Hi, I'm looking at a 97 sonoma ex. cab. (Sports package, Sportside, p/W+l, CD, V6) It's a demo and has 3300 miles. They want 17800 and they don't seem to want to budge. It has a few scraps in the bed but other than that it's in great shape. I noticed the invoice for this (new) is about the same price. What do you think would be a fair price? Or is this all am gonna get. Higher finance rate since it's "used" doesn't make the monthly that good. Thanks in advance
You should get a brand new one at that price! I bought one a month ago: 98 sonoma SLS ex.cab- wideside(v6,tilt-cruise, cassette,auto,3rd door,air,deep tint and w\L tires) for 17300+tax. (with 1000 rebate.) MSRP was 20,384. For a 97 you should do a lot better because there is a 1500 rebate for v6.
That's what I thought..Thanks. The rebate expired 1/31, they might be able to back date it though. Was your 17,300 before or after your rebate? I looked at S-10's yesterday and now am torn between the two. I kinda know someone that works at the Chevy dealer. This might help.
Re: #54 The rebate will be extended eventually or even improved; because this is the SLOW season and they are more than eager to sell...! The 17,300 was after rebate (18,300 before). Knowing someone does not necessarily help...what counts is ultimately the bottom line! Good luck!
I'm trying really hard to find a full size Chevy or GMC short wheel base truck that is both four-wheel drive and a five speed. Why is it so hard to find this combination and is it true that with this combination I'm asking for transmission, drivetrain,differential problems etc.? I don't know if what these dealers are telling me is really true or if they just want me to buy one of their automatics, something that I really would prefer not to have. Anybody had any personal experiences??
just drove a 1998 chevy S 10 with a vortec 4 cyl. engine. when driving the oil pressure was reading around 60 lbs. with the engine running in neutral sitting still the oil pressure was below 40lbs. that seemed a little low. can someone tell me if this is normal. I did not buy the truck for various reasons. however I am still in the market for this type of vehicle. what is the reliability for this set up; 4 cyl. 5 speed trans.
beltao, Well, finally had a chance to get to the dealer. Got it 300 dollars above invoice, would have been $100 dollars if he had it on the lot. He's got to pull it for another dealer and pay some more. (I still agree with the phrase,it's not what you know, it's who you know.) Anyway...I wanted sport suspension but he couldn't find one in the area. How is the suspension and ride on yours? Thanks again...
Thinking about buying a '94 or later Chevy s-10 2wd ext. cab. Wondering if the 4.3L vortec and five sppeed were available on that year. Also, any major problems that anyone has had?. Currently have an '88 s-10 blazer that has been great!
I'm looking at a G.M.C. Sonoma V-6 to tow a 25ft 5th wheel. According to Trailer Life this truck has a 6000lbs capability with 3.73 axle ratio. This seems unbelievable to me. Can anyone comment on this pick-up's towing ability?
I'm not familiar with the Sonoma and I don't tow a fifth wheeler, but a 25 foot fifth wheeler sounds awful large to be towed by a Sonoma with a six cylinder? That sounds more like 3/4 ton, V-8 territory at a minimum.
If you have a 3/4 ton extended cab 4x4 chevy with a 454, could you E-mail me with what kind of gas mileage you get. And if you like the 454 or if you would recommend the 350.
vlufbuuo, Don't do it...That truck is too light and under powered for a 5th wheel. I tow a 25' 5th wheel. Loaded it weighs around 6300 lbs, and hitch weight is 1360 lbs, including the hitch. I have been towing it with a 1/2 ton w/5.8L V8. I burned up the axle bearings twice, in 48,000 miles. There is a big difference between the advertised weight and the scale weight of trailers. The book said my trailer weighed 4800 lbs with 960 hitch weight. Thats empty with no options (air conditioning, micro wave, ect.) and the hitch also weighs over 100 lbs. I have learned my lesson, I'm getting a 3/4 ton this week.
I plan to buy a new truck in the coming weeks. My old Blazer has finally seen it's last set of miles. I would like to get some feedback on getting either a full size GMC or Chevy with an extended cab and 4 wheel drive. Also, does anybody have an opinion on the 3rd door. I like it since my Blazer was two door and getting in and out the back was cumbersome at best. Any advice would help. Thanks
Looking at a 1997 Extended-cab 4WD Chevy with 5.0 liter engine, auto tranny, and 3.42 litimited slip axle. ANYONE with experience with this particular setup plese post here or e-mail me at NinjaZ5180@aol.com. Looking for gas mileage figures for this combo. Brother-in-law has 1998 extended-cab 4WD with 5.7 liter, auto tranny, and 3.73 gears. He gets about 20 MPG highway and 16 or so running around town. Any info would be helpful.
I am curious about the Sierra 4x4, ext. cab, with a V6. I have tested a V8 and admire the power, but the V6 is non-exsistent on the lots. Does anyone know if the power of the V6 in a Sierra is even worth the trouble?
Are you sure that the mpg of 20 highway, 16 city is correct for a 5.7L auto tranny with 3.73? That's pretty awesome if it's correct. I've got a F-250 with the 5.8L, a five speed manual O/D, and the 3.55 and I get about 5 mpg less than that. I'm getting ready to get a V-10 auto with the 3.73 and am hoping that the new Triton engine will be a little more efficient (as advertised) than the 460 it replaces.
I have a '96 K1500 with the 5.7 vortec. I bought it new. Tons of problems. Just got transmission rebuilt. Front end leaks like sieve. Seals replaced numerous times. Other problems. You're shopping for one? Run while you still can. Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with GM on warranty issues? I've been told Chevy will warranty things in "goodwill" after my warranty expires but I'm not crazy about about relying on there generosity. I say if they manufacture crap they should hve to stand behind it.
Looking to buy a 98 Sierra extended cab shortbed 4x4, or a similar Dodge Ram. Anybody out there who has or had both types have any suggestions?
First pricing I did at both dealers worked out at 7% over invoice, or about 1500 bucks. Seems way out of line to me. I read here of some buyers getting their trucks for 3% over, or $200-$300 over, which plus dealer hold-back seems reasonable.
Forgot to ask: anybody know if GMC will significantly change their truck body style for the '99's? I hear they are coming out with a truck similar to the Sonoma mid-year this year, but I am interested in the full size.
Thru Auto-by-Tel the dealer started the conversation by offering to sell for $163 over dealer invoice. That was for any Chev car or truck I wanted. Unfortunately, I'm still haggling over the trade-in.
I looking at a 96 Blk GMC Sonoma. It has 22,000, and the asking price is 9790. I've never owed a GMC or a Truck. But while test driving the Sonoma, i really liked it. But was uncomfortable ticking noise from the engine. Which i was told was common on GMC.?- While browsing the group here. I noticed the lack of topics on the Sonomas. The Consumer Reports buying guide 97 listed to low in predicted reliability and depreciation. But I really want to get this truck. Can anyone give me some insite on this truck, good or bad.
I am interested in selling my 1991 Chevy S10 pickup. It is 4-wheel drive, 5-speed manual, 4.3 liter V-6. It has 61,000 miles and is in excellent condition. I am asking $7500 or best offer.
Hello, My name is Chad Krumrey and I currently live in Centralia, IL (Southern, IL). I recently traded in my 1995 GMC Sonoma for a 1998 GMC Sierra with a VORTEC 5.7L 350. All my previously owned vehicles have been 4 cylinders. MAN, what a difference driving the VORTEC 350!!! With a K&N Filter and Dual Exhaust, it is pretty hard to for the competition to keep up in town.
HELLO- has anyone had problems with LOOSE SEAT RAILS for 1990 TO 1997 gmc-chev vehicles??? I have had mine changed 6 times since 1996-and gmc still gives me the big run-around. I contacted NHTSA and they are very interested in doing a recall if enough people complain. What a safety issue-can you imagine what would happen in a crash-the driver and passengers could really suffer major injuries. GMC would rather pay someone off than fix a problem that has been around for years. Please email me at ACarson979@aol.com if you would like to contact NHTSA for related or other problems. PLEASE REMEMBER-if you have any type of safety problem contact them!!!! Thanks for listening---
I am in the market for another vehicle, and have decided to go back to a p/u. I am thinking of getting a Chevy/Gmc k1500. Particulars:1989 or 90, 4x4, ext cab, long bed, Silverado, v8 5.0, 5spd. man. tran. If anyone out there has had one of these long enough to give a good longevity report, along the same lines as how Consumer reports give, I would like to know about this particular setups dependability, whether you like or disliked it overall, and would you recommend it? Also what kind of mpg can I expect out of this size engine, is it strong enough to tow a camper around 5,000 lbs., or would the 5.7 be a better choice of engine, and what kind of mpg could I expect out of this? Thanks
I would recommend getting a k2500 with the heavy duty trans (4L80 overdrive verson of Turbo400). The truck you described would have a 4L60 aka 700R4 or overdrive version of the turbo 350. The 4l60 has a four bolt tail shaft housing, the 4L80 has a six bolt tail shaft housing. Look under the truck to see which one it has. Mileage will depend on the rear end ratio, most of these trucks will come with a 3.73:1. Expect around 10-14 around town and maybe 12-17 on the freeway, towing MPG will depend on the load,grades, etc.
After about 80,000 miles these trucks will start to smoke at start up after sitting for a while or overnight. This is only due to the valve seals leaking allowing oil to bypass the valve and into the cyls. I think this is why these engines last so long, there is already oil in the cyls on start up! After a while though, the oil will foul the spark plugs and give crappy performance and thus will have to be changed.
Fred thanks for the advice. How much weight could one safely pull with the 5.0 engine, and is it a good engined? Also I have been told by a mechanic that the automatic trans. usually need an overhaul around 85k, and he recommended the manual. What are your thoughts. Also how can I tell what kind of trani I am looking at? I am not at all up on pickups, so treat me as a dummy to help me out the most. Thanks. Vince
This is only my openion, but...If you change your oil every 3000 mi, you will not experience valve guide seal ware. The ware is caused by varnish buildup on the pushrods. Frequent oil changes will prevent this buildup. Thats what I've found on my vehicles anyway.
I too am considering the 5.0 but with the auto and 3.73 rear end. The towing capacity is about 6000lbs with this combo. The 5.7 only adds 500 lbs of towing capacity to this, while adding about $800. From what I have heard from trans rebuilders, the chevys have the longest lasting auto transmissions. Typically, they will go for about 90,000 to 100,000 miles depending on how they are cared for. Get the auto, you will appreciate it even if you have to spend two grand to have it rebuilt at 85k miles. I have not heard any negative feedback on the 5.0.
By the way, I have religiously changed my oil and my valve seals still are shot.
I wont buy a one year old car that has only a few thousand miles. There has got to be some reason its not with its original owner. Try checking the VIN if you just got to have it. Also check the used car section on Edmunds to see if it is a good deal. For a couple grand more I can get a full size chevy with third door minus four wheel drive.
I found a gmc sierra sle 1500, ext cab 4x4 lb 5.7v8 3/4 ton. 181k mi., no smoking, no sputtering out the tail pipe to indicate upper end problems. 5sp man. They were asking 8850 for it, and while there were some rough edges, nothing serious seemed out of place. It appears this might have been a company truck of some kind, due to a coax cable inside, possibly for a 2 way radio. Has a/c, which worked great, all controls worked fine, no rust underneath, engine looked clean, but not cleaned. Drive train felt solid. Drove out real nice, trani worked flawless in regular, and 4wd mode, no strange noises from either. One problem did surface, and it sounds like it might be under the valve cover. It can be a rather loud sound, but is inconsistent, almost like something came loose inside. Sound disappears at idle. I offered 8k as is. Ideas on what was wrong, and outside of this problem what are thoughts on this vehicle, what kind of mileage can I expect. I noticed the speedometer only went to 80 mph. I took it above that mark but have no idea how much faster it went before backing off. Any ideas on top end for this, and what rear end is under it? I am planning on looking into a loan for this tomorrow, is the price I offered still to high due to the engine noise that is an unknown?
What year is it? By the sound of your description of the speedo..I'd say..89or 90. This truck is an old work truck with a LOT of miles. Whats the repair history...new engine and/or trans? IF not both this truck is way over priced. I would not finance a truck that will need a new engine soon.
By the way...if you kept going faster, the speedo comes around again and you can estimate your speed when it makes its second revolution. Dont ask how I know...hee hee.
hey, pls help. im looking for some information on a 1998 safari van. specifically. if there has been any engine problems or dealer recalls or towing caps.stuff like that. im interested but would also like to hear pros and cons from existing owners or no-owners. signed, undecided
Just picked up a 98 Sierra 3/4 4x4 with all the goodies, in the color I wanted. I have been looking for this truck for months. I found Fred Hughs at Young GMC in Layton utah thru Edmunds. not only did he give me a great deal. ( 500 over invoice) no haggle, no extras, but he dealer traded from a dealer that just got the truck in. He was also the only salesperson to ask us if we had previously bought a gm product,( yes a 96 blazer that we love.) after much faxing of proof to gm, This got us a $1,000 cash rebate. We just drove 300 miles home in snow and slush. 15 mpg. the truck has more 4 wheel miles on it than 2 wheel. thanks edmunds I have been driving various trucks since October, and I got the truck I wanted at a great price. I told Fred I'll be back in 36 months to trade it in on the new 3/4 4x4 after It's been out awhile. Jeff
Why are GM vehicles such pieces of [non-permissible content removed]. My 1996 S-10 has been in the shop 23 times in 2 years. How can that be. My Toyota corolla doesn't even know what the service garage looks like.
Looking for some advise on buying a new truck. I currently own a '95 S-10 p/u and looking at buying a '98 S-10 p/u with the ZR2 package. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi, I am thinking about getting an S10 LS on the national lease by GM. However, Edmund's review says that truck has a shabby build quality. What exactly do they mean by that? Seems to me like a nice truck but I am sure once on a while a lemon comes along. I also considered a Tacoma that a local dealer is offering for dirt cheap lease (0 down, $149/month, 24 months). The chevy appears to be a better deal as it comes with the A/C and radio. Any advice. Thanks in Advance. Nish
I have bought 2 S10's in the past year. A 1996 and a 1998. I cannot believe the way these trucks were assembled. No concern with quality at all. The 1996 was in the shop for 63 days in the first year. Everything from a new transmission to a rebuilt engine. The rebuilt engine was replaced with a new engine. That truck was a mechanical nightmare. Chevy finally bought it back after I went through arbitration. The 1998 truck so far has been in the shop for a total of 12 days in the 6 weeks that I have owned it. Mechanically it has not been that bad, however, the truck had to have been assembled by the blind. This truck rattles to the point that you can hear it above the radio. It has been back to the original dealer and another Chevy dealer 4 times...and it still rattles. Tomorrow it goes in to yet another dealer in high hopes that this dealer can solve the rattle problem. Once looking the truck over you will notice that there are many problems with parts lining up. Things were misassembled at the factory and had to be reassembled before I bought it. There were parts missing from the 3rd door and had to be installed before I took delivery. After the experience with these 2 trucks and Chevy's, I couldn't care less attitude, there is no doubt in mind why GM is losing ground to Ford and Chrysler. I have been a loyal fan of Chevrolet since 1962 and it appears that Chevy has hit bottom with their quality control (there isn't any). The bottom line is that Chevy has a lot to offer in a pickup but it appears that they feel more about making a quick profit by downsizing than they do in producing a quality product. What a shame
I am in the market for a new compact truck. I have seen the Ranger Super Cab four door on the Ford website. It is identical to the Dodge Ram's Quad Cab. Mazda's version will not be available this year. Too bad. Does GM have a four door in the works? I am referring to the suicide doors, not the crew cab. I do not care if an actual seat is there or not. I would like to compare the two side-by-side. By the way, I highly recommend spray-in bedliners such as Rhino Liner. It is tough, does not peel or disintegrate, and can be color-matched. However, I do suggest regular Armor All treatments.
I agree with you completely on the rattling thing. I bought my current '95 S-10 used and it has rattle every since I got it. I also had the transmission replaced, the rear gears replaced and the clutch replaced in the truck since I owned it(All in the same year too!). Therefore I know what you mean about poor quality and more time in the shop then on the road.
I was fortunate to have bought a warranty with my truck and therefore did not have to pay for the transmission or gears except for my $50 deductable, but the clutch is another story($1200 bucks!). I thought at first it was because I bought the truck used and somebody just beat the crap out of it. That is why I was asking for advice on the ZR2 off road package for the S-10. I thought maybe somebody might know if they were built better? I like the looks of the Chevy truck and thought it had great performance in comparison to its competitors as far as ponies are concerned, but do not know if it is worth the headaches encountered in the shop. Thanks again for all the input. It may help me decide on buying a Toyota or Ford instead and save me a lot of problems in the future.
Just purchased a 1988 Silverado 4x4, Auto Trans.. The dealer told me about the title being non highway due to being savaged or totaled. Outside of some minor items, I could find nothing really wrong with this vehicle. No bent frame, engine very strong, no noises, or smoking. Trans works great in normal, and 4x4 mode. It has been repainted, not a deluxe job, but nice. Not sure what size v8 it has, how can I find out, nothing under the hood that I have found to help? Has anyone else had this year truck, and setup? If so how have you liked yours? Mine has the auto trans.. Oh yes, my cruise control is searching when I try and set it. Sometimes it settles in, sometimes not, either gradually slowing down, or speeding up. I have been told it could be a vacuum leak problem, if so has anyone else found this to be so, and where did your leak come from. I have traced the line back to the carb. base, and did not find anything their on a cursor inspection, will look more closely.
My truck has a bed liner also, I have read some postings here, and have not seen anyone who really liked what the bed liner did to the bed. Has anyone had a Rino Liner, or equivalant sprayed in their vehicle? How much, how did you like it, and did they come out to spray? I live in Wichita, Ks., and have not seen a dealership for this kind of product.
My truck also has those trim strip over the wheel wells, no rust showing yet, any ideas on prevention for the future?
My recommendation would be take your truck into a Chevy dealer the next time you need your oil changed. It may cost a couple of bucks more, but while it's there, you can have their mechanics do a quick inspection. Get all of your questions together, maybe put them in writing, and have the mechanics answer them. They will definitely be able to tell you what size engines, but they should also be able to identify things you don't see that may be related to the salvage issue. They may may be able to warn you of potential future problems. Make sure you go to a dealer other than the dealer who sold you the truck, not that the selling dealer is dishonest. It's just that you're looking for an independent viewpoint from someone who has no connection to you or the vehicle.
If you check out the topic on "truck accessories", you will see quite a few posts related to bed liners. The two top spray-on competitors appear to be Rhino and Line-X. Line-X has a website. Rhino has a toll free number that you can call and get information about dealers close to you and they will send you a sample. The website for Line-X and the toll free number for Rhino are listed in one of the "truck accessories" post. Wichita is a good size city. My guess is that there should be a dealer in the area or at least within a reasonable commute. It only takes them a couple of hours to apply, so you don't have to leave the truck overnight. For the record, I don't have one yet, but I plan to get one in my new truck when it arrives. I'm leaning towards Line-X. I know people with Rhino liners and they have no complaints.
Comments
Higher finance rate since it's "used" doesn't make the monthly that good.
Thanks in advance
I bought one a month ago: 98 sonoma SLS ex.cab- wideside(v6,tilt-cruise, cassette,auto,3rd door,air,deep tint and w\L tires) for 17300+tax.
(with 1000 rebate.) MSRP was 20,384.
For a 97 you should do a lot better because there is a 1500 rebate for v6.
The rebate will be extended eventually or even improved; because this is the SLOW season and they are more than eager to sell...!
The 17,300 was after rebate (18,300 before).
Knowing someone does not necessarily help...what counts is ultimately the bottom line!
Good luck!
I have a 98 with V6 which has the same oil pressure readings 60 / 40 ... I think that is normal.
Well, finally had a chance to get to the dealer.
Got it 300 dollars above invoice, would have been $100 dollars if he had it on the lot. He's got to pull it for another dealer and pay some more. (I still agree with the phrase,it's not what you know, it's who you know.)
Anyway...I wanted sport suspension but he couldn't find one in the area. How is the suspension and ride on yours?
Thanks again...
I have the Z85 suspension...which is heavy duty and very firm.
did you get the s10?
Ford = City persons truck, out here in the country, we need power, reliability and a truck
that actually looks like it can work !!
GMC gives all of that and then some !!
They are the best truck out there with Dodge
coming in second and Ford not even on my list !!
25ft 5th wheel. According to Trailer Life this truck has a 6000lbs capability with 3.73 axle ratio. This seems unbelievable to me. Can anyone comment on this pick-up's towing ability?
I have been towing it with a 1/2 ton w/5.8L V8. I burned up the axle bearings twice, in 48,000 miles. There is a big difference between the advertised weight and the scale weight of trailers. The book said my trailer weighed 4800 lbs with 960 hitch weight. Thats empty with no options (air conditioning, micro wave, ect.) and the hitch also weighs over 100 lbs.
I have learned my lesson, I'm getting a 3/4 ton this week.
Are you sure that the mpg of 20 highway, 16 city is correct for a 5.7L auto tranny with 3.73? That's pretty awesome if it's correct. I've got a F-250 with the 5.8L, a five speed manual O/D, and the 3.55 and I get about 5 mpg less than that. I'm getting ready to get a V-10 auto with the 3.73 and am hoping that the new Triton engine will be a little more efficient (as advertised) than the 460 it replaces.
First pricing I did at both dealers worked out at 7% over invoice, or about 1500 bucks. Seems way out of line to me. I read here of some buyers getting their trucks for 3% over, or $200-$300 over, which plus dealer hold-back seems reasonable.
I've never owed a GMC or a Truck. But while test driving the Sonoma, i really liked it. But was uncomfortable ticking noise from the engine. Which i was told was common on GMC.?-
While browsing the group here. I noticed the lack of topics on the Sonomas.
The Consumer Reports buying guide 97 listed to low in predicted reliability and depreciation.
But I really want to get this truck.
Can anyone give me some insite on this truck, good or bad.
My name is Chad Krumrey and I currently live
in Centralia, IL (Southern, IL). I recently traded
in my 1995 GMC Sonoma for a 1998 GMC Sierra with a
VORTEC 5.7L 350. All my previously owned vehicles
have been 4 cylinders. MAN, what a difference
driving the VORTEC 350!!! With a K&N Filter and
Dual Exhaust, it is pretty hard to for the
competition to keep up in town.
has anyone had problems with LOOSE SEAT RAILS for 1990 TO 1997 gmc-chev vehicles???
I have had mine changed 6 times since 1996-and gmc still gives me the big run-around. I contacted NHTSA and they are very interested in doing a recall if enough people complain.
What a safety issue-can you imagine what would happen in a crash-the driver and passengers could really suffer major injuries.
GMC would rather pay someone off than fix a problem that has been around for years.
Please email me at ACarson979@aol.com if you would like to contact NHTSA for related or other problems. PLEASE REMEMBER-if you have any type of safety problem contact them!!!!
Thanks for listening---
Get an auto not the 5 speed for towing.
Get the 5.7l not the 5.0 for towing that much.
I would recommend getting a k2500 with the heavy duty trans (4L80 overdrive verson of Turbo400). The truck you described would have a 4L60 aka 700R4 or overdrive version of the turbo 350. The 4l60 has a four bolt tail shaft housing, the 4L80 has a six bolt tail shaft housing. Look under the truck to see which one it has. Mileage will depend on the rear end ratio, most of these trucks will come with a 3.73:1. Expect around 10-14 around town and maybe 12-17 on the freeway, towing MPG will depend on the load,grades, etc.
After about 80,000 miles these trucks will start to smoke at start up after sitting for a while or overnight. This is only due to the valve seals leaking allowing oil to bypass the valve and into the cyls. I think this is why these engines last so long, there is already oil in the cyls on start up! After a while though, the oil will foul the spark plugs and give crappy performance and thus will have to be changed.
By the way, I have religiously changed my oil and my valve seals still are shot.
Vince
By the way...if you kept going faster, the speedo comes around again and you can estimate your speed when it makes its second revolution. Dont ask how I know...hee hee.
pls help. im looking for some information on a 1998 safari van. specifically. if there has been any engine problems or dealer recalls or towing caps.stuff like that. im interested but would also like to hear pros and cons from existing owners or no-owners.
signed,
undecided
I am thinking about getting an S10 LS on the national lease by GM. However, Edmund's review says that truck has a shabby build quality. What exactly do they mean by that? Seems to me like a nice truck but I am sure once on a while a lemon comes along.
I also considered a Tacoma that a local dealer is offering for dirt cheap lease (0 down, $149/month, 24 months). The chevy appears to be a better deal as it comes with the A/C and radio. Any advice.
Thanks in Advance.
Nish
The 1998 truck so far has been in the shop for a total of 12 days in the 6 weeks that I have owned it. Mechanically it has not been that bad, however, the truck had to have been assembled by the blind. This truck rattles to the point that you can hear it above the radio. It has been back to the original dealer and another Chevy dealer 4 times...and it still rattles. Tomorrow it goes in to yet another dealer in high hopes that this dealer can solve the rattle problem. Once looking the truck over you will notice that there are many problems with parts lining up. Things were misassembled at the factory and had to be reassembled before I bought it. There were parts missing from the 3rd door and had to be installed before I took delivery. After the experience with these 2 trucks and Chevy's, I couldn't care less attitude, there is no doubt in mind why GM is losing ground to Ford and Chrysler. I have been a loyal fan of Chevrolet since 1962 and it appears that Chevy has hit bottom with their quality control (there isn't any).
The bottom line is that Chevy has a lot to offer in a pickup but it appears that they feel more about making a quick profit by downsizing than they do in producing a quality product. What a shame
I agree with you completely on the rattling thing. I bought my current '95 S-10 used and it has rattle every since I got it. I also had the transmission replaced, the rear gears replaced and the clutch replaced in the truck since I owned it(All in the same year too!). Therefore I know what you mean about poor quality and more time in the shop then on the road.
I was fortunate to have bought a warranty with my truck and therefore did not have to pay for the transmission or gears except for my $50 deductable, but the clutch is another story($1200 bucks!). I thought at first it was because I bought the truck used and somebody just beat the crap out of it. That is why I was asking for advice on the ZR2 off road package for the S-10. I thought maybe somebody might know if they were built better? I like the looks of the Chevy truck and thought it had great performance in comparison to its competitors as far as ponies are concerned, but do not know if it is worth the headaches encountered in the shop. Thanks again for all the input. It may help me decide on buying a Toyota or Ford instead and save me a lot of problems in the future.
I will use it mostly for cruising with an occasional light load or maybe even towing a small boat.
I am also interested in what type of fuel mileage I can expect.
Thanks,
Steve
My truck also has those trim strip over the wheel wells, no rust showing yet, any ideas on prevention for the future?
My recommendation would be take your truck into a Chevy dealer the next time you need your oil changed. It may cost a couple of bucks more, but while it's there, you can have their mechanics do a quick inspection. Get all of your questions together, maybe put them in writing, and have the mechanics answer them. They will definitely be able to tell you what size engines, but they should also be able to identify things you don't see that may be related to the salvage issue. They may may be able to warn you of potential future problems. Make sure you go to a dealer other than the dealer who sold you the truck, not that the selling dealer is dishonest. It's just that you're looking for an independent viewpoint from someone who has no connection to you or the vehicle.
If you check out the topic on "truck accessories", you will see quite a few posts related to bed liners. The two top spray-on competitors appear to be Rhino and Line-X. Line-X has a website. Rhino has a toll free number that you can call and get information about dealers close to you and they will send you a sample. The website for Line-X and the toll free number for Rhino are listed in one of the "truck accessories" post. Wichita is a good size city. My guess is that there should be a dealer in the area or at least within a reasonable commute. It only takes them a couple of hours to apply, so you don't have to leave the truck overnight. For the record, I don't have one yet, but I plan to get one in my new truck when it arrives. I'm leaning towards Line-X. I know people with Rhino liners and they have no complaints.