Alright ya'll, I need some guidance...

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Derick

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Posts
632
Reaction score
694
Location
Indy Suburbs
Hey guys, ya'll around here know the chevy platform and I'm posing a "what would you do" type thread.

I have been on the lookout for a new 'work truck' type vehicle for me. This is a secondary vehicle for me, mostly because I've got a bit of a compulsion for having reduntant 'things.' Anyhow most of you know I had a 2007 Suburban 2500 for several years. I went 2500 because a buddy had talked me up in to getting a 2500 platform truck when I had my camper. Did I need it? Eh, probably not. It did tow my camper more confidently than my sequoia 4.7 did but I didn't keep the camper long at all. I've been keeping it around as a work truck that can store my tools and ladder and everything. I also pull my 14" enclosed trailer with my goldwing and other bikes.

I sold the suburban a bit ago, and am looking to get its replacement. I've been so wishy washy on this decision. I started looking for 2500HD truck. They can be found in my budget, usually off commercial work. Looking for 2018+, Less than 75k miles, around 30k. Each of those is fluid. I spent yesterday driving 3 states, and hitting 4 dealers. All not to mention that I've talked with several various dealers online and in other states. I'm looking, neigh, demanding a rust free vehicle. So, I'm willing to go to AZ, NM, NV, etc to get something clean.

So that brings us to this thread. Yesterday I was down in KY and checked out a 2020 Silverado 1500. It was a rental for 2 years, and has about 48k miles. By the book, I feel like this is a better fit. It's newer, less miles, I can get an extended warranty. There are two available, both black, one is 66k miles, the other that I chose was 48k miles. The 48k mile unit has a rattling underneath, and a P0420 and P0430 cat codes. It has a date with the chevy dealer this coming week, likely for new cats. Either way it will come back solid, and even has the remaining 5 year, 60k power train warranty. It would likely meet my towing needs just fine. 9000# trailer capcity, and 1800# tongue weight. That said, those little 2pc leaf springs look like wussy tbh. I put a $500 deposit on the 48k mile 1500 unit.

However, I keep coming back to the 2500HDs. I know how to fix them, sorta. I can do joints, shocks, brakes, maintenance, and the like. I know the 6.0 will likely never die. Hell, in the Suburban, I felt like I brought it back to life and got rid of the lifter tick at 130k miles, and she was fine at 202k. There's a dealer out in ABQ that gets trucks from texas, likely the oil fields. He has 8 or 10 in right now, but hand picked 3 for me. The one I'm keen on is a 2018, with 66k miles. I'd have to fly and ride. Or pay to have it hauled home, but then I wouldnt have the opportunity to see it before I paid for it. Has a brush guard, and a tool box, which is nice toss in stuff. I might also ask if they would let me keep one of the laptop mounts that they have pulled from their trucks. I have a ram mount unit that I will install, but if I can at least get the base plate that would save me 150-200 bucks.

Anyhow, what would you do in this situation. Would you go with the newer, "cooler" 1500....or stick with ole reliable? The 2500 is a little over budget, and I can't really get eyes on it until I go to buy it. The deposit is refundable...but even if it wasn't I would sacrifice it to get a vehicle that best meets my needs.
 

Tonyv__

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2018
Posts
3,417
Reaction score
7,680
Location
Bucks county PA
Hey guys, ya'll around here know the chevy platform and I'm posing a "what would you do" type thread.

I have been on the lookout for a new 'work truck' type vehicle for me. This is a secondary vehicle for me, mostly because I've got a bit of a compulsion for having reduntant 'things.' Anyhow most of you know I had a 2007 Suburban 2500 for several years. I went 2500 because a buddy had talked me up in to getting a 2500 platform truck when I had my camper. Did I need it? Eh, probably not. It did tow my camper more confidently than my sequoia 4.7 did but I didn't keep the camper long at all. I've been keeping it around as a work truck that can store my tools and ladder and everything. I also pull my 14" enclosed trailer with my goldwing and other bikes.

I sold the suburban a bit ago, and am looking to get its replacement. I've been so wishy washy on this decision. I started looking for 2500HD truck. They can be found in my budget, usually off commercial work. Looking for 2018+, Less than 75k miles, around 30k. Each of those is fluid. I spent yesterday driving 3 states, and hitting 4 dealers. All not to mention that I've talked with several various dealers online and in other states. I'm looking, neigh, demanding a rust free vehicle. So, I'm willing to go to AZ, NM, NV, etc to get something clean.

So that brings us to this thread. Yesterday I was down in KY and checked out a 2020 Silverado 1500. It was a rental for 2 years, and has about 48k miles. By the book, I feel like this is a better fit. It's newer, less miles, I can get an extended warranty. There are two available, both black, one is 66k miles, the other that I chose was 48k miles. The 48k mile unit has a rattling underneath, and a P0420 and P0430 cat codes. It has a date with the chevy dealer this coming week, likely for new cats. Either way it will come back solid, and even has the remaining 5 year, 60k power train warranty. It would likely meet my towing needs just fine. 9000# trailer capcity, and 1800# tongue weight. That said, those little 2pc leaf springs look like wussy tbh. I put a $500 deposit on the 48k mile 1500 unit.

However, I keep coming back to the 2500HDs. I know how to fix them, sorta. I can do joints, shocks, brakes, maintenance, and the like. I know the 6.0 will likely never die. Hell, in the Suburban, I felt like I brought it back to life and got rid of the lifter tick at 130k miles, and she was fine at 202k. There's a dealer out in ABQ that gets trucks from texas, likely the oil fields. He has 8 or 10 in right now, but hand picked 3 for me. The one I'm keen on is a 2018, with 66k miles. I'd have to fly and ride. Or pay to have it hauled home, but then I wouldnt have the opportunity to see it before I paid for it. Has a brush guard, and a tool box, which is nice toss in stuff. I might also ask if they would let me keep one of the laptop mounts that they have pulled from their trucks. I have a ram mount unit that I will install, but if I can at least get the base plate that would save me 150-200 bucks.

Anyhow, what would you do in this situation. Would you go with the newer, "cooler" 1500....or stick with ole reliable? The 2500 is a little over budget, and I can't really get eyes on it until I go to buy it. The deposit is refundable...but even if it wasn't I would sacrifice it to get a vehicle that best meets my needs.
What do you do for work? I vote none of the above, get a van….

My express 3500 is no different than a 2500 suburban or pick up. Suspension parts are pretty much the same… hell I post most of my issues in this forum because the express platform is pretty much right in line with the Gm full size truck platform that this forum lives for.

I do have a Yukon too but I don’t do anything fun with it. So it rarely makes an appearance here.
 
OP
OP
Derick

Derick

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Posts
632
Reaction score
694
Location
Indy Suburbs
I vote none of the above, get a van….
I have thought about a van. I think it truly is the most useful option...however I dont really want a van. I feel like the serviceability isnt as great. I'm sure they use the same parts and all, but I just dont want a van. And last, getting a 3500 with 4x4 is a pretty heafty feat if I understand things correctly about the availability of them.
 

Tonyv__

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2018
Posts
3,417
Reaction score
7,680
Location
Bucks county PA
I have thought about a van. I think it truly is the most useful option...however I dont really want a van. I feel like the serviceability isnt as great. I'm sure they use the same parts and all, but I just dont want a van. And last, getting a 3500 with 4x4 is a pretty heafty feat if I understand things correctly about the availability of them.
I guess I missed the part about 4x4. I think it’s easier to get a passenger van with 4x4 than the cargo vans for some reason. And if you go for the passenger van then you might as well stick with the suburban lol. I was just thinking work and tools. I tried numerous truck configurations before I bought a van. I haven’t looked back. Good luck on your search
 
OP
OP
Derick

Derick

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Posts
632
Reaction score
694
Location
Indy Suburbs
I guess I missed the part about 4x4. I think it’s easier to get a passenger van with 4x4 than the cargo vans for some reason. And if you go for the passenger van then you might as well stick with the suburban lol. I was just thinking work and tools. I tried numerous truck configurations before I bought a van. I haven’t looked back. Good luck on your search
I didn't specifically mention 4x4 but its also going to be my winter ride, so 4x4 is in.

I would LOVE a surburban again. It's the right vehicle for me. But the anemic 3.08 isnt going to work for my towing needs.
 

03X2

Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2022
Posts
40
Reaction score
52
Location
South of Atlanta Ga
That's the plan. I passed on a 2500HD with a matching silver cap. It was a little rougher than I wanted, so I passed. It was sold in 2 days. Been the story of my life. Vehicle sits on a lot for 30-90 days......I inquire about it, sold within 2-48 hours.
I thought I was the only one things like that happened to - property for sale for over two years- I inquired about it on a Sunday- someone bought it the Tuesday after…
 
OP
OP
Derick

Derick

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Posts
632
Reaction score
694
Location
Indy Suburbs
I thought I was the only one things like that happened to - property for sale for over two years- I inquired about it on a Sunday- someone bought it the Tuesday after…
Hahah, it started with the first truck I inquired on here in a suburb of indy. Call at 10a to see if its available, it is, and its been sitting for weeks, I call again before I leave (burned before), and its sold.... dammmiiitttt lol.

It was perfect for my needs too. It was a silverado 1500 wt w/ tow package, like 44k miles or something super low. Only wanted 21k for it.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,323
Posts
1,865,981
Members
96,917
Latest member
FredEx112
Top