About to buy a new truck

[member12]

It's time to start looking. I'll be buying within the next month or so.

There is a Ford dealer that I drive by every day, so I stopped and looked at F150s. Like every American automaker, they stock pretty much the same truck in assorted colors and didn't have the bodystyle that I wanted (4x4 supercab). IF you don't like the crew cab 4.6L 2wd bodystyle, then you are SOL. The salesman was really nice, and he assured me that inventory will change over the next month as 2008s arrive. He seemed to understand that I was not going to take a truck I didn't want but he was nice enough to take 20 minutes to answer questions and let me take a Ford crew cab for a spin.
The 4.6L couldn't get out of it's own way, but other than that the truck drove very well. I think it rides better than the Trailblazer...but it's a bitch to park. The prices were pretty good, and the dealership is in a very good location in case I need to ever get it serviced. I'll definately be back to this dealership to talk to that salesman in the near future.

The nearest Chevy (MAC HAIK) dealership is 10 minutes from my house and requires driving through residential streets with plenty of stop signs. I figured that since I had time, I'd see the Silverado as well. I pull into the dealership and the first thing I notice is the selection. They had every style or model Silverado that they make in every color, which is unusual for the typical disfunctional GM dealerships. I looked at them 10 minutes before I came across the 2008 Colorado Crew Cab Z71 for $26K. It was pretty much exactly want I needed except it didn't have four wheel drive. I figured that a loaded up midsized truck would be a resonable alternative to a full sized truck...maybe I can save a few thousand. The 2008 Colorados have a new rear bumper with a large frame mounted hitch (different from the 07s on the lot). Maximum towing capacity for the truck is 5000 lbs with the 3.7L engine (6000lbs with weight distributing hardware- as shown on the hitch and the truck bumper). Apparently the sales department was too busy for me and every other customer looking around on the lot. I walked clear accross the lot and asked one if they had time to talk about a pickup. He said that if I let him copy my drivers license, another picture ID, and proof of insurance that he would "let me" test drive a truck. I had already walked all the way to the showroom, and now I had to go back to my Trailblazer to get another picture ID and proof of insurance...and they wanted to make a copy of it which kind of disturbed me. I did walk back to my Trailblazer, but I left the dealership. I know it wasn't much of a request, and the dealership needs to be careful...but I felt like they thought I was not serious and were trying to discourage me. He was condescending...almost as if he didn't think I could afford a new truck. My drivers's lisence has my full name, address, and my insurance card has my ssn...not a chance I am handing that over to a salesman unless he is serious about selling a truck. It's not like I am testing a real car like a Mercedes or BMW. I am just a young engineer with enough disposable income to waste on Chevrolet.

I was a bit frustrated after that and I decided not to go to the chevy dealership accross town. I'll see online if another dealer have a truck equipped the way that I want and I'll call up to see if they sound shady before I traverse Houston's freeways. If I feel like I am going into a job interview then I won't bite. So far only the Ford dealership has earned a sale.

I won't buy until I can test drive a 5.4L Ford, a 2008 Colorado Z71, a Tacoma and a Silverado. I will be out of town to visit my family next weekend, and the weekend after that I am going to see an LSU football game out of state. I would have bought a truck today if offered a decent deal on the right truck...but now I don't have time to car shop for another 3 weeks. At this point, I don't want to hear about GM's problem selling cars. They need to start dumping some of these dealerships that misrepresent the Chevrolet name.

I hate car shopping.

[caddycruiser]

Haha, interesting time. Every time I go, alone or with someone, even if the salesman is iffy, I always have fun...for obvious reasons. Just like to look, play with drive, and outsmart them usually with how much more I know.

And on another note, every time I've ever gone, or my parents have gone (with or without me), shopping, they've always asked for and gotten a copy of our license before a test drive. I've been to new and used car dealers in various states, and the request is always exactly the same and I ablige. They could just look at it, but it's safer that they have a complete copy just IN CASE anything should happen or you might be a semi-criminal and do something illegal. No biggie to me, and as you continue to shop, you might find it more frequently.

[OzoneGTX]

Odd that they find you iffy on test driving. I went to a dealer asking for a ball-park figure on a trade in for my moms car towards a Solstice and the guy INSISTED that I test drive the Sol first. And I'm only 18. I told him I wouldn't feel comfortable driving it if i wasn't getting it (I have a thing when it comes to driving others peoples' cars) cause I wouldn't want anything bad happening.

His attitude was "man, we're insured. It's all good."

A G5 or something I can understand. But he wanted to get me to drive a Sol. And a manual, at that. I insisted on an auto. Didn't want to burn the clutch on a car I didn't own.

I never thought anyone would take me seriously, but this guy thought I was going to leave with a solstice that day. I can only assume your older and seem a little more trustworthy than me. He did ask me for a copy of my license though, which I thought was ok.

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by OzoneGTX

Odd that they find you iffy on test driving. I went to a dealer asking for a ball-park figure on a trade in for my moms car towards a Solstice and the guy INSISTED that I test drive the Sol first. And I'm only 18. I told him I wouldn't feel comfortable driving it if i wasn't getting it (I have a thing when it comes to driving others peoples' cars) cause I wouldn't want anything bad happening.

His attitude was "man, we're insured. It's all good."

A G5 or something I can understand. But he wanted to get me to drive a Sol. And a manual, at that. I insisted on an auto. Didn't want to burn the clutch on a car I didn't own.

I never thought anyone would take me seriously, but this guy thought I was going to leave with a solstice that day. I can only assume your older and seem a little more trustworthy than me. He did ask me for a copy of my license though, which I thought was ok.

Same here, mostly. I've been looking and driving different things since about 19, and each time it's usually just a "Sure, let me just get a copy of your license and I'll go get you a plate and the keys."

Locally, in Delaware, they've even just let me have the car and "You can take it for the day and try it out if you like", and then here in the suburbs of Philly, I had the saleman go with me and seemed a tad questioning, but was still fine--then again, this last time it was their first new Acadia and then a $50k Yukon. But always very pleasant and helpful.

[caddycruiser]

member12....But any update on the shopping or browsing yet? Seen or driven anything else you liked or didn't?

[member12]

Originally Posted by caddycruiser

member12....But any update on the shopping or browsing yet? Seen or driven anything else you liked or didn't?

I might go to a Toyota dealer later today if I get done with some things I need to take care of around the house. The Tundra Double cab SR5 (4.7L) and the Tacoma double cab TRD are what I want to look at.

Other than that, I don't have time to go car shopping for a couple of weeks...and I am not about to make a decision without having test driven a GM truck. I promised myself not to get into a hurry, and only buy what I really want.

[caddycruiser]

Good move, and with such an expensive and important purchase, you can't make it right without experiencing many things and then having time to think it over.

[member12]

I found out today that my next project (for 6 months+) is about 80miles from here. Luckily, they are offering me mileage reimbursements. That is at least 160 miles commute per day. Now I am thinking that I definately need to get rid of the Trailblazer soon and get something that I feel more confident in. That's a lot of highway mileage and general wear for a gas truck.

I wonder if a used duramax, powerstroke, or cummins is a worthy choice. I don't want to spend 40K on a new truck, but shopping used is probably more stressful and will take longer.

What do you guys think? Stick with the gas motors or consider used diesels?

[bhoppes]

Originally Posted by member12

I found out today that my next project (for 6 months+) is about 80miles from here. Luckily, they are offering me mileage reimbursements. That is at least 160 miles commute per day. Now I am thinking that I definately need to get rid of the Trailblazer soon and get something that I feel more confident in. That's a lot of highway mileage and general wear for a gas truck.

I wonder if a used duramax, powerstroke, or cummins is a worthy choice. I don't want to spend 40K on a new truck, but shopping used is probably more stressful and will take longer.

What do you guys think? Stick with the gas motors or consider used diesels?

I think you should stick with a gas motor. Diesels can get better gas mileage, but I don't care for diesels because they smell and they are a ton more expensive. If you buy a new diesel truck, the engine alone can be an $8,000 option. The price of diesel is almost as high as gas, and to repairs diesels are a lot more expensive anyway. I really never did see the benefitst of diesels. Plus, I live in Michigan, so winter start ups are a PITA. The only advantage I see to a diesel is the gas mileage.

[member12]

yesterday I drove the Tundra, another F150, and a Silverado. Please forgive the short sentences and poor grammar. I am in a hurry.

I have ruled out the Colorado and Tacoma. They are small and I think their ride will beat me to death. I put lots of miles on my trucks, and I think full size is better for my comfort and probably better for reliability. Of the three full size trucks that I drove, I think I can be happy with any of them. They have come a log way in a short time as far as design and comfort (and price).

The Silverado was an LT1 extended cab 4x4 Z71 with the flex fuel 5.3L engine. It felt downright slow off the line and not much better at speed, but it is a very green engine. I noticed a very sweet sounding exaust burble that is signature small block V8 (which impressed my dad who was shopping with me). I liked the interior and exterior styling and the selection of 07s. I have no doubt that there will be plenty to choose from next weekend when I actually do buy. There were at least 3 equipped the way that I want them in assorted colors. The Black exterior looks great, but I am worried about scratches. I prefer the 17" wheels with the goodyear all terrains over the 18" wheels. The truck handled very well, and rode a little stiff. The turning radius was bigger than the others, but the steering ratio was quick, which adds to driver confidence and handling. The extended cab was tiny...I think smaller than the T800's extended cab and much smaller than the Tundra double cab. I really don't use the backseat much, though. My dad thinks the autotrac transfer case, particularly the "auto" option is a big advantage...but he is even more of a Chevy guy than I am. The sticker was $33.5K and there were plenty to choose from and a GMC dealership next door with plenty there, too.

The Ford was a crew cab (it's all they had in 4x4). The sticker was 2000 more than the Silverado. It had plenty of room. The 5.4L had good low end power. It only gets 18mpg highway when the Silverado gets 20. Overall, the truck felt solid, had a great stance and really attractive red paint. The tubular running boards get in the way on entry/exit. The salesman was strange, and he didn't know much about the truck. It has the shift on the fly 4x4 but no automatic system like the Chevy and Toyota. It's probably my least favorite truck of the trio but more than acceptable if I get a sweet deal. He wasn't very suttle in asking me about my income...he then tried to get me into a King Ranch Super Duty, which they had plenty of...but I don't want a Super Duty. The sticker is $35K for the F150.

The Toyota I drove was a white double cab SR5 4x4 with cloth buckets, the TuRD package, and the 5.7L engine. Interior quality seemed to be a little better than the Chevrolet (cupholders, door trim, etc) and on par with the Ford. It looks very attractive from the inside. The truck rode better than the Chevrolet Z71 but not as good as the Ford F150 (XLT-no FX4). Turning radius is very tight for a big truck, but it's still a bitch to park. The salesman encouraged me to floor it from a dead stop, which engaged the traction control and stability control. Its stupid fast....which is a huge plus. It's much more engine than I need, but its the only engine the dealership has available. The sticker was $35k. I have concerns about the Toyota's transmission quality. That is a very powerful engine and it will likely push the transmission pretty hard...the powertrain warranty isn't very long compared to the Ford or Chevy. I'll only buy one if it is cheaper than the Chevy, which is unlikely.

I think the Silverado is the best overall, but had the weakest (5.3L) engine. The Ford had the smoothest ride and best look. The Toyota was didn't really impress me until I drove it. I know Dodge has the lifetime warranty but I looked at one last week and didn't like it very much at all.

The Silverado is my first choice but I have a few questions:

I heard a clunking sound when I stopped at a traffic light during the test drive on the silverado. I can't tell where it is from but it seems to be from the transmission or rear end. The truck was in "4 auto" mode during the test drive, so maybe it can be binding up? I thought it might be the locker, but I don't notice it that much in my Trailblazer. It feels kind of low rent to me and it's a little disconcerning. I might not buy that particular truck if another one on the lot doesn't have the same sound. It's bad enough to keep me away from GM....so if any of you know what that is then let me know.

Also, how do I get the best deal on these trucks? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I can't seem to get Chevrolet's "dealer quotes" website to work. The GMC's website works fine.

Also, I know a couple of you guys own T900 trucks. How are they in terms of "trips to the dealership". I put 250 miles a day on my trucks, and I don't have time to bring it back for constant nagging issues. I hope they are better than the T400s and 800s in that respect.

[member12]

It appears that insurance on the 5.7L Tundra is more than the Silverado...not too bad, though.

Between the extra 2mpg and the insurance I think that I'd save enough to justify the purchase of the GM truck. Then again, it all depends on what the dealers can do for me price wise. I have seen tundra double cabs on sale for 6K off MSRP, and I have seen Silverados on sale for similar prices. It looks like the Chevy dealer has plenty of trucks equipped the way that I like, so I can wait a few weeks and still have choices. Toyota dealers at best only have 4 or 5 tundras.

I like the GM the best....It's just that the Toyota is so much faster. Seriously, guys. I haven't driven a car that fast in years. I think it might be faster than my buddy's Mazda RX.

Decisions decisions. I am buying next Saturday if I find one I like. I have already sent dealer quotes out to Toyota, GMC, and Chevy dealers.

[caddycruiser]

Not to cross post, but for everything you wanted to know and more about the new GM's, go here (LOTS and LOTS of new owners):

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/

Otherwise, sounds like an interesting shopping trip, and very nice unbiased opinions on them all.