Here Goes...

Pharacyde · June 6, 2002

I seem to be getting the feeling that this isn't a very "sport truck / street truck" oriented forum. However, I figured I would pick all of your minds on a few issues and get some advice on my future purchase.

Here’s the deal. I’m will be getting a 2003 (maybe 2004) GMC Sierra within the next few years (after I graduate college). My questions for you guys are:

1. If you could go back to buy your truck again, what would you do/ get differently?

2. What options and packages are crap, and which are good to get?

3. How much is it to “bag” a full size compared to a regular static drop?

4. If you don’t mind me asking, what options did you get, and how much was your final price tag?

5. Are there any serious reliability issues?

6. Are their any minor ones?

7. Any other pieces of advice?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

P

Here's an old pic of my S10 for anyone who cares to see...

Pharacyde · June 6, 2002

...just saw pics of the 2003 models... WTF were they thinking? Guess I'll be buying a used truck when I do get one...

Is that a Double Din CD player I see...

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/autoshows/...gm/gallery.html

GnatGoSplat · June 6, 2002

1. If you could go back to buy your truck again, what would you do/ get differently?

Nothing, my hands were bound since I bought my truck used for trade-in value. BUT if I were buying a new one or had a larger budget and could just buy one off a car lot, I would have bought one with every option that I could ever want. I guess I would have bought a Sierra Denali instead of a Silverado.

2. What options and packages are crap, and which are good to get?

Don't know, didn't get mine new, but I definitely wish I had power windows, locks, keyless entry, and mirrors. This is the 1st vehicle I've ever had that doesn't have those things, and I miss them. Especially the power locks w/keyless entry. The mirrors pretty much stay put, but adjusting the passenger side one is a b*tch without power adjusters.

3. How much is it to “bag” a full size compared to a regular static drop?

Static drop probably costs as much on a fullsize as it cost on your S-10. To bag one costs about $3000 I believe. That is, if it's 2WD. To bag a 4x4/AWD requires some custom work and would cost a lot more $$$, although I know it's possible because there's a bagged AWD Escalade in Street Truck magazine or something like that.

4. If you don’t mind me asking, what options did you get, and how much was your final price tag?

Didn't buy mine new, sorry. But it only cost $12k which is fine with me, because that means more money to go towards the new house I'm gonna be buying soon.

5. Are there any serious reliability issues?

No, but some people say the "cold start knock" that occurs in some 4.8/5.3/6.0 engines causes long term damage. I wouldn't know, my truck doesn't have that problem. I have heard of a few people having transmissions go bad at low mileage, but that's fairly uncommon.

6. Are their any minor ones?

Most of the reviews mention fit & finish problems.

Since you don't like the 2003's and you mention you might get a used one, the '99s have problems with the ABS module, steering column noise, and rear end clunking. None of which require immediate attention or anything. I don't know to what year these problems were fixed, but I think the rear-end clunking affects up to '02. I've only heard of ABS computer problems with '99s.

7. Any other pieces of advice?

They're great trucks, buy one.

2003 does appear to me to have double-DIN also. I wish I had double-DIN!

Pharacyde · June 7, 2002

After closer examination, maybe I could switch the grille and umper from a 2002 if I get a 2003. It doesn't look like there is much diffrence other than the grille and bumper.

I hate to buy used...

I had a bad "lemon" experience before my S10, and I learned my lesson...

vortec4800 · June 7, 2002

Is that a Double Din CD player I see...

Yes it looks Double Din to me also, however I'm glad my Sierra only has the 1.5 Din as I could get the conversion spacer and buy the 1.0 model.

If I did have a Double to work with, I'd probably go out and buy a really expensive Double Deck that would cost much more than the one I did get.

What can I say, I'm weak...

However if money wasn't a factor, I'd go for the Double any day

deduncan · June 14, 2002

I've only had my truck for a couple of weeks, but here are my responses from a new Base Model Silverado owner:

1. If you could go back to buy your truck again, what would you do/ get differently?

- I got a pretty good deal on my truck, but I would probably have gotten the LS model with the 5.3. I also would have gotten all of the options that I want.

2. What options and packages are crap, and which are good to get?

- Can't speak on the options I don't have, but I'd definitely say the power window/mirror/door lock package is a must. Cruise would be nice for those longer trips, and everything else on top of that is gravy. One thing to note, there are only 2 stereos available for the 2002 Silverado: The AM/FM radio & CD Player, and just the AM/FM radio (no tape deck). Base models come with the simple AM/FM radio, so if you want a better stock stereo, have this upgraded.

3. How much is it to “bag” a full size compared to a regular static drop?

- I'm not into dropping trucks, sorry I can't help you with this

4. If you don’t mind me asking, what options did you get, and how much was your final price tag?

- $26,999 is how much mine was stickered at, after factory and dealer rebates, mine totalled $21,999. My loan is for $23,860 or something like that after taxes and junk. I also got a lifetime oil change package that cost $300 that was a dealer promotion.

5. Are there any serious reliability issues?

- Can't speak of any long-term problems, and the only short term issues I have is that the base model, dark grey interior gets dirty VERY fast, and the 40/20/40 bench seats aren't that comfortable.

6. Are their any minor ones?

- See above

7. Any other pieces of advice?

- Look around, specifically on the net. I've learned that for the same price I bought my truck for, I could have gotten the options I really wanted from a different dealer. Oh, and bargain with the salesman. It sucks, but it will pay off over the next 3-6 years, or however long your loan term is.

AU Chevy · June 15, 2002

1. If you could go back to buy your truck again, what would you do/ get differently?
I would get a locker, $295 option from the factory.....$850 installed after the fact and that was with a 20% discount.

2. What options and packages are crap, and which are good to get?

I'd get the LS option package....comes with most of the necessary stuff like power stuff, cruise, remote entry, leather steering wheel, exterior package.

3. How much is it to “bag” a full size compared to a regular static drop?

Don't know....never even considered.

4. If you don’t mind me asking, what options did you get, and how much was your final price tag?

Options to my LS ext cab

5.3L V8 1,495.00

p235/75r16 als wol tires 125.00

cast aluminum wheels 110.00

deep tintied glass 107.00

My truck stickered at 26,758.00..........paid 23,500 out the door.

5. Are there any serious reliability issues?

None for me.....some engines knock....mine dosen't.

6. Are their any minor ones?

not yet at 14,000 miles.

7. Any other pieces of advice?

The 2003 hood is also different.

:sideways:

Cyclic · June 15, 2002

Against my wishes I got to do just that....... go back and get another the way I wanted :angry: Had the standard GMC SLE extended cab package. It was totaled. Now I'm getting all the extras I should have started with. 5.3, locking diff, towing package, on the SLE. I also will have enough left over (keeping the same payments) to get a 3 inch lift installed, intake w/ K+N, Flowmaster series 70, Hypertech Porgrammer, and possibly a nitrous kit. Alot huh? After paying off the old one I'm getting $8300 to use for down payment and mods. SWEET