Looking At 08 Sierra

jtruck618 · May 28, 2008

Im in the hunting to buy a new truck and looking at an 08 Sierra. I currently have an 06 Silverado CrewCab Z71 which turned out to be a bucket of bolts. Front differential replaced twice and making noise again, tranny leak, radiator hose leak, steering shaft replaced, constant rattle in the front end (still a problem), brake lights went out, and a few other minor problems. I got a lemon, no doubt about it and the dealer I bought from is terrible. Been on the phone with GM and they, along with the service manager, got me an extended service plan. So, my truck is covered bumper to bumper until it hits 101k or three years startng now. Which means squat since I already have that in a powertrain warranty. Currently has 26k and all the problems started around 10k. So, back to the reason of the post. I swore NEVER to buy another Chevrolet so Im looking at it's cousin, the Sierra. I know they are one in the same in alot of ways but it says GMC, not Chevrolet. I dont like the front bumpers on the Silverado's anyhow. It seems the Sierra's have the most options available. I dont like the ancient 4 speed tranny and Im not sold on the fuel management. The interior is terrific, although GM did away with the small overhead storage compartment. I have my concerns about quality of course because of my current experience. I want a truck I can put 200k on. I take care of my stuff and dont beat the crap out of stuff like I use to. My previous truck was an 02 Ram and I beat it like I stole it. 1 U-joint replaced with 65k and that was it. I miss it but was underpowered with the 4.7.

So, Im here to get the good and bad about the Sierra's. 07-08. I dont care about any years before. I know GM makes good vehicles, I just got a junker. I will plan on leveling the front end after I purchase it. I think the trucks sit too low anyhow but can live with it. Im also looking hard at the Tundra. Say what you want but it is a nice truck and Toyota's quality is untouchable. Im also looking at Ford and Dodge of course. No, tow/haul mode on the Ford so that is a negative and both get horrible mileage. At least they sit up high and tough like a full size 4x4 should. The Sierra's have the most options. Auto 4x4, dual heating and air, best MPG's, tow/haul mode, leather steering wheel and a few others. Im ready to hear all about the trucks and everyone's experience. Thanks!

HawkeyeOC · May 28, 2008

Sorry to hear about your '06. Some trucks just are lemons...any manufacturer produces them from time to time. Next time if you don't get satisfaction from GM, file an arbitration claim and let them work for you to get the results you want. I got a new truck out of my '06 lemon. Extending warranties seems to be a standard response to early complaints, but not necessarily the right one sometimes.

I own one of the first NBS '07 trucks off the assembly line. Build quality is fantastic . I didn't know GM could turn out a an all new 1st model year truck this good. Yup, there are issues. Do some reading in the forums here and you will see them in detail.

This forum also opened my eyes about the new Tundra and Toyota in general. To say that any recent Toyota truck has "untouchable" quality is naive and almost laughable. Toyota as a company is growing too fast, too quickly and is paying a penalty for it. Lots of issues with their first year trucks. Sure, they will sort them out, but untouchable...naw

Now, go do the right thing

HawkeyeOC · May 28, 2008

oops! hit that button twice...d@m!

DocHolliday01 · May 28, 2008

I have an 08 All Terrain CC that i couldnt be happier with. Im getting 19mpg out of this tank average. I have a little over 12k miles on it so far and have been problem free. Honestly this is the best vehicle i have owned as far as my impression of it. Its comfortable, reliable, and has gotten better gas mileage so far than the little Ranger did that it replaced. It has plenty of room in the back for friends/family, or you can fold the seats up and put anything back there you need to. As far as Toyota's "Untouchable" reliability, you might want to do some research on the last couple years worth of problems they have had. They arent the company they once were 10-15 years ago.

unit731 · May 28, 2008

You didn't mention if your '06 was new or used. Nor the current miles on odometer.

jtruck618 · May 28, 2008

The truck was purchased new in June of 06. "Currently has 26k and all the problems started around 10k" was in my original post. I do believe, on an overall basis of all vehicles produced, Toyota's reliabitly is untouchable. This is when compared to American car companies. Proof is in the putting if you read on it. Customer satisfaction is by far greater. The Tundra did have some issues in 07 and I think the interior looks cheap, espically compared to the GMC. But, Im leaning toward the Sierra. Looked at some today and really like everything except the trucks rake being low in the front and the reliability concern. Doc and Holiday, any issues with the Fuel Management? Good or bad? Any changes for 09?

Darkanion · May 28, 2008

You mentioned not being fond of the "ancient 4-speed" transmission. The only 07/08 Sierra that has the 6-speed transmission is the Denali. In 2009, GMC (and Chevrolet, for that matter) will be offering the 6.2L engine w/ the 6-speed in other trucks. There's a thread around here somewhere about "2009 full-size truck changes." You might want to check into that before you buy a 2007 or 2008 and then find out "dang! If I had just waited, I could've had these other options available to me."

Personally, I like my Sierra Denali a lot. Have there been some minor complaints? Yeah. Have they been severe enough for me to take it in to the dealer? No. Do some searches. There are several threads on here about the NBS (2007/2008 new body-style) trucks and various problems people have had.

SO FAR *knock on wood*, nothing has happened to make me think I made the wrong choice, in buying this truck. It runs great. It drives great. It rides great. For the size of truck it is, it gets good mileage. It has been everything I have wanted and more.

BigJayDogg3 · May 28, 2008

EDIT

gvbhunt · May 28, 2008

The TOYota Tundra has only been classified as a full size truck since the 2007 model year. To compare it's reliability and longevity to any full size truck that GM makes does not make sense. The 2000-2006 Tundra was only classified as a mid-sized pickup. Wait 20 years to see if one is running and then make a judgement on how well they hold up.

The only thing that is untouchable about the Toyota is the price because they are not built by the UAW.

Now back to the important part. My 2007 GMC Sierra Max has been pretty well flawless. I only get rattles/squeeks when it is cold outside, runs like a striped assed ape, gets 18-19mpg with 367hp out of the 6.0L. On the large displacement engines fuel management is a godsent. And as far as the "ancient" 4 speed, it is bulletproof, can handle craploads of power, and has been around long enough to get the kinks out. If you want a tranny with more than 4 gears in a truck, in my opinion, it better be made by Allison.

First paragraph is fact, third is opinion/fact.

BigJayDogg3 · May 28, 2008

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Darkanion · May 28, 2008

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Lost for words?

HawkeyeOC · May 28, 2008

'09 has a wider availability of the 6 speed transmission in models. GM has really stepped up and produced a world class full sized truck that is vastly improved over what came before it.

American car companies in general have all stepped up in quality and reliablility in recent years. There were reasons to be concerned in the past, but those reasons have faded away. when I look at vehicles these days, I also take a look at how much experience that manufacturer has in producing a type of vehicle.

Nissans 1st attempt with the Titan was a bomb, so much so that Dodge will be producing future full-sized vehicles for them

Toyota, good 1st attempt, unproven and it was kicked off Consumer Reports "recommended" list for BELOW AVERAGE predicted reliability scores from its own owners. Issues with Engines, transmissions, weak tailgates.

I'd wait a while before I looked at a Tundra. Don't be afraid to dive in and purchase another GM product...they don't bite

Nick The Great · May 28, 2008

The truck was purchased new in June of 06. "Currently has 26k and all the problems started around 10k" was in my original post. I do believe, on an overall basis of all vehicles produced, Toyota's reliabitly is untouchable. This is when compared to American car companies. Proof is in the putting if you read on it. Customer satisfaction is by far greater. The Tundra did have some issues in 07 and I think the interior looks cheap, espically compared to the GMC. But, Im leaning toward the Sierra. Looked at some today and really like everything except the trucks rake being low in the front and the reliability concern. Doc and Holiday, any issues with the Fuel Management? Good or bad? Any changes for 09?

If you get a Toyoyoyo, watch the tailgate and driveshaft. Customer satisfaction is high because they get their kool-aid from the same suppliers as Apple fanboys and Ron Paulies.

In all seriousness, I have a 2007 Silverado Crew Cab and my boss has a 2008 Tundra Crew Cab. The only thing his truck has on mine is the fact it has a 5.7L engine to my 5.3L. Mine beats his in drivability, all around cockpit (layout and comfort), and in my opinion, overall looks. I think if you drove the GMC and Tundra each for a week, or an hour for that matter, your decision would be made for you.

BigJayDogg3 · May 28, 2008

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Lost for words?

Nah. Words were there and in my previous post, but in both of them I was upset, and after rereading thought my first post was too antagonistic, and the second one could be better handled with a PM.

Darkanion · May 28, 2008

Nah. Words were there and in my previous post, but in both of them I was upset, and after rereading thought my first post was too antagonistic, and the second one could be better handled with a PM.

Gotcha! I probably should do more of that myself..