Went hunting this weekend and the milage almost hit 17. As far as overdrive goes concerning hopping in and out of gear, I live in East River South Dakota... They don't make any hills out here.
I sat in one of the '99s this weekend, and thought it was one of the most comfortable seats i ever sat in. It was like sitting in a Laz-y-boy. I'm afraid i might fall asleep in something like that because the truck is absolutely silent. It was an LS with buckets. The seat can be conformed to anysize person. I am 6'8", 240, and i had no problem with legroom. I like the dash layout, other than the CD being so low to the floor.
The tailgate protector is designed like it is so you can back up to a loading dock and lay the tailgate on the loading dock. the protector is "bubbled" so the protector is the only the touching a dock. pretty neat, i thought, except i don't think it should be standard.
and the screw holes are NOT 4" below the top. they are an inch and a half, max. After market tailgate protectors do not scratch paint when installed correctly. i have a heavy duty one on my truck, and have had it off once to change the screws I had put there. paint was the same as brand new.
The dealer I work for just got in some more 99's. Except with the bucket seats.These seats are heaven. It's no lie when someone said they're like a lazy-boy.
Just a note it looks like to me that the ford dash is looking alot like the chevy has for years. (This response should work up a few people.)
Brutus and cdean: I didn't mean to offend anyone about "true" truck buyers with leather and buckets. I (not anyone else) just think leather is not functional and buckets are a waste of money since I feel the split bench seats are just as comfortable and you can fit three full size adults up front. As far as the topper issue is concerned, I am baseing my facts on what a topper dealer told me about taking the tailgate protector off in order to fit a topper on the truck. Where is everyone buying their trucks for under $1,000 (let alone $99) over invoice? Is this dealer's invoice (wholesale) price or full MSRP? I would like to know because in Wisconsin I've found out no dealerships are letting 99's go much below full MSRP price.
Folk getting new vehicles at or around invoice are almost certainly ordering them.
IMO, leather is easier to take care of than cloth in some situations. I went with buckets in my new F350 because I thought that they were more comfortable and I wanted the large center console. I make several long trips a year (Dallas to Racine) and comfort is definately a factor in my spec'ing decisions.
It's going to be tough to find a deal on the new 99s until the initial rush is over. When I ordered my new 99 Ford, the best price I could find in the local area was $1,000 over dealer invoice. They told me that I could wait about six months and they could likely sell me one for $500 over invoice. I ended up ordering from an out-of-state dealer. That might work for you. The only chance an out-of-state dealer has at getting your business is by beating your local prices.
I prefer the bench sites for many of the same reasons you mentioned.
I prefer the leather for the reasons Stanford mentioned, although some people have indicated that they feel the cloth seats are more comfortable. I suspect they might be a little cold in the winter when you first jump in.
I purchased my new 1999 GMC Sierra for $850 over invoice (dealer cost) in the San Francisco bay area. During my shopping I found that most dealers wanted at least $1500 over invoice. I just got lucky. I found the truck dealer through AutoVantage on the internet.
The tailgate protector hangs down exactly 3". The screw holes must be less than 3" from the top. However, since you cannot see any screws attaching the protector, I assume that it is actually held on with plastic fasteners inserted through holes in the tailgate. Since no one that I know of is manufacturing the toppers for the new truck yet, I can't imagine that none of the manufacturers would build a design that allows the protector to remain in place.
To stanford:
I agree about leather in one respect - it is easier to slide across when getting in and out of the rear seat. I also find the bucket seats more comfortable than the bench. I wouldn't want someone sitting right next to me for any length of time. That is why I got the extended cab. If I need room for more than 5 people, then I should have bought a van or crew cab.
To LRP:
I just purchased the new GMC Sierra SLT 4WD. (Basically the same truck as the Silverado, but a little better looking) :^)
What would you like to know about it? I love it!
One cool little feature is that the new message center tells you when you need an oil change. It calculates the time for change based on rpm's (mileage or hours run) and temperature. Time between oil changes can be as high as 7500 miles but I would change it before that in any case.
To NumberOne:
My GMC has the locking rear end with 3.73 gears. I cannot notice any noise or handling issues in association with the differential. Actually, I cannot notice any issues with the truck at all yet!
If anyone has any questions about the truck, let me know. I have almost 500 miles on it after owning it for a week.
Look just below the "pillowed" portion of the tailgate protector and you see the screws are on the outside.
you are right about the message center. It is small and simple, yet tells you everything from transmission temp, to engine running hours, etc. its awesome.
Can you update us from time to time on the mileage you get (hwy/cty)?
I like the Sierra for the same reasons as you and I have a brother-in-law that sells them at the local GMC dealership. Despite the sticker that adds $1500 for "availability" and $500 for advertising fees ect. I hope to get one when the 4 door comes out (hopefully this spring) for close to invoice. By then this dealership will see that such dealer add-on's are a definate no-no if they want to sell.
Question, The Chevy LT comes standard with: rear defroster, tinted rear glass, foglamps, and aluminum wheels (amongst other things). The GMC literature at the dealership says each of these items are options on the Sierra SLT. Is this true? What options did you get on your SLT besides the 5.3L V-8?
Heard a piece on a news show Tuesday saying the 1999 Silverado's will be the shortest production run ever. A late start due to the strike and then Chevrolet like all the other manufacturers will be bringing out the 2000 models early. My guess is the 2000's won't look any different. By waiting a person may get a better deal as they will be caught up on prodution, but your trade-in will be worth less by then........I have owned pickups since 1971 for many different reasons. So I can see why manufacturers have so many configurations. Now that I'm looking to tow a fifth wheel and theres just the wife and I, Bucket seats make good sense for long trips.......Rich
How did you get a dealer to go $400 below invoice on a 99 GMC? I have not even talked to a GMC dealer in Kansas who has had one delivered yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated.... Rux
I priced out a 1999 Chevy LS last night and MSRP was close to $30,000. I was told I could have it for $800.00 over invoice of $26,200. I wanted to trade in my fully loaded 1998 Chevy MSRP of $29,300 truck and they would only give me $20,000. Not a bad deal on the new one, but from what I paid for my 1998, I don't think my truck depreciated nearly $7,000 from what I paid for it only 5 months ago and it has only 7,500 miles on it. The dealer told me it is getting hard to sell the so-called 'old' body style nowadays. I told them to forget it and I would work with some other dealership who would give me a fair price on my trade-in. I guess that is what you have to do though.
You're being offered a decent price IMO. Since they're willing to sell a '99 LS for $27,000, they're going to be selling a used old-style with 7,500 miles on it for quite a bit less. They're making a decent profit, but I don't really think you're being screwed. You would have lost 4-5k the day you drove it off the lot even without there being a new body available. I know my '93 F350 lost a big chunk of its value when the new '99s came out.
Are those fog-lights integrated into the bumper? I have seen a picture of a Sierra with integrated fog lights in the bumper (gmcanada.com), but I don't know if that was in a production model.
You'll likely be disappointed with the trade-in amount you are offered by any dealer because your truck is so new. The general rule of thumb is that you need to hold a vehicle about three years before you start being halfway satisfied with the amount you offered. It will be tough to sell any used truck for more than $20,000, even if it is barely used. You might try to run an ad in the paper for a week or two at the price you think the truck is worth and see if you get any bites.
ruxbin, I went to home page then consumer advice printed out all 9 chapters . I read them several times then went to a dealer to figure what options I wanted. Then faxed what I wanted to all the big dealers in the state, did the rest on the phone.
FYI The tailgate protectors on the GMC and the Silverado (Chevy) are different. The Chevy's sticks out like a spoiler and has screws on the outside of the tailgate. The GMC has a protector that does not stick out and has no screws on the outside of the tailgate. Noticed a couple of you talking about this and have seen both.
Hi Ya'll. You have been quite for a while. But I have some questions about the New 1999s you may be able to answer. I haven't been out to crawl around my dream truck, so I hope you have. I certainly can't understand GMC's reluctance to send a dollar 2.98 brochure to a potential customer, guess they can sell all the trucks they can build. Go figure, I have to get my brain gears greased by Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). 1. Why can't you get the VYU Snow Plow Prep Package on the LT, just the Base and LS Chevy? 2. What does the Camper Mirrors DF2 look like? The old tripod mount with body drilled holes? 3. Why no sliding window A28 on hte LT? 4. What is the make and model of tire for the 4x4 off road QIW? 5. Did anyone decide if the back seat wearing surface was leather with the **2 Seat Trim, leather? 6. Is seat heaters available only with Leather buckets? 7. And finally, what does the Z85 Suspension Pkg. Firm Ride, gain me on a 3/4 ton truck, besides hemorrhoids and sliding out of the leather seats on corners? Thanks ahead. I'll see you at the dealers.
I'm pretty sure the heated seats are only with leather.
I've read some reviews about the Z-85 suspension in Motortrend, I think, and everyone raved about what great handling and ride the Z85 provided. I think they said it was a much more comfortable package off and on road.
I got the '99 GMC "book" directly from the dealer. The '99 GMCs are slower to get to the dealerships than the Chevys. Here are the answers to some of your questions: 1. I don't have the book in front of me. Check out 2. The camper mirrors look just like the regular mirrors. They are mounted on rods so you can just pull them out. 3. You can order a sliding rear window on the LT. 4. P245/75R16 all-season SBR BSW tires 5. The back seat is simulated leather and the front seat has leather on sitting surfaces only. 6. Seat heaters are only available with leather seats. Leather seats also have pull-down armrests with additional storage. 7. Firm ride is preferred for towing heavy loads. You can get a dual mode switch, that uses gas shocks, in January.
Chevy has assured me that the back seat on the 1999 extended cab is leather on the seating surface. GMC sent me a reply saying: "The Classic Sierra has rear leather seating surfaces, while the Sierra Ace has leather-like vinyl on the rear seat". I am not sure what the Sierra Ace is but I assume it is the all new truck.
The brochure for the '99 GMC definitely says simulated leather in the rear seat for the new model. I would be surprised if the new model chevy was any different.
That reminds me of the movie 'Lost in America,' where Albert Brooks buys a car with "Mercedes leather." When he asks the dealer what "Mercedes leather" is, the dealer replies, "really thick vinyl."
Made numerous inquiries to Chevy and was always told the Back seat has Leather on the seating surface. If you look at the seats in the brochures(GMC & Chevy) The seats are different in that the design in the seats is different????
Who cares?? I don't plan on sitting in the back seat of the '99 LT I'm getting ready to order ($300 over inv.). My kids won't be able to tell the difference between real and simulated leather for another few years anyway. The front leather power seats in the Silverado LT are superb. Just the right amount of cush and side support. My only regret is that they didn't put in that 4th door and I don't want to wait for the 2000 models.
The 2000 models may be released early (this spring). I live in Phoenix, so the difference between vinyl and leather is a real concern in our hot summers (I have young children). I think the mixup is that the old style 99 pickup does have leather in the rear.
A salesmen here told me that a baffle exists on the new engines that reflects the engine noise at a different frequency, which reduces overall engine noise. The two frequencies cancel each other out. I have read about this technology. Does anyone know whether the new engines have this, or is he just blowin' smoke?
there seems to be complete confusion on the part of dealers here as none can give me consistant info on the 1999 models. What is being phased in over time? Is the HD model of the C2500 available this year? When are diliveries expected, etc
It is "simulated" leather on both trucks. I live in Phoenix also and I think it's crazy to even get leather here. Go w/ cloth seats. At least you know that's what they are front and back!
The rear seat in the new Silverado Ext. cabs is simulated leather. Just ordered an LT today, comes std w/ leather seats and vinyl in the rear. The story is the same with the Ford F150 Lariat. I think the Silverado is a nicer truck and if you check around, a deal can be had. Mine was $300 over invoice. Fleet sales mgr who ordered it for me said the cheepest they'd sold one off the lot for so far was $1500 over. Orders are expected to take 8 weeks or so.
I just drove a new Silverado and Sierra, along with a F-150 and Ram 1500, at an event put on by GM called "Auto Show in Motion". They had around 50 or so vehicles for invitees to test. It was a lot of fun - especially since one of the vehicles I also drove was a new Vette! I drove 4 different '99 full-size extended-cab loaded GM 4x4 pickups.
I have to admit, that once you're inside the new GM trucks, it's a very nice place to be - and the vehicles drove very nicely too. Of the four that I drove, only one seemed a bit ragged - the power seat didn't function properly, and the driver's door seemed rather "loose".
I still don't care for the styling, or the fact that they don't have that 4th door on the extended cabs. The GM folks there said GM is rushing like crazy to get that 4th door issue resolved as soon as possible. Probably this time next year, if not sooner, we will see it on the trucks.
I was disappointed in the '98 F-150 they had there. It seemed sluggish compared to the new GM and Dodge trucks.
I would NEVER trust a sponsored comparison test - and since the manufacturers would NEVER co-sponsor a comparison, the best bet is to compare the GMs you drove to a Ford from a dealer.
Mean't to say that both the Sierra & Silverado's rear seats are "simulated" leather. The front seats on both are the real thing. Interesting why they don't make all seats leather. Not only GM, but Ford & Dodge as well has this setup.
Check out www.autosite.com for prices on the 1999 New Sierra! The base Sierra extended cab, the SL, is only priced about $300.00 less than the Silverado LS and not nearly as equipped. The only plus for the Sierra SL is that it comes standard with the 4.8 and the automatic. Guess GMC is not offering manual transmissions in their trucks anymore.
True, but it did give me a chance to look/compare - by myself, different vehicles side-by-side, with no pressure from any sales people. Sure, this was not a "real world" test, in that we had a prescribed course on which to drive. But, hey, it was fun - and the food was free!
In the market for a new Heavy-Duty gasoline powered pickup with no preconceived leanings toward either Ford or Chevy (not considering a Dodge...) ...so far, my research suggests the new 99 Silverado is the more impressive vehicle over the Ford... thanks to all of you for your continued comments, advice and observations... and I will add mine as I get further into the process...
Dear Sir(s): Do you have 1999 pricing information(MSRP,invoice,freight,etc.) yet for the Chevrolet K2500 extended cab long bed pickup and its accessories? Or do you have the same for the comparable GMC truck? Thank you very much. GM told me today that they are producing them. I am in a quandary. If you have the information how might I access it?
Comments
Went hunting this weekend and the milage almost hit 17. As far as overdrive goes concerning hopping in and out of gear, I live in East River South Dakota... They don't make any hills out here.
I sat in one of the '99s this weekend, and thought it was one of the most comfortable seats i ever sat in. It was like sitting in a Laz-y-boy. I'm afraid i might fall asleep in something like that because the truck is absolutely silent. It was an LS with buckets. The seat can be conformed to anysize person. I am 6'8", 240, and i had no problem with legroom. I like the dash layout, other than the CD being so low to the floor.
The tailgate protector is designed like it is so you can back up to a loading dock and lay the tailgate on the loading dock. the protector is "bubbled" so the protector is the only the touching a dock. pretty neat, i thought, except i don't think it should be standard.
and the screw holes are NOT 4" below the top. they are an inch and a half, max. After market tailgate protectors do not scratch paint when installed correctly. i have a heavy duty one on my truck, and have had it off once to change the screws I had put there. paint was the same as brand new.
Just a note it looks like to me that the ford dash is looking alot like the chevy has for years. (This response should work up a few people.)
http://www.auto.com/industry/qgm9.htm
6.6L V8 direct-injection turbo
Ryan
I didn't mean to offend anyone about "true" truck
buyers with leather and buckets. I (not anyone else) just think leather is not functional and
buckets are a waste of money since I feel the split bench seats are just as comfortable and you can fit three full size adults up front. As far as the topper issue is concerned, I am baseing my facts on what a topper dealer told me about taking the tailgate protector off in order to fit a topper on the truck.
Where is everyone buying their trucks for under $1,000 (let alone $99) over invoice? Is this dealer's invoice (wholesale) price or full MSRP?
I would like to know because in Wisconsin I've found out no dealerships are letting 99's go much below full MSRP price.
Folk getting new vehicles at or around invoice are almost certainly ordering them.
IMO, leather is easier to take care of than cloth in some situations. I went with buckets in my new F350 because I thought that they were more comfortable and I wanted the large center console. I make several long trips a year (Dallas to Racine) and comfort is definately a factor in my spec'ing decisions.
It's going to be tough to find a deal on the new 99s until the initial rush is over. When I ordered my new 99 Ford, the best price I could find in the local area was $1,000 over dealer invoice. They told me that I could wait about six months and they could likely sell me one for $500 over invoice. I ended up ordering from an out-of-state dealer. That might work for you. The only chance an out-of-state dealer has at getting your business is by beating your local prices.
I prefer the bench sites for many of the same reasons you mentioned.
I prefer the leather for the reasons Stanford mentioned, although some people have indicated that they feel the cloth seats are more comfortable. I suspect they might be a little cold in the winter when you first jump in.
I purchased my new 1999 GMC Sierra for $850 over invoice (dealer cost) in the San Francisco bay area. During my shopping I found that most dealers wanted at least $1500 over invoice. I just got lucky. I found the truck dealer through AutoVantage on the internet.
The tailgate protector hangs down exactly 3". The screw holes must be less than 3" from the top. However, since you cannot see any screws attaching the protector, I assume that it is actually held on with plastic fasteners inserted through holes in the tailgate. Since no one that I know of is manufacturing the toppers for the new truck yet, I can't imagine that none of the manufacturers would build a design that allows the protector to remain in place.
To stanford:
I agree about leather in one respect - it is easier to slide across when getting in and out of the rear seat. I also find the bucket seats more comfortable than the bench. I wouldn't want someone sitting right next to me for any length of time. That is why I got the extended cab. If I need room for more than 5 people, then I should have bought a van or crew cab.
To LRP:
I just purchased the new GMC Sierra SLT 4WD. (Basically the same truck as the Silverado, but a little better looking) :^)
What would you like to know about it? I love it!
One cool little feature is that the new message center tells you when you need an oil change. It calculates the time for change based on rpm's (mileage or hours run) and temperature. Time between oil changes can be as high as 7500 miles but I would change it before that in any case.
To NumberOne:
My GMC has the locking rear end with 3.73 gears. I cannot notice any noise or handling issues in association with the differential. Actually, I cannot notice any issues with the truck at all yet!
If anyone has any questions about the truck, let me know. I have almost 500 miles on it after owning it for a week.
Look just below the "pillowed" portion of the tailgate protector and you see the screws are on the outside.
you are right about the message center. It is small and simple, yet tells you everything from transmission temp, to engine running hours, etc. its awesome.
Can you update us from time to time on the mileage you get (hwy/cty)?
I like the Sierra for the same reasons as you and I have a brother-in-law that sells them at the local GMC dealership. Despite the sticker that adds $1500 for "availability" and $500 for advertising fees ect. I hope to get one when the 4 door comes out (hopefully this spring) for close to invoice. By then this dealership will see that such dealer add-on's are a definate no-no if they want to sell.
Question, The Chevy LT comes standard with: rear defroster, tinted rear glass, foglamps, and aluminum wheels (amongst other things). The GMC literature at the dealership says each of these items are options on the Sierra SLT. Is this true? What options did you get on your SLT besides the 5.3L V-8?
alchavez
How did you get a dealer to go $400 below invoice on a 99 GMC? I have not even talked to a GMC dealer in Kansas who has had one delivered yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated.... Rux
Not a bad deal on the new one, but from what I paid for my 1998, I don't think my truck depreciated nearly $7,000 from what I paid for it only 5 months ago and it has only 7,500 miles on it. The dealer told me it is getting hard to sell the so-called 'old' body style nowadays. I told them to forget it and I would work with some other dealership who would give me a fair price on my trade-in. I guess that is what you have to do though.
Are those fog-lights integrated into the bumper? I have seen a picture of a Sierra with integrated fog lights in the bumper (gmcanada.com), but I don't know if that was in a production model.
You'll likely be disappointed with the trade-in amount you are offered by any dealer because your truck is so new. The general rule of thumb is that you need to hold a vehicle about three years before you start being halfway satisfied with the amount you offered. It will be tough to sell any used truck for more than $20,000, even if it is barely used. You might try to run an ad in the paper for a week or two at the price you think the truck is worth and see if you get any bites.
http://www.carprices.com
Yes ,the fog lamps are just like the picture, they cost MSRP 140.00 INVOICE 120.40
I went to home page then consumer advice printed out all 9 chapters . I read them several times then went to a dealer to figure what options I wanted. Then faxed what I wanted to all the big dealers in the state, did the rest on the phone.
The tailgate protectors on the GMC and the Silverado (Chevy) are different. The Chevy's sticks out like a spoiler and has screws on the outside of the tailgate. The GMC has a protector that does not stick out and has no screws on the outside of the tailgate. Noticed a couple of you talking about this and have seen both.
I haven't been out to crawl around my dream truck, so I hope you have. I certainly can't understand GMC's reluctance to send a dollar 2.98 brochure to a potential customer, guess they can sell all the trucks they can build. Go figure, I have to get my brain gears greased by Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com).
1. Why can't you get the VYU Snow Plow Prep Package on the LT, just the Base and LS Chevy?
2. What does the Camper Mirrors DF2 look like? The old tripod mount with body drilled holes?
3. Why no sliding window A28 on hte LT?
4. What is the make and model of tire for the 4x4 off road QIW?
5. Did anyone decide if the back seat wearing surface was leather with the **2 Seat Trim, leather?
6. Is seat heaters available only with Leather buckets?
7. And finally, what does the Z85 Suspension Pkg. Firm Ride, gain me on a 3/4 ton truck, besides hemorrhoids and sliding out of the leather seats on corners?
Thanks ahead. I'll see you at the dealers.
I've read some reviews about the Z-85 suspension in Motortrend, I think, and everyone raved about what great handling and ride the Z85 provided. I think they said it was a much more comfortable package off and on road.
I got the '99 GMC "book" directly from the dealer. The '99 GMCs are slower to get to the dealerships than the Chevys. Here are the answers to some of your questions:
1. I don't have the book in front of me. Check out
2. The camper mirrors look just like the regular mirrors. They are mounted on rods so you can just pull them out.
3. You can order a sliding rear window on the LT.
4. P245/75R16 all-season SBR BSW tires
5. The back seat is simulated leather and the front seat has leather on sitting surfaces only.
6. Seat heaters are only available with leather seats. Leather seats also have pull-down armrests with additional storage.
7. Firm ride is preferred for towing heavy loads. You can get a dual mode switch, that uses gas shocks, in January.
"The Classic Sierra has rear leather seating
surfaces, while the Sierra Ace has leather-like vinyl on the rear seat". I am not sure what the Sierra Ace is but I assume it is the all new truck.
translation:
you just paid extra for vinyl with creases in it.
A salesmen here told me that a baffle exists on the new engines that reflects the engine noise at a different frequency, which reduces overall engine noise. The two frequencies cancel each other out. I have read about this technology.
Does anyone know whether the new engines have this, or is he just blowin' smoke?
Where did you get this information from?
I will always get Leather and expect it when I pay for it. There is no comparison between Leather and vinyl.
I have to admit, that once you're inside the new GM trucks, it's a very nice place to be - and the vehicles drove very nicely too. Of the four that I drove, only one seemed a bit ragged - the power seat didn't function properly, and the driver's door seemed rather "loose".
I still don't care for the styling, or the fact that they don't have that 4th door on the extended cabs. The GM folks there said GM is rushing like crazy to get that 4th door issue resolved as soon as possible. Probably this time next year, if not sooner, we will see it on the trucks.
I was disappointed in the '98 F-150 they had there. It seemed sluggish compared to the new GM and Dodge trucks.
Bob
I would NEVER trust a sponsored comparison test - and since the manufacturers would NEVER co-sponsor a comparison, the best bet is to compare the GMs you drove to a Ford from a dealer.
Mean't to say that both the Sierra & Silverado's rear seats are "simulated" leather. The front seats on both are the real thing. Interesting why they don't make all seats leather. Not only GM, but Ford & Dodge as well has this setup.
True, but it did give me a chance to look/compare - by myself, different vehicles side-by-side, with no pressure from any sales people. Sure, this was not a "real world" test, in that we had a prescribed course on which to drive. But, hey, it was fun - and the food was free!
Bob
Do you have 1999 pricing information(MSRP,invoice,freight,etc.) yet for the Chevrolet K2500 extended cab long bed pickup and its accessories? Or do you have the same for the comparable GMC truck? Thank you very much. GM told me today that they are producing them. I am in a quandary. If you have the information how might I access it?
The pricing on the K2500 is right here. You can also check out the pricing for all Chevy trucks.