it's doing well, do the upgrades, do the services and drive the current ride into the ground. Way cheaper to keep her and the upgrades and services way cheaper than a new or even rebuilt unit. 

 

 

[KARNUT]

There’s several ways to look at this. My addiction is automobiles. So I consider all things automotive. I’m not adverse to driving different vehicles. I don’t mind driving older vehicles because I have several trusted shops to choose from if I have the need. I generally don’t. Two are new vehicle dealers. Surprisingly I know. You can choose to keep the old one especially if you been diligent with the maintenance. My vehicles get frequent service. I have several because I buy deals. So even oil changes are infrequent because I drive different vehicles. You seem to drive in the range of leasing. Some manufacturers have pretty good leasing deals because of depreciation. You can buy at the end of the lease deal with extended warranty if you really like the vehicle. I’m thinking about leasing because of the driving aids if I find I need them. Because I will always have pickup of some kind around I could get the best leasing deals that happens usually around Christmas. A good idea if you are even considering electric. There’s still decent vehicles you can buy that are CPO that are reasonable if you decide to keep the truck and have a backup. Trucks are outrageously expensive. And there’s only a couple that have been made in the last 10 years I would even consider buying used. Only one is full sized. I understand the I want something different. That’s why I can’t have just one. 

Edited July 25, 2025 by KARNUT

[diyer2]

No mention of maintenance forestryguy, that's the key. If you slacked on it a roll of the dice.

[ForestryGuy]

13 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

 

 

https://floridatorqueconverters.com/Torque-Converter-77-JMBXSD.html

 

You haven't killed it yet. But keeping the GM converter will assure you will. Have you done the 70C TBV yet? Have you been diligent about fluid changes on the severe schedule? 30K intervals? Heat and a weak converter clutch cover kill them often and hard. Clutch frags, eats the pump, clutches, valve body. So if it's doing well, do the upgrades, do the services and drive the current ride into the ground. Way cheaper to keep her and the upgrades and services way cheaper than a new or even rebuilt unit. 

 

 

As far as maintenance goes, I’ve been religious about oil changes at roughly 5k miles or so. Trans fluid/filter was changed at 90k at the dealer. Both diffs around 75k, done at home - too long of an interval but what can you do, life is busy. I put delvac in there as penance. I don’t drive hard or in the city so lots of county road / rural highway miles and some cross country runs. She’s done some towing but nothing heavy or aggressive. 
 

Edit: I also installed the shift solutions thermo bypass kit a bit before the trans fluid change - don’t remember mileage. 

Edited July 25, 2025 by ForestryGuy

[NE18]

Fellow 2018 5.3 double cab owner here.   My truck msrp for $46k and I got it for $38k in 2018. Just built a nearly identical unit and now the msrp is $57 with only 3k in discounts. Not worth it IMO. I plan on having my truck for at least another 7 years. If engine goes, I’ll drop a DOD deleted engine. Tranny goes and I’ll get a new one with an upgraded converter. I’m about to fix a rear pinion seal leak and the 2 exhaust leaks at the exhaust manifolds (broken studs). No way would I touch a 1/2 ton now. Why would I want a 5.3 with the same power but double the problem lifters? I’d like a 3/4 ton (bought a minilite 2509s and she’s tongue heavy) but I don’t want a 10 speed in GM (valve body issues) or ford and I don’t want ram’s version of DOD. Your truck is a tool and in good condition. It does everything you need. Run it into the ground. 

[Gary2500LTZ]

I replaced a 2013 Silverado 3500 LT diesel with a 2025 2500 LTZ trail boss gasser. Had planned to run it into the ground with the way these are now priced. Only have 39900 miles on the 3500, but being in NYS the frame is starting to get sketchy with rust in a few spots and rusting around rear wheel wells. I don't want to be towing a trailer and wonder if the frame is going to give out. Had the frame undercoated with about 15k miles on it, but it was too late. Truck has been pretty much problem free except for the DEF tank replacement which seems to be a common issue. The new truck will be my daily driver. The 2013 was used very little and time has not been good to it. It just wasn't driven enough. So much more comfort and conveniences in the 2025 it's like night and day difference. I guess you need to ask yourself if that new truck feeling is worth it.  

[ForestryGuy]

Great points. You all have definitely validated my feelings towards the new offerings from GM. At this point I’m planning on keeping her running as long as possible. I appreciate the responses!

[Yotaman]

On 7/28/2025 at 4:33 PM, ForestryGuy said:

Great points. You all have definitely validated my feelings towards the new offerings from GM. At this point I’m planning on keeping her running as long as possible. I appreciate the responses!

I agree with your decision. I have a 2014 Sierra CC SLE with 112K on it. Alot of small quirks I have corrected and the AC condenser once under warranty, but the engine and transmission has been good. I have done a few drain and refills and installed a sure cool thermostat bypass but I too am scared of the torque converter as well as the lifter issues. But I figure even at 3-6K for a trans replacement or engine top end rebuild I am light years ahead of the price of a new truck with no guarantee it will not have issues from the get-go. Of Course, mine being in real nice condition plays into my decision too. A gut at work let me drive a brand-new Tundra the other day and it was impressive and sounded cool when I stomped on the gas a bit, but the dash is still hard plastic, and the seating is not as comfortable as my Sierra. I am not knocking it but I did not see 45-60K difference in it and mine so I am rolling the dice mine will keep rolling. And that goes for new models from the big three as well.

[NE18]

I blame this forum. I went to a small shop to get a second quote on fixing my exhaust manifold leak (dealer wanted $1200 for both banks). They called me and said I have the AFM lifter tick. I thought I had heard it a few days prior when we were towing our camper. The shop quoted me $4000 to fix. I’m bringing it to the dealer to confirm. The shop wasn’t too familiar with the repair (they’ve done one), and they never took of the valve cover gasket to confirm lifter failure. 
 

I called around for the DOD delete and apparently it is illegal in Maine as of a 2021 law. Also illegal to sell a DOD deleted vehicle.  I never knew this and I have only found 1 shop that would do it for $6500. If I do indeed have a collapsed lifter, I’ll share what the dealer is quoting.