Keeping it simple

[KMc]

Was looking for a used truck. Wanted something for basic transportation, hauling stuff, hunting use, etc. Owned full-size trucks in the past, but convinced myself I needed to be looking for a compact pickup (Colorado, Canyon, Ranger, Frontier, Tacoma) because I wanted something cheaper. After looking at and driving several and finding myself really disappointed with the choices, I found this instead.

2009 Silverado, 40K miles, V6, work truck trim, base everything, no power options, vinyl floor (think hose-out). The only options are cruise control (ideal for my long hunting trips) and locking rear diff. (absolutely required for 2WD). Even has satellite radio with a digital aux input.

Love this truck and it drives great. Performance with the V6 is not near as bad as I thought it would be and it's a bulletproof, proven motor. Sometimes simple is really the best choice for what you need.

 

[NAC]

Looks like a good choice. That should last you for many years without any problems.


I wanted a truck for carrying bikes / home depot / carrying mulch / visit the town dump duties. Ended up with a 14 year old Ranger - 4 cylinder, manual transmission, 86k. It was only $1700, and for what I need I'm sure it too should last many years without problems.

 

[evident]

i just looked up the fuel economy on the V^ and it seems like the V8 and V6 have the same fuel economy?? 20hwy aint bad for a pickup truck though.

 

[vi edit]

4.3L isn't entirely bulletproof. Google GM 4.3L intake manifold and coolant leak. My Dad's 2003 Silverado needed an engine rebuild at 80k miles from this issue. He's far, far, far from alone in that. And it's a turd on the highway.

I'd go V8 personally. The 5.3L is a much more potent engine and gets just as good milage.

 

[KMc]

i just looked up the fuel economy on the V^ and it seems like the V8 and V6 have the same fuel economy?? 20hwy aint bad for a pickup truck though.

It's true, the 4.3L V6 is a 20 year old (at least) motor that hasn't changed much at all during that time. The new generation V8s are far more technically efficient.

For my money though, moving up to the V8 brought all the trim and option differences that negated the great deal of the W/T work truck package.

 

[Ferzerp]

I see 3 pickup trucks total in that picture of a close packed subdivision. Doh!

edit: to clarify, it's just amusing. I get under 12 MPG with my car for daily use, so I'm not complianing about that.

 

[KMc]

Well now that I think about it, there are quite a few pickups in our neighborhood. Yeah, that white F150 in the pic makes quite the sight, and sound. No muffler, and rusting out on all corners and from the bottom up.

 

[kornphlake]

I see 3 pickup trucks total in that picture of a close packed subdivision. Doh!

edit: to clarify, it's just amusing. I get under 12 MPG with my car for daily use, so I'm not complianing about that.

So what, some people like riding a bike, some people like driving a sports car, some people prefer a truck. Since when does living in the suburbs mean you have to drive a corolla?

 

[Ferzerp]

I was amused, not criticizing.