Advice/Opinion/Etc Sought

[obbop]

Lotta' folks with intelligence and common sense on this board so figure this is a good place to seek opinions.

A year ago I bought a new 2004 Chevy Silverado 4x4 pick-up. 4.8 / auto. Long bed. Work truck model with tow package, locker rear end. A pretty basic truck.

Got 10,000 miles on it. It's starting to exhibit the steering shaft problem that warranty will cover but from what I have read the fix may not be a permanent cure.

Today, while pulling into the parking lot, lost power steering and the red alternator idiot light came on. Parked, shut down, popped hood expecting to see a broken serpentine belt. Looked good. Started engine as it sat parked and no idiot light and power steering worked.

Left the lot 7 hours later and all was normal.

Those are the only two problems so far but I have read of a lotta' problems at several message boards where Chevy pick-up folks mingle.

I am wondering if I made a mistake buying my first American car/truck since 1975.

A basic Toyota Corolla can be bought for what? $14,000 more or less for the stripper model?

Should I go to Toyota and try for a swap with them giving me money in the deal and I get a new car? Would that event happen?

I paid cash for the Chevy, title free and clear. Perhaps buy a Corolla, making payments, then sell the Chevy privately, hopefully for more than what the Corolla costs so I can pay that loan off right away.

Should I keep the Chevy and hope for the best? It gets 15mpg in toen and I git 20.5 mpg on the freeway going 70mph.

I don't tow except for U-Maul when I move. I like being able to haul stuff but I can live without that.

The Corolla does fet get mileage.

I know I will take a hit due to the steep depreciation the first 3 years of a new vehicle.

Oh, I paid $20,200 for the Chevy.

Should I "bite the bullet" and stick with the Chevy, hoping it is a fairly reliable vehicle or go with what has historically proven to be a reliable fuel efficient people hauler... the Corolla.

Any advice, opinions, suggestions, anything greatly appreciated. Ya'll won't be making up my mind for me but other's input can allow one to view a situation from various viewpoints, perhaps making me think in a manner I have not done as yet or may never have without outsider's input.

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!

 

[Gurkha]

It is a matter of chance, the Corolla won't take you where the Chevy will, give it another chance and see what happens, if you get too many breakdowns, go for the Corolla, personally, I would go for the Civic.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Test the waters on the Chevy sale. The first year would kill you on a trade, but you might find a willing buyer just by putting a for sale sign in the window.

Your not compelled to do anything, but gathering more info lets you make a more informed decision.

 

[Drew99GT]

Don't get a car loan with the intent of paying it right off. There'll be unneeded cost, I'm sure. I'd find a very low miles used Corolla or whatever if you want to get rid of the truck.

 

[griz]

Replace the silverado with a Pontiac Vibe, which is mechanically nearly identical to a Corolla but with a more useful body style. GM is currently offering an "employee pricing for everyone" deal so the price should be cheap. If the Pontiac dealer won't give a good trade in price for the Silverado, sell the Silverado by private sale.

 

[Al]

That's a tough one. I don't think the reliability issue is the real problem. Ultimately the bugs will be worked out and you'll be O.K. G.M.'s vbehicles may not always be the best but they aren't junk.

The bigger issues are gas milage, need for 4WD, carrying loads, safety of a bigger vehicle. So first I would make a check list of what the advantages of the truck are and what the advantages of the Corolla are.

I think the Key question is ..do you need 4WD and a truck You can cheaply rent trucks for short periods of times at Home Depot, etc. If you are in a northern state the security of having 4WD is an expensive piece of security. But I have chosen to pay for that. I'm in the same boat. I'm a bit better off though bc I have always been concerned about gas milage and I average 23 on my small '94 Toyota.

The other wild card is the energy costs. The rising price of gas may cut the value of your truck in half. It's a possibility.

Sorry I didn't hit the nail on the head..but perhaps all the responses will have information or suggestions you can sift through.

 

[Gary Allan]

Semi

Doesn't this sound like a belt tensioner issue? I mean loss of PS and an alt light ..or is there some "more sinister" known origin for this type of problem in this model

Now I'm totally aware of how some people regard even the simpliest of problems when it comes to automobiles ..but isn't this a bit much as a criteria for potentially losing quite a few $ over one workable issue??

If you want a Corolla ..get the Corolla. You may recover your loss $$ in fuel savings if you do enough mileage. I would highly recommend renting one for a few days before you make your move ..just to see how it's going to "fit".

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gurkha:
It is a matter of chance, the Corolla won't take you where the Chevy will,

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The differance between 4wd and 2wd is that when you get stuck with 4wd it's longer walk for help.

 

[obbop]

Excellent input so far.

Ya'll are making me ponder.

Thanks to all and feel free to add more or input for the first time. I'm reading stuff that makes me think about the issue in ways I hadn't thought of yet.