Truck Shopping

jokester · 02-02-2004, 02:07 PM

I'm in the market for a new truck within the next few months. My first two choices would be a 1500 Chevrolet Silverado or a newer 1500 Dodge Ram. Seeing as I don't like the front ends on the new Chevy's, I don't want a new one, but i'd settle for a well taken care of, used 2002. Didn't like the Ram's front end at first, but now i'm getting used to them...although, I don't think i'll EVER get used to the new Chevy's. I've even thought about personally writing Chevrolet and asking them what kind of acid trip they were on when they came up with their new idea, but I haven't....SO FAR :grin:

So what i'm asking is that all you IFISHERS that have purchased a truck within the past 2 years post here, e-mail, or PM me with some reviews about the trucks and your experiences. Just looking for a 1/2 ton, no 3/4 ton. Good or bad, tell me all! You can read car/truck reviews all you want from a book, but I think a personal experience is TONS better. Unfortunately, I don't have a boat, so factor that out. :depressed:

Thanks in advance to those who reply!!

-jokester

24 on/ 48 off · 02-02-2004, 02:18 PM

Don't rule out the Chevy front end- simply go buy a GMC. Same truck- different name plate. MUCH better looking front end.

--spud-- :smile:

jokester · 02-02-2004, 02:32 PM

Very true! At least it's in the GM family and not the "F" word :grin:

-jokester

BuKuBass · 02-02-2004, 02:40 PM

I've heard that a Gimmy is just a Chevy with lock washers. :tongue:
Just having fun guys.
BTW...my Ranger recently turned 200K.

24 on/ 48 off · 02-02-2004, 02:42 PM

--spud-- :smile:

TheTexan · 02-02-2004, 03:02 PM

Plus if you were to buy GMC, you could even go with a 1500 Crew Cab.

Hoosier Daddy · 02-02-2004, 03:12 PM

I wish.........

..wonder if it will pull a boat?....

boater · 02-02-2004, 05:52 PM

i bought a new 2002 silverado 1/2 ext. cab 4x4 with the 5.3 and i tow a 5000 lb. boat with it and i think it does a good job "but", ive had some issue`s with it, the biggest

issue is it has the typical GM piston slap that alot of the later model GM vortex engines have, it sounds like a deisel when you start it on a cold morning and any good dealer will tell you they know all about it and you will get a free extended warrenty if they verify your engine has it, and yes i have a free extended warrenty, i also had the common problem steering wheel clunk and they fixed that, i also had the common problem with the trim around the front window, it sounded like it was raining out going down the freeway on a sunny day so they replaced the trim around the front window and that fixed it, i also had a water leak on the passenger side, the floormat was getting wet when it rained, i also had a sensor go out that controlled down shiffting when you gave it gas, they pulled the intake manifold off and fixed that, also, one day i opened the cover on the center counsil and it fell off and they replaced it, now that everything is fixed other than the piston slap i`m pretty happy with it.

you can do a search for the piston slap, just type in "GM piston slap", from what i hear the later model 2003`s dont have it and none of the 2004`s have it, but i couldnt guarrentee that to be true, mine didnt get it untill i got about 10.000 miles on it.

FishOrDie · 02-02-2004, 06:56 PM

I agree with you on the Chevy Front end .... UGLY.... But I am fond of the GMC's, No ugly front end and a real nice fit and finish, very comfy.
Another consideration you should look into is the Toyota Tundra. I was hugely surprised with this truck. I test drove it and it has good power and is real comfortable. The tundra even has a new double cab model.
I am not sure if you are trying to stay domestic or not but I thought I would throw it out there to at least take a look at, since you are looking for half tons.

Just a thought

FOD

foxer · 02-02-2004, 07:45 PM

The Nissan is one heavy duty mo'fo' as well..

jokester · 02-02-2004, 09:07 PM

boater,

It's funny that you mentioned the "GM piston slap," because a buddy of mine was telling me about it just the other day when we were talking trucks. He said that mechanic shops everywhere are making a killing on that noise! Doesn't sound like something i'd want to put up with. Is the trim around the windshield a common problem in Chevy's only, or in GMC's too? The reason I ask is that one of the guys I work with bought a 2002 1500 GMC Sierra and I think he's experiencing the same problem that you just described. When he hits about 50+ MPH, it sounds like rain is splattering on the windshield. It only does it when he's past a certain MPH but then it's constant. Hmmmmmmm.... [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

FOD,

Someone was telling me about the new Tundra quad cabs and I did some reasearch on them. It sounds like Toyota's came out with a fine product, but I've never really been a Toyota man myself. Chevy's, GMC's, & Dodge's have always been in my family. Not to say that i'll never buy another, but my dad would disown me as his son if I bought one of those "F" words! :grin:

foxer,

Same as the Toyotas. Nissan's have never really been my bag.

TTT...keep em coming!

-jokester

[ 02-02-2004, 10:13 PM: Message edited by: jokester ]

pdxkevin · 02-02-2004, 09:46 PM

I seriously urge you to take a hands-on look at the Chevy Avalanche. Comes in the 1500 and 2500. The first time I looked at it I had some reservations about its look. My wife said I need to look it over before passing judgement. I am so glad that she did! There isn't another vehicle out there that is as versitile. Side storage bins in the rear bed railing. Comes with panels that close off the bed from the rain. Lights in the sides of the bed.

We have carried a load of sheet rock back from Home Depot without getting it wet or having to buy a topper. With the midgate up you can comfortable carry three adults in the rear seat. 4 full size doors.

It has a sweet ride. We went with the Z71 package with a rear locker and 4.10 gears. Very nice. I have never seen a more versatile vehicle... ever.

This vehicle is seriously under marketed!

Tilla · 02-03-2004, 12:10 AM

Search your internet thoroughly for owner comment/feedback sites. It not so much about the guys who love their truck they bought, but the guys who hate the truck they bought, I am looking at the big three myself and keep changing my mind.
One trend is the guys who really actually tested all three go for the GM/Chevy.
I talked to a Ford dealer we all know and he liked the GM/Chevy too! :whazzup: Just when I was leaning toward Ford too!
The other trend is that it seems that the engine and drivetrains are all pretty reliable (looking at diesels) but it's too bad they put them in junk (their words), Dodge and Chevys. The dealers tend to not be impressive or responsive.
This is what I have been interpreting, I'm neutral and undecided right now. I'm chasing owners in the parking lots!
So I dunno, roll the dice.

pdxkevin · 02-03-2004, 05:22 AM

I agree. Narrow it down to a handful of trucks, then really check them all out. Don't stop until you have climbed all over each own, checking out the fit & finish. Some things to think about are what do you want out of a truck and what do you need it to do.

We narrowed it down to three and then climbed all over them. Versatility, and a good ride were near the top of our list. After test driving them, it was pretty obvious choice for us.

Which dealership you go to does have an impact on the way you view the truck. I can't stand the high pressure sales places, so if you don't like that dealership, pack it in and over to another selling the same truck.

jokester · 02-03-2004, 06:24 AM

PDX,

I'm not so hot on all the molding on the Avalanche. Maybe some, but not all that!! [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] I do, however, realize it's versitile as far as what you described and i've talked to many people who said the same thing that your wife said about not passing judgement by looks, but I can't get past that molding ALL OVER THE PLACE!! Even if it is the most reliable, versitile tool on the market. Looks aren't everything....to an extent.

Well, looks like now that i've narrowed it down to the Chevy's, GMC's, and Dodge's, I gotta do my research and like you say, crawl all over them...inside and out!!

I've heard quite a few people that own the GM products, but I guess no one owns a newer Dodge? Hmmmmmm...maybe that's telling me something :grin:

-jokester

pdxkevin · 02-03-2004, 07:06 AM

They are making them without the lower body armour too.

I don't like the looks if the plastic but it has saved me from some good dents already.

outdoor.spec.ops · 02-03-2004, 09:19 AM

2003 Dodge 1500 QC, 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, All bells and whistles except leather and power foot pedals. SO far the truck is more than I ever wanted. It has great power, handles like a car, and doesnt make any funny noises, like piston slap or whatever that is. I had a diesel before, and do not miss the noise or smell. Mileage varies depending on the weight of your foot. I can get up to 16.5 on the highway, or as low as 12 depending on how you drive it. Pulling a 3500lb boat setup, it averages 12.5-13. All around town with lots of starts and stops is less, more like 10-11.

Sweet truck so far with a higher performance engine.

boater · 02-03-2004, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jokester:
boater,

It's funny that you mentioned the "GM piston slap," because a buddy of mine was telling me about it just the other day when we were talking trucks. He said that mechanic shops everywhere are making a killing on that noise! Doesn't sound like something i'd want to put up with. Is the trim around the windshield a common problem in Chevy's only, or in GMC's too? The reason I ask is that one of the guys I work with bought a 2002 1500 GMC Sierra and I think he's experiencing the same problem that you just described. When he hits about 50+ MPH, it sounds like rain is splattering on the windshield. It only does it when he's past a certain MPH but then it's constant. Hmmmmmmm.... [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">the piston slap is a common problem, GM even released a service bulliton over it that said it wouldnt hurt anything and in talking with the service manager where i bought my truck he said they have never had an engine failure because of it. it does sound like your buddy with the GMC has the same problem i did with the front window molding, at a certain speed on the freeway it will sound like its raining or somthing ticking on the front window real fast, i called the dealer where i bought it and told them about it and he knew exacly what it was, they put new front window molding on it and the noise is gone.