Trade High Country for ZR2?

gregus73 · January 26

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

Monthly payment for insurance tells me you need better money management.

Yea. Mine is high right now. My nephew is living with us trying to get a job in the states. He is 25 and my insurance went up a lot once I added him. He drives my wife’s Lexus from time to time.

newdude · January 26

2 hours ago, Atlas said:

There are lots of use cases for a 2500 instead of a 1500 but I still don't see the value add in a ZR2 package on one unless you're specifically using it off-highway.

Another $480 per year for insurance on top of it all is ridiculous. It's still a Chevy pickup.

Theft rates on Silverado. When I had my 2022.5 it went up about 80 bucks/mo over a two year period.

Atlas · January 26

4 minutes ago, newdude said:

Theft rates on Silverado. When I had my 2022.5 it went up about 80 bucks/mo over a two year period.

No, we're talking about an increase compared to the Silverado he already has, just switching to a 2500. Yes, it's probably higher value and has a higher associated injury loss, but almost $500/year extra? C'mon...that's robbery.

newdude · January 26

17 minutes ago, Atlas said:

No, we're talking about an increase compared to the Silverado he already has, just switching to a 2500. Yes, it's probably higher value and has a higher associated injury loss, but almost $500/year extra? C'mon...that's robbery.

I still wouldn't be shocked its going up because of that as well. Its not just from going from a 2024 to a 2026. They are baking in an overall increase for lots of other stuff.

Pryme · January 27

My 2500 runs me 296/6mo. Full coverage and well above state min requirements.

CRApex · January 27

On 1/25/2026 at 9:44 AM, gregus73 said:

Thanks for the replies. It would be for 2500 ZR2.

My wife thinks the extended warranty makes most sense.

I am still waiting for their quote on the gasser ZR2 as well.

The dealer approached me with the temptation of something shiny and new, with a new warranty. I test drove the gasser and diesel ZR2s yesterday for grins, with no intention of mailing an immediate deal. I also have reservations about losing MPG, if I were to go with the gas.
On the plus side of gas, no more yearly emissions tests, def or expensive services.

Yea, I would lose ground for owning the vehicle 2 and a half years and start over with a new payment. Not fun.

I am on my second diesel and love the Duramax engines. I am hesitant about the 6.6 gas.

The driving experience on the 6.6 gas was very different. The Duramax does seem to have more get up and go. The gas was peppy, just different. I am only towing 5500-6000lbs so do not need the diesel.

If you love the Duramax and are hesitant about the gas, stick with the diesel. I went from a 2021 HC Duramax 3500 and convinced myself the 6.6 gas was the way to go, I'll just say that's a tough transition to make. I'm back in a Duramax again. There is soo much more power with the diesel, not saying there is anything wrong with the gas, just don't under estimate the power difference. As far as reliability...I can appreciate that and agree that over many years of ownership the gas will be more reliable, something I've personally decided isn't worth it given how much more I enjoy driving the diesel. I've had excellent luck with the diesels on the reliability side as well...maybe I'm just lucky??

Chuck FB · January 27

6 hours ago, Pryme said:

My 2500 runs me 296/6mo. Full coverage and well above state min requirements.

Does your insurance coverage include the windshield as well as all other glass. Also I am guessing your deductible is very low then.

Right now anyway as insurance rates can always change from year to year but my truck has a 750 deductible for things like animal collision etc but the collision aspect otherwise is a 1000 deductible but I have no windshield coverage as they charge a lot up here for that given our massive gravel road situation. I also have a 5 year no depreciation clause in case of total loss due to accident or I believe if its stolen. I have no one else named as a driver and they apply the volume discount since I have more than one vehicle on the policy as well as the winter tire discount. My total bill I paid a couple of months ago for a full year of coverage was 1416.00. The insurance is a bit lower on this 1 ton over a 3/4 or 1/2 ton in the way the insurance numbers game works out as there are so many 1 ton trucks that are up here, no it makes no sense but I wasn't going to argue.

As to the original poster, I am only guessing that they are looking at a depreciated value of the HC over the new price of an ZR2, it seems odd that they would even have much of an insurance price difference at all or perhaps its the "just because they can" clause !.

Chuck FB · January 27

On 1/26/2026 at 10:07 AM, Atlas said:

No, we're talking about an increase compared to the Silverado he already has, just switching to a 2500. Yes, it's probably higher value and has a higher associated injury loss, but almost $500/year extra? C'mon...that's robbery.

I believe it got lost in the wording/conversation but his 2024 model is a HC 2500 duramax, and so in reality sort of a straight trade if going into another diesel but the last time I checked the HC had a higher MSRP than the ZR2 did ( unless it had the AEV edition parts added )

gregus73 · January 27

Yea, I am really on the fence about the gas. I absolutely enjoy the heck out of the 6.6 Duramax.

The cost with the ZR2 + diesel is more than I would want to spend.

The ZR2 with gas would be perfectly fine budget wise. The miles to empty on the gas would be difficult. As I have been getting close to 700 miles to empty. Getting in the high 300s to low 400s would be a no go. I like the fact that I can drive long distances with no stops. I also take my 2 German Shepherds with me on road trips.

Don't get me wrong, I love the look of the ZR2. I used to be into off roaders. Have had 3 Wranglers, an FJ and my share of Tacoma's. Have done the Rubicon trail and have gone to the sand dunes amongst other stuff.

But yea, coming from my High Country diesel to the ZR2 with diesel is pretty much a straight trade. Just losing the moon roof and would gain the digital rear view mirror and heads up display.

Chuck FB · January 27

How many miles on your truck so far which obviously would enter into part of the depreciation factor, as well as when your 5 year 100 thousand mile powertrain factory warranty would end and like you say your 3 year bumper to bumper warranty is running out. For those that really pile on the miles in a short period of time ( and actually making money with their truck ) it can sort of make sense to trade in if they get a decent trade price but otherwise with relatively few miles for the year of it, that depreciation due to the ticking clock gets expensive. Also I am guessing you don't have to worry about your truck rusting away any time soon like those in the rust belt.

That gas vs diesel dilemma, I felt that more than likely I would not "need" the diesel for its power most of the time but also living where I do in Canada it gets mighty cold and the emissions systems strangling diesels these days do not tend to do as well in a lot of cold and be puttering around with the diesel vs working it harder. The fuel mileage would have been better though and for sure the power, and I think diesel pickups tend to do better on fuel vs a gas once one starts lifting and putting larger tires on, gas trucks tend to turn into real gas hogs when one goes down that road as it takes a lot more power to push a tall truck with big heavy high rolling resistance tires. Also if one tends to drive fast, the gas engine really sucks the fuel as it has to work fairly hard to maintain that pace.

Of course if gas vs diesel prices at the pump have a wide spread in favor of gas in Cali, that can help even out the picture somewhat. The sales guy is completely full if it if he actually thinks the gas truck has the range he claims. I knew there was a reason why I dread dealing with dealerships/salesman !.

gregus73 · January 27

1 hour ago, Chuck FB said:

How many miles on your truck so far which obviously would enter into part of the depreciation factor, as well as when your 5 year 100 thousand mile powertrain factory warranty would end and like you say your 3 year bumper to bumper warranty is running out. For those that really pile on the miles in a short period of time ( and actually making money with their truck ) it can sort of make sense to trade in if they get a decent trade price but otherwise with relatively few miles for the year of it, that depreciation due to the ticking clock gets expensive. Also I am guessing you don't have to worry about your truck rusting away any time soon like those in the rust belt.

That gas vs diesel dilemma, I felt that more than likely I would not "need" the diesel for its power most of the time but also living where I do in Canada it gets mighty cold and the emissions systems strangling diesels these days do not tend to do as well in a lot of cold and be puttering around with the diesel vs working it harder. The fuel mileage would have been better though and for sure the power, and I think diesel pickups tend to do better on fuel vs a gas once one starts lifting and putting larger tires on, gas trucks tend to turn into real gas hogs when one goes down that road as it takes a lot more power to push a tall truck with big heavy high rolling resistance tires. Also if one tends to drive fast, the gas engine really sucks the fuel as it has to work fairly hard to maintain that pace.

Of course if gas vs diesel prices at the pump have a wide spread in favor of gas in Cali, that can help even out the picture somewhat. The sales guy is completely full if it if he actually thinks the gas truck has the range he claims. I knew there was a reason why I dread dealing with dealerships/salesman !.

Yea, it is my second vehicle so no work commuter miles. It has 21K miles on it. And not a fan of dealing with stealerships.

johnnyquick · January 28

The 2500HD HC is tough to beat with anything much less a ZR2 if you tow and your resale will be higher on the HC when you do try to sell it.

I am old and like comfy, if I want off-roading I would not do it in an expensive truck like the ZR2 anyway.

The duramax has a gazillion miles to go from where you are at and even if you did buy an extended warranty when your taps out(warranty) it is YEARS down the road.

Keep it is my thoughts

Chuck FB · January 28

For what its worth, that is my line of thinking as well, that there is nothing wrong with the truck that your struggling with ( has not been a problem child ) and you like the truck and is doing the job for you ( and your wife likes it ). Yes of course some time from now hindsight could be 20-20 that you should have done something else but this truck is working and there is never any guarantee on a new truck being perfect. Since you have had various Jeeps I suspect that means you do some of your own maintenance and would suggest as time permits to drain your diffs, transfer case and even the messy pan drop of the transmission if you have a place to do that type of work and the ability. Greasing the front end, changing the fuel filter yourself etc vs crazy shop labor. Also cleaning off that MAP sensor that I read about and see photos of being all clogged up with soot ( probably helps with keeping the fuel mileage in check ). Assuming you decide to hang onto the truck.

gregus73 · January 28

2 hours ago, Chuck FB said:

For what its worth, that is my line of thinking as well, that there is nothing wrong with the truck that your struggling with ( has not been a problem child ) and you like the truck and is doing the job for you ( and your wife likes it ). Yes of course some time from now hindsight could be 20-20 that you should have done something else but this truck is working and there is never any guarantee on a new truck being perfect. Since you have had various Jeeps I suspect that means you do some of your own maintenance and would suggest as time permits to drain your diffs, transfer case and even the messy pan drop of the transmission if you have a place to do that type of work and the ability. Greasing the front end, changing the fuel filter yourself etc vs crazy shop labor. Also cleaning off that MAP sensor that I read about and see photos of being all clogged up with soot ( probably helps with keeping the fuel mileage in check ). Assuming you decide to hang onto the truck.

Great advice. keeping it does make most sense.

I change the oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filters, greasing, and diffs. stuff that I cannot do, I pay to get done via ala carte. It saves a ton of money. The service department just asks me to keep records of what I have done.

The truck has been flawless and no issues.

XY74 · January 28

I would say keep your HC, it's a really nice truck with a mere 21K. You'll be paying quite a bit more in the long run for a lateral move at best. You will miss the diesel. I would miss my old HC if I didn't trade up!