I am buying a Chevrolet 1500 Crew cab, 4WD. I would like to know what things or problems I should be aware of before buying a Chevrolet, good or bad. Is there a particular engine/drivetrain I should stay away or go for.

Also, what is the major differences b/t GMC and Chevy.

Thanks so much for your answers

 

GMC uses a slightly higher quality leather and trim molding, their logo looks better and their bumpers are all in one peice.

You should defenitely find the 5.3 engine as they are a great all around engine. I may warn you that the downfall of getting a 1500 crew cab is that your bed length is sacraficed by 6" so you will only have a 5'6" bed. Not a big deal for occasional hauling, but it might be something to keep in mind.

Other than that, good luck with your purchase.

Oh, if you are thinking to yourself, "I don't need a V8 because I won't tow very often and the fuel economy will suck", don't. I would stay away from any of the 4.3V6's and 4.8V8's because you WILL want more power in the future, whether you forsee it or not... and parts are harder to come by

 

Agreed, go with the v8 even when gas prices where 405 a gallon here i was happy to have my v8 (may not have drove it much but was happy for it) also, (just my opinion) if your gonna go with the crew cab anyways why not go with the 2500?? for the few times i have had to haul.. i was so glad i went with a 2500.. just my .02 cents

 

V8 will definitely make a difference even when you just have a few adults in the cab. And I don't know the difference in mileage between 6 and 8 cylinders but with my '98 there is only a MPG or 2 difference. Resale is definitely better with a v8, too. What do you see yourself using the truck for? Good point above by 89ChevySilverado re: 2500 if you intend to do a fair amount of hauling, but the trade-off is a stiffer ride when you're not loaded heavily.

 

I agree with everything said above and I have heard that many times the V8 actually get better MPG than the V6 because it is really not anymore efficient and slightly underpowered. You would always regret getting the V6. I know I would lol. 5.3 is the best bet in my opinion. Gets you what you need (for most people) and gives you the best fuel economy.

 

My 89's ride is pretty smooth (for a 3/4 ton truck).... When most people ride with me they can't believe there riding in a 2500

Reason for suggesting a 2500...

You have already decided on a crew cab so i would assume that its gonna be a work truck. So, with that why not have a truck capable of some decent work ie hauling etc???

My truck is a 1989 extended cab silverado 2500... it has 289,375 miles on it. It is my everyday driver and unless god decides otherwise will remain so for many, many years to come. How many times have i used it for heavy hauling since i got in in 2000?? hmmm well twice but, to me knowing my truck could handle the task is well worth it..

There are 3 things people do to trucks that irritate the heck out of me....

1. Lower them (We have a truck in town that is so lowered it bottoms out on ever pothole they hit)
2. Buy a truck like a s10 (or whatever chevy is calling them now) and use them like there 2500HD's
3. Have a V8 crew cab 1500

 

If you decide to go to the 2500 though, you will have to get the 6.0L. Then I would get the diesel, you may have higher payments, but the aftermarket world would make up the difference just to do all of the basic mods. Plus you get all of the bigger payoffs of the basic mods versus the gas aftermarket mods.
in my opinion it is totally worth the extra money and you get the extra power to tow even the small amount that you may need to tow.

 

Ahhhhhh, very good point about the crew cab. Definitely just need to buy the right truck for its purpose. I'm thinkin' we need more info from our thread starter, yeah?