rjwz28

I ran across a 1200-mile Silverado LT 6.2 4x4 at a dealer for $29k when I got mine new. It was an ext cab and I wanted crew, it had the wrong interior color (I wanted black) but my point is that you should have no problem getting a great truck for your price and mileage points, as long as you can stand your ground on what you're willing to pay and you're patient with your search. Hell, for $25k you could probably negotiate a brand-new 4-speed 4.8 CCSB. I love my 2011 6.2 CCSB LT 4x4.

Yes, you can get a 4.8 with a floor shifter for 4x4. Most trim levels, which are tied to other options like engines and radios and whatnot, automatically 'upgrade' you to Autotrac, which has the electronic **** on the dash. I have had problems with Tahoes with Autotrac getting stuck in 4x4, and I've had problems with 2500HDs with a manual case jumping out of 4x4 when you're using it, so that's a draw. My personal truck has had no significant issues of any sort (6.2s are only available with Autotrac), and I'm at 20k over the last 15 months.

95greenZ

iTrader: (2)

All trucks come prewired for the Driver Information Center so if you bought a truck that didn't have it, you can buy the switch for under $80.

KC_kid

iTrader: (5)

Alright guys, now we're getting some where!! Seriously, these last 3-4 posts is the kind of info I'm really looking for, what transmissions where available when, the 4x4 stuff and the info center deal is what I figured but didn't know for sure.

I've also figured out that trucks for $25k could be 2008 w/ 50k on them & 4speed, while trucks for $27-29k could be 2010-11 w/13k on them & 6speed. Big differencd for 2-4 grand IMO. I think I'm going to tell a dealer what I want and see what they come up with.

rjwz28

Forget about the four-speed trucks. They're too much money used for the difference from the 6-speeds. You should be able to get anything shy of a Denali used in the below-$30k range; if not, you may as well buy one new. Mine was $32k brand new.

rjwz28

Get on GM's dealer search tool and put in some search specs and a 200-300 mile radius, and you should get a bunch of results with 6-speeds and prices around $30k (even 6.2s like I found). Then start haggling. I like to negotiate on the phone or e-mail until we've come to a solid agreement, then go sign papers and pick it up once it's pretty much a done deal, to avoid the dealership bs. If you are looking at private owners it might be a bit more difficult, because a lot of people paid list for these trucks and think they're still worth bank 3-5 years down the road (hence your resulting $25k 2008 5.3 4-speeds; you could haggle that truck new with a six-speed for close to that).

rjwz28

Oh yeah: if it has the alarm system key fob deal, it often is equipped for factory remote start. You can have the dealer program this to work and sell you the upgraded fobs for a couple hundred bucks.

SLCviaAK

Get the six speed. Don't waver on that, it is well worth it. It is still unproven if it can hold LOTS of power in our heavy trucks, but that isn't what you are after any ways. The driving experience of the six speed is SOO much better. Then get the best motor you can in front of it, that still falls within your price window. 6.2 followed by 6.0 followed by 5.3. Don't bother with a 4.8 unless you want to boost it or want a four speed.

NKPPhil

Mine was right about the same as that, and at the time I bought it that was just too close to what they were getting for used ones. Easy decision for me.

rjwz28

Yup, I was in the same boat as Phil. I wasn't shopping for a new truck until I saw what they were asking for the used ones. Negotiate like hell when you are buying, either way, but you should be able to walk away completely satisfied for under $30k. If not, walk away (unless you're buying a brand-new 6.2, in which case you're ok to spend another couple-few thousand, but not much more. The 14-bolt and upgraded brakes are worth the price if the engine itself isn't).

rjwz28

If I wanted a four-speed I STILL wouldn't get the 4.8; I'd track down an 07-09 VortecMax