Test Drive - 2014 Silverado LT Crew Cab

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
paying msrp on a truck is sort of like going to mexico and not asking to bargain. they often are advertized down here in texas for 12-15k off, across fords, dodges, and chevys. go right ahead and be proud of paying 38k though, just dont whine when you try to sell it for 34k on craigslist and expect a single sucker to bite.


Absolutely agreed. My favorite 05 Silverado was stickered at 40+ and we bought it for 26500 out the door. Be there at the right time and they can really discount their trucks. Buy one when they just came out and you'll get hosed every time!

 

[hattaresguy]

Well the 14's are new your not going to get a deal on one until next year. The 13's OTOH can probably be bought pretty cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet...371&vxp=mtr

$10k off MSRP. That's a loaded truck.

 

[supton]

I've yet to figure out that game. I deal with that by not buying very often. Sales guys train for their job, me I've got no chance.

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: supton
I've yet to figure out that game. I deal with that by not buying very often. Sales guys train for their job, me I've got no chance.


You can always go to Consumer Reports, they have a service where for less than $20 you get a printout of the vehicle you're looking at - all options, and what the dealer paid for them and how much they charge you for each one. Just go in armed with that, already financed and tell them you'll allow a $1000 profit over dealer cost. They'll jump and scream and "go talk to the manager" but if you're willing to walk out (or pretend to) they'll usually cave and you'll get your deal. Just be very firm and the most important thing is to be able to walk out. Their first answer will likely be, "sorry we can't do that". Good answer is to shake their hand, apologize for wasting their time and get up to leave.

 

[The Critic]

FYI:

6.2L V8 rated 21mpg highway:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/02/gm-62l-ecotec-v8-21-mpg-epa/#continued

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy


I forgot this is a Chrysler/Fiat board and they can do no wrong.

I'm out.


Now I've heard it all. Between Chrysler and GM, I'm not sure which company has more hatred spewed towards it on this board.


Always entertaining, isn't it? Not very informative though.

C'mon Hatteras, show me an American truck with a broken coil spring. I have a whole driveway of HEAVILY loaded 3500 long wheelbase vans and a few more Silverado 1500's and we haven't had a broken spring in the history of our business! This is across three different brands as well!

Maybe this is more known in the Rust Belt states as the roads there were unbelievably rough when we were through there recently, but it just plain don't happen around here...


It happens up here but i wouldn't say its regular thing. I have seen broken coils, leafs and even broke a torsion bar on my expedition.
Rust, terrible roads and low temps in winter all play a part. Some roads here eat wheels for breakfast and VW beetles for lunch, its like WWII tank traps around here.
Rotten frames, body mounts, broken/rotten control arms, wheel bearings, ball joints, seized brake calipers and e brake cables, rotten running boards and spring perches are all common enough.

From my own experience they pretty much go in this order.

Fords. Rotten to pieces underneath and lower bodies, broken frames are very common on Rangers with older Expeditions/pick ups not far behind (both used Dana frames).
Nothing is immune from rust on these vehicles, personally i have never seen anything rust as bad as these in the salt belt. I hate working on them.

GMC/Chevy. Very good frames, decent bodies, rotten brake, fuel lines and brake backing plates. Overall very good considering.

Ram. Good frames but bad lower body and fender rot. Not bad really, bodies can be fixed but a rotten frame and you have no truck.

Toyota. Old trucks rusted badly here (IIRC also Dana built frame) frames and beds were horrific, older Tacoma's are seldom seen with an original bed. Newer ones are right with GMC, pretty good. Land Cruisers were no real problem old or new.

Nissan. Don't know i don't see many.

Mazda. See Ford Ranger.

Jeep. Frames okay, bodies rot in the lower regions, nothing terrible.

Honda. Very good for rust underneath and a very unique frame setup, almost like a hybrid unibody but it definitely has frame rails. Not my idea of a truck but overall it seems well built body and frame wise anyway, rust is not a real issue.

Like i say this is just what i see i'm sure others may have different experiences.


Bit of a bump but ...

I definitely agree with you on the Ford piece. Out of Ford / GM / Chrysler, they rust the worst.

Unfortunately, NY uses much more salt than MA. Jeeps here suffer SEVERE frame rot. Anything with a boxed frame is doomed after 12-15 years. Seems they rot in the middle where the transfer case skid plate / cross member is and by the control arm mounts.

But there are 2000 / 2001 TJs that are getting rotted out bad.