Silverado 2500 HD vs Tundra v8?

bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
edited April 2014 in Chevrolet
I need some help deciding. I either want to buy a Silverado 2500 HD or Tundra v8. I really like the Silverado. The dealer said I could have the HD[LS trim, 2 wheel drive, 5 speed, extended cab, for 25,000 dollars. He said this is 500 dollars above invoice. Do any of the readers think this is a good buy? What about the Tundra? It's a lot smaller than the Silverado, but I'm worried about the gas mileage I'll get with the 2500. Any comments would be most helpful.
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Comments

  • bamatundrabamatundra Member Posts: 1,583
    If you must have a 3/4 ton - go with the Ford F250. If a 1/2 ton will do - get the Tundra. The Tundra is the best 1/2 ton out there.

    Do not get more truck than you need. What will you be using the truck for?
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    I will be using the truck mainly for commuting to between work and home. Won't be towing anything.
  • sierra2500hdsierra2500hd Member Posts: 32
    What do you want the truck for? There's a big difference between a Tundra and an HD. The Tundra is fine for hauling around groceries and other very light things. The HD will haul and tow most anything. I just paid 31 for my HD (loaded with everything but leather), so the price sounds okay.
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    To tell you the truth I don't need a big truck like the HD. I'm just sick of driving a compact truck. I've driven a Nissan compact since 1986. It has 205,000 miles on it. It's been a great truck. I'm just ready for something else. I know the Tundra probably is a better quality truck, but there's something about the HD that really gets my blood to pumping. I'm worried about the gas mileage, however. I'm sure it'll be terrible, and I really hate the thought of starting up monthly payments since I've been without any since 1990.
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    If you get a 5 speed 6.0L the gas milege won't be too bad, let me tell you , it is awesome to drive a 3/4 ton around, it is so much funner than driving a tiny truck, especially like the Tundra since it is SOOO small. 2 wheel drive should also give you pretty good milege.

    BTW the Tundra isn't the best truck out there, read Tundra vs the Big Three you will see that the argument is being won by the domestics.

    GO with the 2500HD, they are awesome trucks, the most advanced on the market right now, have the best engines and trannys. They have really roomy cabs, have much better looks than any other trucks these days (the tundras and f150's are so girly looking). BTW

    Plus the 2500 is about the same price as a tundra, but you have a lot more options to go with. BTW the Tundra gets the same gas milege as a Silverado 1500 with the biggest engine! The 2500 HD isn't that much heavier than the smaller silverados but has a bigger engine, my guess would be you would get 16-17 highway and 13-14 city, average 15, which is really quite good if you think about it.

    Plus when you have a party or camping trip and everyone is standing around talking about trucks you can really make the guy with the Tundra feel ashamed for having such a small truck!
  • tundrathunder1tundrathunder1 Member Posts: 19
    What's the deal with this my truck is bigger then yours bs? I thought bp53 asked for a comparision between the two trucks from the perspective of whether they would be suitable for his needs. I suppose if he drove up in a s10 pick up you would laugh at him also.
  • sierra2500hdsierra2500hd Member Posts: 32
    The deal with the my truck is bigger than yours has a lot to do with it. The HD really isn't something that I would suggest to anyone that is just looking for a commuter vehicle. The HD is a solid very full size truck that gives full size performance and gets full size gas milage. It's also a truck that if you're stepping up from any small pickup that will takle some getting used to. Don't be offended because you're obviously a Tundra fan. The Tundra and the HD are two totally different animals. They really aren't comparable. The HD is a lot of truck, unless you need that much truck, what's the point? They are awfully nice though.
  • eric2001eric2001 Member Posts: 482
    What is wrong with getting more truck than you need? I ordered my 2500HD for the pure wretched excess of it. I don't need all the towing/hauling capability, but I ordered it. I also don't need the 8.1, but can't see myself without it. People are always buying more than they need, this is America. If not, everyone here would be driving little econo-boxes & living in tiny houses. What are you guys living/driving in???
  • tundrathunder1tundrathunder1 Member Posts: 19
    Having owned and driven a tundra since November I feel I am qualified to give an opinion on the truck.First of all if you want a ball busting, tow anything, go anywhere type of pick up the tundra is not it. You should get a 3/4 ton Ford GM or Dodge set up with a heavy duty package. If you want a high quality, well made in America 1/2 ton pick up you might consider the tundra. The power and comfort of the vehicle are above average and the engine and automatic transmission are silky smooth. Gas mileage is 16 to 18 mpg on the highway and 14 to 15 mpg in the city although I tend to have a heavy foot so your mileage may vary. I have a limited version and the captains seats are very comfortable. The interior is well laid out with a good sound system. I would not want to travel very far sitting in the back seats as they are more suitable for a couple of kids or the dog.I tow a 21 foot power boat and don't have any problems with lack of power or poor handling. As far as styling goes I think that is really up to individual taste and all the trucks have gone to softer lines in the interest of aerodynamics for fuel economy. I don't think any vehicle is problem free however a good dealer will go a long way towards smoothing out any problems. If you were to ask me if I would buy another tundra the answer would be a resounding yes.
    I understand the first year of production tundra's had some teething problems but my 2001 has been a delight to own so far. My suggestion to you would be to take both vehicles for a substantial test drive over a variety of road surfaces and make sure to leave the radio turned off to listen for any noises out of the ordinary.
    Good luck on your search and I hope your happy with whatever you decide to purchase.JH
  • tundrathunder1tundrathunder1 Member Posts: 19
    I agree with what you are saying. If you want a big full size pick up the tundra is not it. I think people make a big mistake comparing it to 3/4 ton GM, Fords or Dodges. Despite what others are saying I happen to own a Tundra and I agree that the tundra will not out pull or out haul a well equipped 3/4 ton. Having said that I think it is a very good truck for what it was designed for. It is an upgrade from the Tacoma in terms of size and capacity and is a well finished high end 1/2 ton with plenty of power and comfort for those people with realistic towing and hauling needs. If I were going to tow a large fifth wheel I would buy a F 350 dually with diesel power. JH
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    I've enjoyed reading your comments. I still don't know. I guess the "wretched excess" comment fits me to a t. I don't need the 2500. I don't need the 300 hp engine. I don't need the size of the vehicle, but I really like it. I'd really love to have a BMW M5, but that's something I'll never get because of the price. Anyway, I think I'll go tomorrow and test drive both the Tundra and the 2500. Who knows? Maybe in a week's time I'll have decided. I might even keep driving my 15 year old Nissan, which has served me extremely well. It gets me where I'm going and back, which is, after all, the main thing.
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    My comments were saying that its fun to have a purely excessive vehicle, that is what America is all about, excess, big houses, big steaks, big trucks. Its fun to have a big truck like the 2500HD. And since he was asking what to get I was giving my personal experience on differnce between sizes and driving experiences.

    The Tundra is a good commuter truck, and that is what it was made for, it was made to keep toyota owners in the family, not really go head to head with the big three, if you notice camry sales have been quite off since its introduction. It is a very refined, good fit and finish, truck. If you want a car but want some the convenience of a truck the Tundra is great.

    But if you want to tow, or want a truck truck with a very powerful engine, and a lot of room and bulk then a Silverado (1500 or 2500) is more up your alley. It is meant to be a truck and doesn't try to be anything else, though it does offer a very good ride (until you add the heavier suspensions)

    Personally I always loved a truck ride, truck styling, truck drivetrain. I don't mind rattles that much.
  • eric2001eric2001 Member Posts: 482
    Wasn't trying to upset anyone. When bp53 was comparing the HD and the Tundra, I just assumed (yes the old saying fits...) they were after the excess in the HD. As for what is best, I am biased, but everyone should try all of them, and make the choice from there. Do not let someone else's opinions make up your mind for you.
  • sf0383sf0383 Member Posts: 204
    I'll weigh in with my 2 cents. I bought a 2500HD simply because it was the only full size Chevy that offered a Crew Cab at the time. Is it more truck than I need? Seeing as how I don't even own a trailer I'd say 'absolutely'. But I will also say that of the 5 Chevy full size trucks I have owned this is by far the nicest. Even though I didn't go completely overboard and stuck with the "little" 6.0 litre this thing will go when I want it to go and stop when I want it to stop. It handles tight and has a firm ride. If it had boobs I'd marry it. Thing is, I have a buddy that feels the same way about his Tundra. So you just need to go out and drive them for yourself and get the one that you can feel good about.
  • hunter98hunter98 Member Posts: 273
    I would say that if you like the chevy ext cab better than the tundra, why not look at a 1500 chevy. It can be bought a little bit cheaper. Will get alot better gas milage in 2wd form with the 4.8L or 5.3L. They are really fast trucks with alot of power. They will tow or haul anything it sounds like you need. If you want bigger tires or better looks, trade the tires for new ones when you get it. You have alot my 1500 trucks to choose from. They can be had for invoice or less. Do you like the idea of people trying to crawl into the ext cab of the tall 2500HD, you have to add steps to the equation. I just don't want you to overlook the vehicle that may make the most economic sense.

    I have a 2000 1500 1500 SLT 4x4 Ext Cab.

    Looks like I will be trading for a 2002 Crew Cab 4x4 SLT Duramax/Allison, because the 1500 doesn't fit my needs for payload or towing, and I want a Crew Cab.

    Hunter
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    To tell the truth, I don't like how low the 1500 sits. I like the way the 2500 hd sits higher plus I like the redesigned hood of the 2500. Can you tell me something? How is it that a 1500 4x4 is around 1500 dollars more than a 2500 hd 4x4 both with the ls trim.
  • falknorfalknor Member Posts: 27
    If you want a big truck with lots of power then get the 2500HD. I assure you will not get good gas milage from it. I have one with 8.1 allison 4.1 diff and would not trade it for anything. It fits my needs and then some. If gas milage is that important to you then go with a smaller truck like the Tundra. Good price is only if you are satified with the deal. I paid invoice for my LT 2500HD loaded(39939.00). Happy trails to you. Dave
  • falknorfalknor Member Posts: 27
    Invoice price was $29939 not $39939.00 big error on my typing. Dave
  • bamatundrabamatundra Member Posts: 1,583
    That this whole thread is about 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton. This person has said that either would meet their needs. If ride, handling, gas mileage, maneuverability, etc. mean anything to you - then go with the 1/2 ton (the Tundra is obviously the best choice).

    If you really do not care whether you ever hook anything to your truck and are looking purely for a statement - get a Ford 3/4 ton.
  • duckcallerduckcaller Member Posts: 107
    Bama more or less hit the nail on the head - size is an important consideration. My Tundra just BARELY fits in my garage - I have to take the hitch out of the receiver for the door to close. The extra seven or eleven inches would make this impossible. Not that I garage that much, but if you do plan on it, that's something to consider.

    On the maneuverability and PARKING aspects - ask these 2500 HD guys about the frustration they have with parking. Trying to park my Tundra is bad enough (seems everybody is making parking spaces smaller and smaller) parking a behemoth like the 2500 HD would be a real challenge - one I would seriously consider. Remember, you're not going to be going off to the woods for a load of firewood or hay bales every day... something the big truck is great for - occasionally - but EVERY day you have to find a place to PARK your beast. While some guys (and gals) think it's some kind of badge of honor to own these huge trucks, they'll agree that routine, daily parking is a major pain in the [non-permissible content removed]. Because you WILL use your truck - daily - to go to the store, or the bank, or the drive-thru (!), etc.

    Somehow I don't find the Tundra's "tidy" (Edmunds editor choice of word) size to be a "disadvantage" at all - in fact, it's a big selling point for people who live in the "real" world (as opposed to working the farm or the oil fields!) and yet still need a truck that will do what they need it to do - pull my bass boat, go into the swamps to hunt ducks, get a load of mulch for the garden, etc.
  • dovehunterdovehunter Member Posts: 7
    FYI
    Took delivery of my 2001 1500HD Crew Cab LS 2wd last Thur. So far so good, except for a slight vibration and rumble @ 37 to 42 mph. I think it might be a bad tire. Any thoughts?
    Truck rides firm but smooth, especially since it is a 3/4T. No reports on mpg but hopefully it will be around 13-14. The advancements made on this truck compared to my 97 C2500 are awesome....
    Does anyone have a mileage report on the 2500HD?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    sounds like the infamous driveline growl.
  • dovehunterdovehunter Member Posts: 7
    can you expand on this driveline growl. Sounds like I'm in for a run around from GM
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    This occurs when the torque converter locks up. At approximately 37-42 you are in OD causing the driveline growl. It is similar to driving a manual stick in 4th gear when it should be in 3rd causing a lugging effect. This lugging effect is called driveline growl by GM.
  • sf0383sf0383 Member Posts: 204
    I've had my 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 with the 6.0 and automatic for about a month and so far I've gotten between 11.6 and 13.1. I bought the 2500 because I wanted the Crew Cab. I've still not seen one of the 1500 Crew Cabs. I'd be curious to hear what kind of Drive train set up you have and mileage.
  • dovehunterdovehunter Member Posts: 7
    mileage checked today with 400 miles total on vehicle is 13.5 mpg (city/highway). Hopefully this will improve once the truck breaks in. I am hoping to at least get 15mpg like my C2500 got, otherwise I would have gotten the 2500HD Crew Cab and lived with the 4:10 RE.
    6.0, automatic, 3.73 RE, 2wd, 8600GVW

    I am taking it to the dealer in the morning to have them fix the growl. Hopefully its a tire, if not I will force them to put a new tranny in it. If that doesn't work then they will have a huge fight on there hands!!
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    Where is your dealership located?
  • falknorfalknor Member Posts: 27
  • falknorfalknor Member Posts: 27
    Ref mileage on HD2500 with 8.1 allison 4/10. I have 1636 miles and have averaged 12.23 mixed about 50 city 50 highway. Plan on taking the 5th wheel out this week-end. Will post mileage after the trip. Happy trails to you. Dave
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    12.23 mixed, thats not too bad, might have to think about the 8.1 if I could get that kind of milege. I thought they got more around 8 thats why I would go for the 6.0 L
  • sf0383sf0383 Member Posts: 204
    What kind of rpms are you usually turning? My 6.0 automatic with the 4.10 usually stays around 2000 when cruising. I'm curious to see if the Allison keeps the revs any lower.
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    2000 cruising is pretty good for 4.10,
    My old dodge with 4.56's would cruise at over 3,000, really LOUD.
  • falknorfalknor Member Posts: 27
    At 75mph rpms were about 2300, at 70mpr the rpms were about 2000. Don't guess the Allison keeps them any lower. Truck wants to run faster but I (Highway Patrol)want let me (without paying the price). Happy trails to you. Dave
  • dovehunterdovehunter Member Posts: 7
    Dealer is Davis-Moore Chevrolet in Wichita, KS (about 6 hours from Paris, TX)
    The salesman's name is Dallas--yeah, I know, never buy a car from a guy named after a city! I was very pleased with the buying experience. I ordered from the factory at $100 over invoice and they gave me about $200 over wholesale on my trade-in (which was $700 to $2500 more than some of the other dealers would do)

    They may still have a 1500HD CC 4wd on the lot that came in on the same shipment as mine. They also have a 2500HD Crew Cab on the lot that I saw on Thur. Several single cab and extended cab 2500HD on the lot if any one is looking for one.

    The rumble/vibration turned out to be a universal that was not seated properly. Thankfully this fixed the problem

    Engine RPM at 70mph are 2150rpm. 6.0/3.73RE/Automatic
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    thats good it isn't the tranny. I didn't think it would be.
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    Thanks for the info, Dovehunter. That was a good buy. Wish we had that kind of dealership here.
  • toddstocktoddstock Member Posts: 268
    I myself love to go 4x4ing... The ground clearance of the Tundra exceed's all, and that sure does make me feel safe when I am out doing my thing.... I love to have fun, not just tow and that's all...
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Toyota may be in for a lawsuit on deceptive practices....read up on the big 3 vs. tundra and you will see that Toyota purposely measured in a different location from the rest.

    Good luck on this one now.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Oh no toyota false advertising?

    Looks like them tundra owners could make some money off this one.
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    not calling you a liar but I have a feeling "off-roading" only consits of improved forest service roads, I can't image anyone taking their new truck off road, I don't know anyone that will spend 30,000$ on a new truck and go 4wheeling in it.
  • toddstocktoddstock Member Posts: 268
    to go 4x4ing... I mean, it is a Toyota, so I don't have to worry to much... Now if it was a chevyman, I would think the way your thinking... Plus, what is 30k.. Whewwwww It's only money... Enjoy your life...
  • chevytruck_fanchevytruck_fan Member Posts: 432
    you will use anything,

    yeah I'm shure your out there on the rubicon tearing up your doors and mirrors.
  • duckcallerduckcaller Member Posts: 107
    CTF - I bought my Tundra for off road work. However, my pansified buddy with a monster suburban WON'T go off road - so he's my ground guide. I make him move out ahead on foot and clear brush so my one year old truck doesn't get any scratches in the paint job! But he's a darn fine turkey caller so I'll keep him - even if he does drive a chebby.
  • markg92markg92 Member Posts: 21
    Where's host pocahotas? I've had posts deleted (poca) that were only MILDLY derogatory to other posters -- definitely not gratuitous -- they were germane to the discussion.

    I've noticed the discussion in Tundra-vs-big3 have been kinda heated lately. NOt to mention SSDD.
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    So we'll try again.

    Comparing the Tundra to 2500 is really not fair. If you're not pulling/hauling, why do you need the 2500, maybe go to a Silverado (1/2 ton). I also don't think $25K is a good deal. We got a 2000 crew cab K2500 4x4 loaded w/ a 454, and walked away paying $29,000. I'd check around some on the price if you're going with the Chev.

    Chris
  • whatsachevywhatsachevy Member Posts: 136
    If we had to get out and clear brush to go 4-wheelin', we'd get all muddy. Who says nobody would take their $25,000 truck 4-wheelin'. We had to pull my buddy's '98 GMC 1/2 ton out of the muck Sunday night before last. She was stuck real good. Took my '91 F-150 (33x12.50 BF M/T's) and a '78 Chevy 3/4 ton (35x12.50 BF M/T's) to get her out. He had muddy water up to the bottom of the dash. He did ask how many $25,000 trucks had been pulled out of that hole with no response. But, we drained everything and she seems to be fine. Don't know whether I'd want to buy a used vehicle from any of us. To put my two cents worth into this conversation, I've been a die hard Ford man for all my life. However, I just ordered my '01 Chevy 2500HD LS, 6.0, 4x4, auto tranny, 4.10 locker. TPW is April 9. I drove an F-250 V-10 with 3.73 gear, and yes I drove the Tundra too (wouldn't even consider drivin' a Dodge). No comparison between these three trucks. The 6.0 Chevy with 4.10 gear feels just as strong as the Ford with the V-10 and 3.73 gear (Ford doesn't offer a 4.10 gear with the V-10, you have to go to a 4.30 gear - good luck with gas mileage there) and is much better than the Ford in handling, comfort and braking. The Tundra isn't even in the same class. I do some moderate pulling (16' tandem wheel trailer - truck and trailer loaded with firewood and a 17' bass boat), and yes I'll take my $28,625 truck off-road (and no I won't have my buddy clearing brush in front of me). Whatever you do, at least test drive each vehicle before you make your decision. Only YOU know what YOU want.
  • rhymasrhymas Member Posts: 5
    I agree that $25K for the vehicle described is not a great price. I just purchased a 2500HD 4X4 LS 6L pretty well loaded for a hair over $26K.
  • eric2001eric2001 Member Posts: 482
    Poca went to another hosting here on the forum. What happened to our messages? Looks like our new host has intervened? Anyways, Poca had kicked me off the board several months back, I had to change my user name. Oops. Of subject, sorry.
  • markg92markg92 Member Posts: 21
    ditto
  • bp53bp53 Member Posts: 23
    I know the invoice on the 2500hd ls with extended cab, 5 speed and 6l engine is around 24500. I figured 5-600 dollars over invoice was fairly decent. Do you think I can get the truck for the invoice price?
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