Tundra or Silverado?

I've forgotten how many times owners of one of the "big 3", have bragged to me about their trucks while ignoring the fact that they keep them for a couple years ,then buy a new one!

 

I owned a Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L engine several years ago and it required premium fuel. Here in Vermont premium is .40 cents more per gallon than regular. OUCH!!!

 

^^^Sorry man but this thing is fugly!!!
There was a time I used to think GM trucks were some of the best looking trucks but man that thing cannot be unseen!

 

That’s one ugly vehicle.

 

I admit to only reading about half this thread so sorry if I miss or repeat anything but here are my thoughts:

The GM fans I've been talking to admit the brand has been much less reliable since 2013. Just check out some of these posts: https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/forum/245-20192020-silverado-sierra-troubleshooting/

Multiple issues that GM can't or won't fix. Brake failures (though that may be fixed with a recent recall). Sliding rear window that leaks. Backup camera that blinds you at night (Toyota lets you adjust the brightness. GM does not.) Infotainment issues that may or may not be resolved with updates or replacement radios (the last Tundra infotainment issue I read about on here affected 2014s and took one trip to the dealer to resolve.) Tailgate that can stick closed because it only has a button to open it and the handle is gone.

You're right that the previous gen Chevy had similar reliability to the Tundra (and that's what I would have bought if I could have found a 2018 with the features I wanted when I was looking in July 2019) but this gen is ranked much worse. Just search this forum as it was posted here somewhere or check out the Consumer Reports website but I think Toyota was around 75 out of 100 and the big 3's 1500s were around 20.

Also, remember that the Trail Boss has lower payload and towing than other trims due to the lift.

If colour match bumpers are a priority, the SX is only a couple hundred dollars more than an SR5.

But I admit I'm biased because I'm not interested in safety features or lifts and tires. I'm also one of the few who prefers a column shifter and wish my truck had one.

I was really strongly considering a 2020 Sierra Elevation but a $20k higher purchase price and the fact that we have no lemon law in Canada and thus I would have no recourse if I had unresolvable problems pushed me to Toyota.

That being said, my brother bought a 2019 Sierra SLT a couple weeks ago so I hope I'm wrong about all this and he has no issues.

From talking to those in the know, the new DFM system seems to be a more durable design than the previous AFM system and it sounds like the fuel economy is impressive if you can keep your foot out of it (though the TB lift and tires will obviously affect that). There's also no Chevy shake on the new trucks.

If you do buy a Chevy, definitely get the 10 speed transmission. If you get Convenience Package 2, know that the sliding rear window is likely to leak (check under the back seat for moisture and rust before you buy if it's been on the lot for a while) but you also get the upgraded Bose stereo and the high def screen and backup camera that allow you to actually see something other than a blur behind you. Long time GM owners also recommend getting the wheelhouse liners.

 

I would never get a Chevy over a Toyota. Those trucks, especially the new ones aren't made to really be trucks. They're SUV's with a bed. The last gen 2018 model is riddled with issues as well. My uncle got a 2018 2500 and I witnessed first hand it having 500 miles and being in the shop for 2 months. Go Toyota or Ford tbh.

 

Could you elaborate on why you think that? GM has the most bed space and, according to TFL Trucks, the best system of cleats/ tie downs. Higher payload and towing than Tundra (though it's true that certain Ford models have even higher numbers). Rear leaf springs, unlike the Ram.

 

I had a 2011 GMC Sierra I bought new. It was a great truck and if I hadn't gone full retard and traded it on a Ford *spit* I'd probably still be driving it. I prefer GM over Chevy, just because they seem more refined to me. That said, I haven't owned a new model GM. My friend has a 2016 Sierra and he loves it, it's been problem free for him.

I'm of the opinion now though that I'll take more basic features in return for long term reliabilty. Trucks built by the Big 3 are becoming so techy that they're getting unreliable. I see it from guys I work with who own new GM, Ram and Ford *spit* trucks. It seems as if they're constantly having an issue with electrical this, update that, etc. Mechanically, other than the Fords *spit* of course, they're all about on par. Meanwhile everyone I know with Tundras hasn't had any issues outside of the cam leaks which are usually fixed by the dealers. Sure, the Tundra is a boring gas hog. Whatever, it's a truck. If you want fuel economy, buy a Corolla. If you want exciting, buy a sports car.

The reason the Tundra hasn't changed much since 2007 is because Toyota found what worked and stuck with it. I like that.

If I needed to haul and tow heavy stuff on a regular basis, I'd buy a GMC Sierra 2500HD with the Duramax/Alison combo. Otherwise, the Tundra does everything that 80% of truck owners need it to do.

 

I've had three GM full sized trucks, a 77, 93 & 99. All were 1/2 tons and two were 4X4's. I never had any reliability issues nor any break downs. I don't think I kept any of them beyond 150K but I didn't sell them because of any issues. I would have bought another one now from the 90-99 years but I couldn't find one with low enough miles.

 

What's interesting is that GM is trying to position the Sierra as being more refined and high end than the Silverado but you can't get leather seats in an SLE or Elevation but you can in an LT or RST. On the Sierra side, you have to get an SLT to get leather seats, which itself is no longer "allowed" to have some of the high end tech features because those supposedly have to be reserved for the two top trims, the AT4 and Denali. But neither of those gets the max trailering package. So if you want capability with your fancy features, you're in a High Country instead of a Sierra. And if you want the 5.3 with max towing and fancy features, you're in an LTZ.

I also think it's ridiculous that you can no longer get bucket seats in an LT or SLE or storage under the centre console in a work truck or Custom but that's a separate discussion.

 

I didn't know that. I knew GM messed around with their trims a bunch, but that's stupid.My 2011 was a SLE with the Z71 Off Road package. I had bucket seats max trailer package, power sliding rear window, heated and power folding mirrors, auto dimming rear view, power drive and passenger seats...the works. The only options I didn't have were the Bose stereo, sunroof and leather.

I remember Ford *spit* being stupid with their trims. My 2013 XLT F1shitty didn't even have power seats. I mean, that should have been a clue when I bought it but like I said I had gone full retard.

 

My father in law still likes his 2011 XLT 3.5EB but the most important consideration to him is purchase price.

 

If you plan on upgrading a modern GM product you'd see that they're much more difficult than lets say a tundra or ranger. The body lines and suspension parts are classic bs GM. follow rakkasan_justin on insta and you'll see how even a fully modded Silverado is eh.

TFL is just like clickbait for the stock market. No substance, but draws you in. Those guys have some of the worst content I've ever seen, pandering to 15 and 60 year olds.

 

I'm with you regarding the TFL guys. They don't know the first thing about real use of a truck. Put something shiny in front of them and suddenly it's the best thing ever.

 

Yup, I saw their listing for the Ram rebel they put on Craigslist a month or so ago, and the guy Roman was super pompous and told me-- we have the most popular page on YouTube and they will get full value for the aftermarket parts they put on the Ram, and weren't open to negotiating because someone would buy it.

 

To me when GM discontinued the SBC that was the end. I still have a 94 F150 4X4 that runs OK but otherwise is a POS. I only bought it because I needed a cheap yard truck that I could sometimes drive to town and beyond. I only bought it because they were about half what a GM of the same year was going for. I've had an 85 F150 before and it was a POS too. I got the Tundra I have now because to me it was better that any big three trucks of the same era. It doesn't have too many bells and whistles for which I'm fine with. Less stuff to break down later. I'm just a bit disappointed with the Tundra because it is showing some signs of frame rust but nothing serious fortunately. The bed on it OTH has rust out in a few spots in the floor ,which I learned the hard way, is an issue with these trucks. No one IMO builds the perfect truck anymore.

 

I've had some good luck with my '95 lol. Of course it only goes about 3,000 miles a year. Restoration project and will get another Tundra in the near future as I will no long have a crazy commute.

 

My GM experience. 2007 Silverado with 5.3. Drank oil. Gm rebuilt the motor and 6 months later still drinking oil. Sold the Silverado and bought a 2014 GMC and it had the Chevy shake on the hwy which caused the dash to rattle. I had to pull the dash apart to fix the problem. Trailer disconnected light would pop up randomly and I wasn’t pulling a trailer. Truck would roll forward while in reverse. Frame made in Mexico and was rusted horribly in a few years. Then at 80 k started using oil. My Son has a 2014 GMC and it drinks oil as well.
I traded my GMC for a Tundra and couldn’t be happier. I’ll never by another domestic vehicle again.

 

You're right about the upgrades on GM in that the new ECMs are locked but I don't understand what that has to do with being a better truck.

 

6th, 8th and 9th gen Ford trucks are my favorites. I can't bring myself to even consider buying a new Ford, but I'd take this one any day. Nice truck.

 

GM C/K trucks were good all the way up to the 4th generation. After that when they started calling them Silverado and Sierra, fuggedaboutit!

 

I recently bought my tundra and I can tell you I was in the dame dilemma. Why get a tundra when Silverado’s have all the bells and whistles?! The answer for me, ultimately, was reliability. I also liked the fact that Tundras haven’t made major body modifications recently, this further proving reliability.
Check out consumer reviews on all of them and you will read some scary reviews of practically new chevys being in the shop. Ultimately for me it was piece of mind and to me Toyota wins that battle every single time.

 

If your looking for reliability and towing get the tundra. The 2020 chevy Silverado has the lowest rating on reliability and durability on the consumer reports. Chevy and gmc resale valve is know where near Toyota's car and trucks. Its funny how people on this forum bad mouth tundra and they own a tundra. I guess you should of got a chevy or ford. If your not towing or not having the truck for long definitely get the chevy or ram. If your buying it new and only keeping it for 5 years or so get the chevy. Tundra is a powerhouse meant for work and will last a long time. Only down fall is mpg and the dated design but to me i dont care about that so i got the tundra. Simple test drive both of them and see which one you like most..

 

I have had about 7 or 8 GM trucks or big SUV's since the mid 80's. My last was a 6.2L LTZ 4WD with the 8 speed tranny. That truck was amazing for about 35K miles... even with the recalls, A/C compressor failure and other minor electrical problem's. When I got tired of it, was when the 8 spd tranny problems started. I was lucky to get rid of it before the tranny cratered. They don't use that tranny anymore... going to the newer 10 spd, but I just don't trust their development teams anymore. The tranny started it's dive at 34K miles and I dumped the truck at 35K. Just an FYI...

 

My wife loves driving a suburban. We are on our second, the GM version - a 2012 Yukon XL with the 5.3. So far, we have 125k trouble free miles on the 5.3/6sp drivetrain. Our last ‘burb was a 2002, also with the 5.3. We got 260k trouble free miles out of it until the AC compressor died. It would have cost more than the vehicle was worth to fix it. That drivetrain though, the 5.3/6sp was unkillable. Granted, we don’t tow much...just a utility trailer for projects around the house. But my experience has been pretty good with GM.

I test drove a Custom Trail Boss recently. Besides being appalled at the lack of interior features in that trim level (no storage anywhere, no radio controls on the steering wheel, basic stuff that vehicles have had for almost two decades), I really liked it. The 5.3 felt familiar...it’s not gonna win any drag races, but if it’s like the other two I have experience with, it’ll be absolutely reliable.

i have two friends with 2019 silverados...a TB and an RST. One guy had tranny issues that were solved after a trip to the dealer and a software update. The other has the dreaded leaky rear window. Toyota owners know about interior leaks on new vehicles.

All that said, I wouldn’t shame anyone for buying a new GM half ton. But if you’re gonna tow anywhere near the listed capacity, just get an HD rig instead. I still love Toyota, my 4runner in particular. My two cents.

 

I've had my share of GM vehicles and a F250. By far the 89 F250 was a beast with the 351 5spd 4.10 gears.
Gas mileage sucked but was fun. As for the GM's I've owned nothing but issues. 1989, 90, 95 Silverado & Suburban, and an 2004 Tahoe.
They all had/has transmission, electrical and brake issues. I've replaced transmissions in all the GM's Ive owned and then the electrical would act up. lights on the dash going out / fluttering, A/C system going down, motor cutting out while driving. I still own the 2004 Tahoe and having some issued with the same problems.
I have changed the Trans due to failure. The T-case got a hole in it from a design flaw causing me to loose fluid, luckily I caught it in time.
Just waiting for a good deal to trade that in for a Sequoia,
I've owned a number of Toyota trucks over the years and have put them to the test off-roading and it has never let me down.
I too was in the market for a new truck and looked at all the 1/2 tons out there. Yes the Tundra is missing some of the creature comforts of the others.
But I test drove every brand and found the 2017 Tundra to be more comfortable for me. I have the DC and not the crewmax and it has more room than any other truck extra-cab out there. I am very pleased with my purchase an have hit 80k miles yesterday with no issues at all. I do keep up on my maintenance though.
This is my everyday driver / weekend warrior.
I'm sure GM has come a long way from their previous trucks but I'm looking at keeping mine for a very long time.
I was going to do that with the Tahoe but with these electrical issues I'm not doing it.
Just my .02

 

If you cant decide a tundra and feel like the chevy pros outweigh a tundra then get a chevy, youre coming to a tundra forum... Ofcourse we are going to say tundra, if you go to a chevy forum they will say chevy over tundra, what you are asking is way too much. You want a fast truck/ that can tow alot/ but has big reliability..... You have to either choose one you want fast or do you want towing..... You cant have soft suspensions and expect it to tow alot, you woukd have to add more mods in order to achieve that, which in the end will cost more. Im just saying and giving my 2 cents, ultimetly up to you. Btw tundredude34 says the 2021 can tow up to18k.... Lol just saying.

 

Older vehicles were typically made "better" than the newer stuff from my experience. It tended to last longer and planned obsolescence was not built in as it is with many new products, vehicles included.
We had a '96 Ford F250 with the 7.3l PowerStroke that only had to have a vacuum pump and water pump (known issue with leakage) replaced on it the entire time we owned it. The newer stuff isn't even made with the same quality body (dent resistant). We purchased a 1999.5 F250 7.3l PS and if you looked at the body wrong anywhere you got a dent in it. Not to mention it had a more car-like suspension in it for a "softer" ride.

 

https://youtu.be/rZKUbzAdb7E

 

Tundra. Just because I’ve had to replace 10 or so Silverado engines for drinking oil like a no other (mind you I work at a Toyota dealer) our Chevy store actually stocks engines because they do so many