Considering a new truck for a Christmas present to me. I really like the '14 Silverado's. I am considering a double cab with the new GM 4.3L V6 Ecotec3. I took a test drive a couple of days ago and was impressed with its power and mileage estimates. Now for my concerns.....1) direct injection. I have heard several folks on here state that it seems GM has the DI thing down-pat now. and 2) this is a brand new engine. My truck useage is strictly light duty (towing utility trailer, carrying 2 ATV's, light weight boat, weekend warrior projects, moving to a new home next year, etc) so I am not in need of more power. I would rather have a touch better mileage and save the $1,000 cost of upgrade to the V8 (which is also DI for 2014). I have read most all of the concerns about DI voiced on this forum (fuel dilution, scarce long term reliability stats, etc). Are there any positive or negative opinions specifically about GM's new DI engines? Thanks for your thoughts!
2014 Silverado Double Cab Opinions
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Have you driven the Tundra lately? I'm not saying I'd buy it over the Silverado but I would be driving both of them to compare. Plus it helps when negotiating. When test driving one truck bring it to the opposing dealer to compare side by side.
Wouldn't hurt to try out the others. Tundra is pretty old--tell the dealer it's a Gen2.5 not Gen3, as it's only some sheetmetal changes. And ought to be priced as such. Ecoboost is pretty well liked too, and of course there's always the Hemi.
If it was me, I probably wouldn't do it. First year for the model and engine? I know everyone is doing so much better these days, but I'm still not keen on being anyone's beta tester.
Finally, do you plan to run this into the ground, or sell after 3-5 years? Resale is going to be worse on the V6 IMO as truck values are driven in part by towing capacity (largely by this one factor?).
If it was me, I probably wouldn't do it. First year for the model and engine? I know everyone is doing so much better these days, but I'm still not keen on being anyone's beta tester.
Finally, do you plan to run this into the ground, or sell after 3-5 years? Resale is going to be worse on the V6 IMO as truck values are driven in part by towing capacity (largely by this one factor?).
All the new changes with turbos, VVT in a truck, lighter frame etc... Is not proven yet and the gas mile is not much better. I don't think these new trucks are going to take the abuse like the old ones.
If your gonna keep the truck forever I'd stay away from any Turboed V6 truck ala Ecoboost! Its long term reliability in the real world is unknown right now!
ls1mike
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The new 4.3 is LS based, kind of like the old 4.3 was 350 based.
From what I have read and of course only time will tell it is a good engine and should have the longevity of it larger conterparts like 4.8, LS1(5.7), 5.3, 6.0, 6.2 etc etc.
From what I have read and of course only time will tell it is a good engine and should have the longevity of it larger conterparts like 4.8, LS1(5.7), 5.3, 6.0, 6.2 etc etc.
For resale alone, I would get the 5.3 & 4x4. You didn't mention 2wd/4x4? The V6 only gets 1 MPG better than V8 on highway, or 2 in city. That's isn't worth it IMO.
If you want a V6, drive a Ram. They are rated 25 on highway. It recently won a V6 comparison of all 3 (that count). Ram also won MT truck of the Year (again).
If you want a V6, drive a Ram. They are rated 25 on highway. It recently won a V6 comparison of all 3 (that count). Ram also won MT truck of the Year (again).
thanks guys. Over past few days I have been considering every point brought up so far. I am checking out ALL of the makes, but I am most interested in the chevy product this time around (no real reason...just an emotional thing). Another driver is that I live out in the country. I only have GM dealerships convenient to either my work place or home. Ford, Ram, Nissan, and Toyota requires a significant effort to visit the dealer for maintenance during the warranty period. I am specifically pondering if there are any known issues with GM's new DI engines that have been discovered at this time. Thanks for ALL the advice!
I’m a GM dealer so I am biased but I will say you can’t go wrong just about any of the half-ton offerings from any of the makes. Pick the one you like the best that can be purchased for the greatest value. I am waiting for the diesel Colorado myself but if I were contemplating another Silverado I would wait to buy it after Ford releases the new F-150. It will have a model year under its belt and GM will be more generous with incentives once they no longer have the newest offering in the market.
From a dealer perspective I will tell you GM did a good job developing all of the available engines to perform very well as truck engines. Being brand new there are always unknowns but I can tell you none of the manufactures take risks with trucks as they are still the bread and butter segment. The new engines began testing long before the new truck they were destined to be installed in even began production. The new 4.3 is proving a popular option. From a power and capability standpoint the new V6s are more than adequate for half-ton duty and comparable to the V8s of a just a few years ago as far as output. The primary concern is resale. A V6 will always resell for less than a V8.
The new Silverado is very refined. Most customers are well pleased with the ride and the comfort. The technology suite with mylink and onstar is also very well rounded and reasonably simple to use. Being able to monitor and even start your truck from anywhere with cellular service is pretty cool. Customers and salespersons have also encountered some negatives. The lack of rear air vents is disappointing, as it was last generation. Rear seat room is improved but still marginally smaller than the competition.
From a dealer perspective I will tell you GM did a good job developing all of the available engines to perform very well as truck engines. Being brand new there are always unknowns but I can tell you none of the manufactures take risks with trucks as they are still the bread and butter segment. The new engines began testing long before the new truck they were destined to be installed in even began production. The new 4.3 is proving a popular option. From a power and capability standpoint the new V6s are more than adequate for half-ton duty and comparable to the V8s of a just a few years ago as far as output. The primary concern is resale. A V6 will always resell for less than a V8.
The new Silverado is very refined. Most customers are well pleased with the ride and the comfort. The technology suite with mylink and onstar is also very well rounded and reasonably simple to use. Being able to monitor and even start your truck from anywhere with cellular service is pretty cool. Customers and salespersons have also encountered some negatives. The lack of rear air vents is disappointing, as it was last generation. Rear seat room is improved but still marginally smaller than the competition.
They look like great trucks, and 285hp is plenty. Save your money on that V8 and keep saving it on gas if you don't need to max the truck out on towing and stuff.
My only concern is they are brand new and have no long term track record yet. I'd consider an extended warranty if you can find a good price online.
My only concern is they are brand new and have no long term track record yet. I'd consider an extended warranty if you can find a good price online.
I would also point out that if your concern is powertrain durability that you do have five years or 100000 miles of warranty in which to break it… GM is not perfect but they know truck powertrains… The DI issues GM encountered early on were caused by a less than complete understanding of how hard DI was on the oil long term. It was GMs primary motivation for the Dexos switch as the syn-blend is more stout.
As far as resale value....if whatever truck I get turns out to be decent, then I plan to drive it 'til the wheels fall off.
On paper, the V8 has only a 1 mpg penalty vs the V6. In real world driving, I wonder if it would still be that close? Also, all things being equal, I wonder if the V8 would statistically be more reliable due to less stress on the engine? If so, do those statistics warrant a $1000 price differential? One cool thing about the V6 is there is actually some room in the engine bay to work on things.....a rarity these days. Forgive me...I'm just thinking out loud.
The new V6 is very muscular, and the 5.3 is simply outrageous at 385 hp. And these engines are evolutionary, not revolutionary. Note the distinction.
They are typically 400-500 pounds LIGHTER than most competitors.
You pay every day for the extra weight in fuel, tires, brakes, etc.
The General has the V8 thing down pat. Plus the 6 speed trans have proven durable as well. Add in 4 free services and 100k roadside warranty, not too shabby.
All the major brands are nice. We use our trucks to make money, and GM gets it done well for us...
They are typically 400-500 pounds LIGHTER than most competitors.
You pay every day for the extra weight in fuel, tires, brakes, etc.
The General has the V8 thing down pat. Plus the 6 speed trans have proven durable as well. Add in 4 free services and 100k roadside warranty, not too shabby.
All the major brands are nice. We use our trucks to make money, and GM gets it done well for us...
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I have the old 4.3 and my wife has the old 5.3. According to the EPA she should get better fuel economy than I do. However, real world a V6 is going to consistently get better fuel economy than a V8. It is almost always going to take less fuel to power less engine. My truck averages a three MPG improvement over my wife’s V8.
The adage that a V6 is going to wear out faster than a V8 stems from the days when the V6 was a severely underpowered budget option. These new V6s are comparable in output to the V8s the manufactures put in trucks just three or four years ago. You are not likely to ever have to overwork a 285 HP V6 with 305 Ft/Lbs of torque in order to move the truck or its load.
The adage that a V6 is going to wear out faster than a V8 stems from the days when the V6 was a severely underpowered budget option. These new V6s are comparable in output to the V8s the manufactures put in trucks just three or four years ago. You are not likely to ever have to overwork a 285 HP V6 with 305 Ft/Lbs of torque in order to move the truck or its load.
People like to make a big deal out of nothing, especially on this forum.
I'm sure the new GM motors are just fine, and my next truck will have one. Besides they have a 5 year 100k warranty so if the motor pops its covered.
I'll get the V6 as well since I want the mileage and have the V6 currently. 285hp is plenty, its not a race car and I have nothing to tow other than an aluminum boat.
I have the old V6 and a truck set up the way I use it, ie 2wd 8ft bed regular cab its plenty. My only complaint is you have to beat the transmission with a stick to get it to downshift. Its very much like driving a 1970's and 80's Mercedes in that regard. Floor it, beg for downshift, beg for downshift...please....and it shifts!
My engine with the new 6spd and would probably be plenty and I have 90hp less than the new 4.3.
I'm sure the new GM motors are just fine, and my next truck will have one. Besides they have a 5 year 100k warranty so if the motor pops its covered.
I'll get the V6 as well since I want the mileage and have the V6 currently. 285hp is plenty, its not a race car and I have nothing to tow other than an aluminum boat.
I have the old V6 and a truck set up the way I use it, ie 2wd 8ft bed regular cab its plenty. My only complaint is you have to beat the transmission with a stick to get it to downshift. Its very much like driving a 1970's and 80's Mercedes in that regard. Floor it, beg for downshift, beg for downshift...please....and it shifts!
My engine with the new 6spd and would probably be plenty and I have 90hp less than the new 4.3.
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Originally Posted By: apwillard1986
You are not likely to ever have to overwork a 285 HP V6 with 305 Ft/Lbs of torque in order to move the truck or its load.
Just as an FYI... those numbers are *very* close to the ratings of the 2004 - 5.3 engine.
You are not likely to ever have to overwork a 285 HP V6 with 305 Ft/Lbs of torque in order to move the truck or its load.
Just as an FYI... those numbers are *very* close to the ratings of the 2004 - 5.3 engine.
Originally Posted By: hisilver
If its only $1000 dollars more for the V8, that's money well spent to me.
Upgrading to a dmax is what, $6000? (for a HD)
The problem is over 100k miles their is another $3k-$4k of fuel to consider.
A V8 and 4wd really costs about another $10k to run over 100k miles vs a 2wd V6.
So why buy more truck if you don't need it? I rather keep the $10k in my pocket.
If its only $1000 dollars more for the V8, that's money well spent to me.
Upgrading to a dmax is what, $6000? (for a HD)
The problem is over 100k miles their is another $3k-$4k of fuel to consider.
A V8 and 4wd really costs about another $10k to run over 100k miles vs a 2wd V6.
So why buy more truck if you don't need it? I rather keep the $10k in my pocket.
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Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Originally Posted By: apwillard1986
You are not likely to ever have to overwork a 285 HP V6 with 305 Ft/Lbs of torque in order to move the truck or its load.
Just as an FYI... those numbers are *very* close to the ratings of the 2004 - 5.3 engine.
But, but in truck V8 is better (insert Tim Allen grunting)
Originally Posted By: apwillard1986
You are not likely to ever have to overwork a 285 HP V6 with 305 Ft/Lbs of torque in order to move the truck or its load.
Just as an FYI... those numbers are *very* close to the ratings of the 2004 - 5.3 engine.
But, but in truck V8 is better (insert Tim Allen grunting)
Part of me is thinking along the lines of hattaresguy....there are lots of hidden costs to buying more than needed. Been there, done that. Another part of me knows that cash flow is a little snugger now than a couple of years ago due to the ex-wife finding a bf she liked better than me.
So, I have to be somewhat frugal and somehow still cover my 'need' for a truck. An early use of the truck will be for DIY work to get house ready to sell and then move out as part of the D settlement. Due to the split-up, I am currently stuck driving an 06 Odyssey with 225k mi on the original engine and transmission. Running well right now, but I know I am on borrowed time. I think getting rid of it now while it runs great and looks pretty good is my best bet. A transmission failure now will cost nearly as much as it is worth to repair. Thank all for the opinions!
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