Thinking about buying a full size

[bigdogxx]

Well i think this is going to be the last time i fix the s10 it's almost 10 years old and think it's time to get replaced. Even though it still looks almost new and is in relatively good shape i just dont see the point in dropping hundreds every month into something thats close to 10 years old.

 

So ive been looking and love the silverado ss but in reality i just dont think it would be the smart thing to do. Because while i could afford it the thought of the awd system scares me when it will get older, plus 20 inch tires in the winter time probably would not handle well.And not to mention insurance is 4-500 extra a year vs. a reg 4x4 silvy.

 

I have not looked at or tested the new ford f150s never been a ford fan but should i atleast look at them or is that assembly line problem something i should take in to consideration and forget about the ford?

 

The silverado though i do like and what is the deal with the new aluminum block 5.3 that is rated at 310hp are aluminum blocks and heads nothing but trouble later on in life or does it look to be a solid engine?Another part i was wondering if they could swap out the old guage cluster and install the ss silverado white faces before i even pick one up?Would rather just get all the stuff done from the start and just roll it into the price of the truck,just curious if dealers do this kind of stuff.

 

Anyone on here running the fullsizes silvys here, and if so how are they holding up? Im just sick to death from changing idler arms and ball joints, i want a truck that will stay togather for the most part not like this s10 has been for the last 9 years!This is why im affraid to go with gm again but s10 vs. the fullsize i would hope the silvys are much more durible then the s10.

[Elwood 2000]

I have a 2000 Chevy 1500 4x4, ext cab, short bed with 84k miles on it. I bought it new and have had virtually NO problems. The "Passenger on/off" switch on the dash failed and the 4x4 switch on the dash failed. The latter was covered by warranty. I got the tailgate cable recall and replaced those as well. Curently, my parking brake clips are broken and occasionally I hear a small squeek in the back. I just have not had time to fix it and it is not that big of a deal. A simple fix for a lazy afternoon in the shop, I just have to make myself go do it!

 

Overall, they are great trucks. If you are looking new, the tailgate cable and parking break problems have been eliminated. I have loved my truck and it serves me well. I am considering selling it, since I just bought a Suburban, but the thought of selling it is hard. My wife and I will duke it out and see who wins. She wants the cash out of my truck for more house projects! It is hard for me to convince her that I am a farmer, not a carpenter!!!

 

 

I say go for it!! The current F-150 and the Dodge turn me off big time. The seats in the new F-150 are like an iron park bench, so be careful!

 

Good Luck and keep us posted on what you do!

[mcreyaufmiller]

I have a 98 with 130k and just replaced the idler and pitman arm. Orignal ball joints and tierod ends! Other than routine maintence, no big problems........ I have heard bad things abou the Ford engines blowing soark plugs, and the Dodge is just a Dodge. If I were going to buy a Ford, I would get the F-350 crew with Powerstroke.

[tryn2lrn]

I hear you, I traded my 97 blazer in on a full size GMC Sierra. What a difference!! They are not even comparable to each other. I absolutely love it so far. My girlfriend has a 96 blazer and we just spent another $700 to get the IG fixed and have the coolant system flushed and gone over for the 5th time in 76k. The GM full size stuff appears to be the only thing worth buying. I never thought it would happen, but for the GF the Sorento is starting to look a lot better than the trailblazer/envoy. Good Luck.

[lisak421]

Currently I have an 05 2WD extended cab. I just gave up my 02 2 WD extended cab for this one.

 

I LOVE having a full size. The 02 had the best ride until some problems came up and then they really screwed it up, that's how I ended up with the 05. I have only had it 2 months and had to take it in the first week I had it. So far I like the truck, it's ride is a little stiffer, but it goes a little faster than the 02

 

At one time when I still had my 02, I was on the hunt for a new truck. I drove the Hemi, not as nice as a Silverado-inside or out. Ride is rougher...........though I do like the sound of the Hemi..........it just isn't as nice. My brother has a loaded F150, nice truck, but again it just seems cheaper and doesn't have the ride or the looks compared to the Silverado.

 

If you go to a full size you will notice a big difference in gas mileage....05 is only getting 17.8 mpg right now.

 

 

Take a day and hit all the dealerships. Pick a truck from each that is equal in options and drive it. Then decide which you prefer and then worry about the details after.

 

Good luck with you decision.

 

 

Lisa

 

[airbalancer]

Go and rent a ford dodge and chevy for a weekend.

I think you will end up will a GM

[tps0424]

I have not looked at or tested the new ford f150s never been a ford fan but should i atleast look at them or is that assembly line problem something i should take in to consideration and forget about the ford?

 

At least take a test drive in a Ford. You are going to spend a lot of money. you don't want to say 'what if?' later on.

That being said, I had a 1998 K1500 EC/SB and then a 2002 2500HD CC/LB and now have a 2004 F350 XLT CC/LB with the V10. The Ford is everything I always wanted. It is, on paper, a better truck in everyway than my stripped down, base model GMC 2500HD.

It's strong. It runs very well. It's got all kinds of features. I just can't figure out why I don't like my new $40K loaded Ford truck as much as I liked my $30K stripped down GMC truck. There's no logical reason.

 

Test drive each one several times to avoid any buyers remorse. Having to pay many years for a truck you don't really like is torture!!!