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New Sierra/Silverado 2500 & 3500

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  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Well I just had an interesting conversation with the local GMC dealer. Stopped by on Saturday to see whether he had the brochures (no) but he did agree to crunch some numbers for me. I asked him to spec a 1 ton, crew cab, 8' bed SLT 4X4, Duramax, 6 speed. He came back saying that he had had trouble with the SLT / 6 speed combo (I think a computer or user problem rather than a restriction on ordering that), but that he had specced an SLE and added the leather power seats and a couple of other bits.

    List price came out at C$47,955, but he offered it to me for C$45,810. Both are very aggressive pricing - Fords list at $50K - $54K depending on spec. Seems pretty clear tha GM are determined to go for market share with this truck not just through capability, but also through aggressive pricing - and that has to be good for us as consumers.

    He indicated that a delivery would be sometime around April, which whilst not great, is probably pretty accurate. I am going to wait until I can get my hands on the full list of standard / optional equipment so that I can build exactly what I want, but things are looking good.
  • jrbadgerjrbadger Member Posts: 1
    Saw the article in NAH. They claimed 21mpg highway, and 14mpg fully loaded. No mention of city mpg.
  • blawlessblawless Member Posts: 29
    I was quoted $34,118 for the LT package with an 8.1L. I talked to the dealer since then and the invoice cost for the diesel will add $3100 to the 34k I was quoted. In all I would get a 3500 CC LB with every option but leather including pushbutton 4WD, power seats, locking diff, camper/tow package, 6.6L Duramax, tinted windows, CD player, etc. for $37,000 and change. Not too shabby.
  • t37l1011t37l1011 Member Posts: 24
    I was checking out the prices and the site I was using said you couldn't order leather interior with the 6 speed transmission. I don't understand what difference that would make in building the truck. Ask your dealer to spec it out without the leather and see if his computer will accept the order then. Wow, your Canadian prices sure sound awfully high. I hope you're being properly compenstated up there.

    Bud
  • sovercash1sovercash1 Member Posts: 112
    JBadger,

    I haven't been able to find North American Hunter on any of the news stands.. I even went into Bass Pro...

    Do you have a scanner??

    Steve O
  • cdeancdean Member Posts: 1,110
    t37l1011

    its the way the factories are set up. The factory that does all the LT trucks is not equipped to install that transmission. That transmission comes out of a different factory, that is not equipped to install the leather options.
  • t37l1011t37l1011 Member Posts: 24
    yea, I checked again on carwizard and found out you can't get the 6 speed transmission with the LT package, or with leather interior, or with the combination CD/Cassette stereo system. I wasn't really interested in the LT or leather myself, but I did want the UPO stereo. Oh well, I guess most of the big spenders want the automatic so that's the way they build them.
  • sovercash1sovercash1 Member Posts: 112
    t37I1011,

    The reason you can't get the UPO stereo with Leather, is because with that stereo comes a console that runs all the way up to the dash..
    Cd Player is in the Dash, Cassette player is in the Full Console which leaves no room for a shifter of any kind

    ALL LTs have Automatics and Push Button 4x4..

    If you choose an LS with the 6 Speed and with Leather you should be able to do this..
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    what I was gonna say...

    - Tim
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    are actually lower than in the US - do the conversion - as of yesterday C$1 = US$0.6641 (or so) which makes the C$45810 = US$30422 - and don't forget that is including the Duramax.

    In 'real' terms the cost is fairly equivalent when you factor in the additional tax burden in Canada over the US.

    Makes sense that the automatic is the only option available on the top of the line - things like this are exactly the reason why I want to wait until the full details are available on Canadian vehicles before I order. I would not be happy to find an automatic tranny in my truck (I am weird enough to enjoy stick shift all the time).
  • t37l1011t37l1011 Member Posts: 24
    Well, it is nice to know that are a few of us still out there who prefer a stick shift to an automatic in a truck. I can see why you can't put the upo stereo in with a floor shift, but I can't see why you can't put in leather. According to the carwizard option guide, if you don't get the automatic, you can't get the leather. Again, I'm sure the reason is that GM caters to what the majority of buyers want and aren't going to go out of there way for a few of us oddballs. I can't say that I blame them. Same reason that most cars come standard now with automatic and air conditioning. Unheard of 30 years ago, except in luxury cars.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ..is it?

    With todays auotmatics...there is no reason to get a manual....period.

    ..except personal preference..

    - Tim
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    My only reason for choosing manual is preference - I have a history of racing at various (low) levels in Europe, and I am just too used to the control that a manual offers. I also prefer it in the weather that I frequently drive in.

    But I am the first to admit that most modern automatics offer close to the same control, I'm just an old stick in the mud.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ...but the power/reliability they use to offer over an Auto...ain't true any more..

    yeah you can control it better....but any auto used today does a fine job...

    Now gimme a Muscle car...and I'll take an M22 over a THD 350/400 any day!

    - Tim
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    my performance car (Jaguar XJ-S V12) couldn't be bought with a stick shift (with 5 exceptions any stick is an aftermarket one).

    I think that I am guilty of not giving modern automatics a fair chance - but I honestly enjoy driving manual, so I don't really care. That said I agree that the modern automatic transmission is more than adequate for the vast majority of conditions. I do think that it is a pity that manual isn't available on an increasingly high number of vehicles in this day and age, but c'est la vie.

    As far as the heavy duties are concerned, I guess the argument with leather not being available with standard is that the leather is a luxury option most often used by personal rather than commercial purchasers. I suspect that the cost of supporting that combination of options is not worthwhile given the small market - costs would have to increase across the board, which would defeat the object of competititve pricing advantage.

    I don't really care either way - I flip between the advanatages and disadvantages of cloth and leather for both humans and dogs, so this will help decide me - cloth it is!
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I though you could get leather in LS models, even on the split-bench seats. I understand the LT buckets might only come with automatics, but I'ld look into it a little more before surrendering to cloth. But, I'm like you Andy, I would prefer cloth for comfort, but got leather so my wife could have the heated buckets (really, this is selfish so I don't have to have the cab heated up to sauna levels), and to make cleaning dog hair easier.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    You may be right - again until I can get my hands on brochures / options for Canadian spec vehicles I don't know - and I won't order until I know - if I am dropping that kind of dough I intend to get exactly what I want.

    This leads me to another point that really bugs me - why does it take the automakers so darned long to make information available - Canadian dealers don't have the info, neither US or Canadian web sites have it (other than the dealer ones previously posted), and yet it is obviously out there - the third party internet sales channels can configure vehicles, GM Canada would be delighted to help me part with money for one now. Ford is exactly the same as GM. I thought we were in the year 2000!!!

    OK, rant over - sorry :-)
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    Another alternative if you want a 6-speed and leather, get the LS and take your truck to an aftermarket leather shop. You will get way better leather (complete surface instead of just the seating area) and have the tranny/seat configuration you want. We opted for aftermarket leather on my wife's new 4Runner, and it is VERY nice.
  • sovercash1sovercash1 Member Posts: 112
    If you get the chance to drive an HD with the 1000 Series Allison, do it.... I have taken DIEHARD stick shift guys on rides in Medium-Duty trucks with this transmission.. NOT one could believe an Automatic could shift as well or at the proper moment like a good ole stick.. They are well worth the money...

    BTW: The Tow/Haul mode in the GM pickups is the same programing the Medium-Duty vehicles use.. Grade Braking and all.. The bigger brothers MD3000 and the HD4000 have used this for years..

    Steve
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    I just don't have any interest in an automatic. Subconciously I will feel that I am 'out of control' when I am headed to the start of my first race (I run dog sleds). A completely irrational feeling of course - I guess I had one too many accidents - or maybe it's because I am English by birth.
  • t37l1011t37l1011 Member Posts: 24
    I must admit I'm with Andy on this one. I just plain prefer a stick shift in a truck or performance/sports car. The problem is it is getting real tough to get a stick in any kind of car. You checked out the Vettes lately. Convertibles come only with automatics. I'm sorry but if I'm going to spend that kind of money for a vette I want to slam some gears. OK, I admit I'm a southern redneck. But give me a stick any day in a vette. By the way Andy, I love the looks of the new XK8, but again no stick shift available. Even the English are getting away from manual transmissions.

    BUD
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    I agree a Vette should have a stick....as a 60/70's muscle car...but to me a jag should have an auto...it's just not the "sports car" to me...

    (again....personal preference here)

    Trucks are fine without them as well....usually most who get one are either a die hard..or just want the cheapest they can get..

    Leather....now while it may not belong in a truck...hey..todays trucks are becoming the luxury hauler..(kinda)....I use mine for lots of tough stuff....but you're darn right my weekly commuter is going to have leather and heat under my [non-permissible content removed]!

    LOL

    Enjoy

    - Tim
  • sovercash1sovercash1 Member Posts: 112
    I think that if a person wants a Stick shift,, then Fine,, BUY it.. BUT don't tell me that a Stick shift or an Automatic BELONG in anything.. If I want a Manual thats the way it will be.. Plain and simple.. the same goes for the Automatic..
    I think what most of the guys who are reluctant to even consider an Automatic in a truck, have NEVER had the opertunity to drive a REAL automatic equipped truck.. GM is the first to offer a REAL Automatic for the people who so desire...

    BUY what you like!!! That's what I'm going to do.. Heck, I might even go down to the Dairy Queen and get my Honey a cone with the bed EMPTY, then on the way home stop and pickup some groceries..

    later... out...
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    "personal preference" can lead to!?

    - Tim
  • t37l1011t37l1011 Member Posts: 24
    I'll tell you what, when NASCAR starts putting automatics in their Winston Cup cars, then I will go order me a truck with the allison automatic. Till then I'm sticking with my Stick. The one in the truck I mean. And the other one too.

    Bud
  • doverarjimdoverarjim Member Posts: 23
    A lot of circle track cars that run on dirt do not use a transmission of any type but do run direct coupled from engine to rear end. So they have tried to get away from shifting their cars. I do have an auto in my truck but wait let me say BUT I think that everyone should be required to show that they can drive a standard shift before getting behind the wheel of any thing.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    know how....yes....But I bet....75% don't?

    That seem high?

    - Tim
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Jags with autos - yeah I see that Tim, but the XJ-S isn't much like most Jags (and know I am not claiming it to be a sports car) - but hell 5.3L V12 with 330 ponies and a 3 speed auto!!!!

    I agree that nothing should 'belong' - in an ideal world every vehicle should have the option of both manual and auto.

    Most guys who are reluctant to consider an auto in a truck have never had the opportunity to drive a truck with a proper auto - maybe, but not my reason. I have no problems with the ability of an auto to do the job, its just a job I would rather do myself.

    Requirement to drive stick - absolutely. I took my original driving test in UK (where manuals at the time were 95%+ of the market). If you took your test in an automatic then your license had a condition that you were only allowed to drive autos - if you wanted to drive stick you had to take the test again in a stick.

    75% doesn't seem high to me - maybe even more.

    To try and bring this back to a truck theme, let me give you an example of my point. I am frequently off road in terrible conditions - deep and or powdery snow with frequent and severe terrain changes for example. I have been off roading for quite some time and do not feel uncomfortable in such conditions, but this comfort only comes from experience and a belief that I am in control and know what I am doing.

    An automatic will not give me that level of control (though these days it will be close) - but more importantly it won't give me that level of security and confidence - and that is an element that is vital to success - whether off road, on the track or on the streets. In this day and age the situation is often reversed - most people will be less confident in a stick shift than in an automatic.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    so many have not driven one enough....or at all!

    ..I hear ya on it all......and a 3 speed auto is kinda lame.....

    as for there should be a choice...yeah there should...but when certain vehicles are X percent auto's and Y percent sticks....and the X percent is wayyy more than Y.....than the manufacturer decides to drop the less popular option....for cost reasons to build them I guess?

    Yeah a vette Ragtop should be a stick....or at least be an option.....but every person I see driving one never even gets on it.....much less slam gears...

    They cater to what the majority of buyers want I guess...

    Oh well
    - Tim
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    Another thing. While I enjoy driving my truck just for the sake of driving it, I know DRIVING a sports car is more fun. Really, while driving a truck may be enjoyable, the reason most of us drive them is for all the other things they allow us to do. If your like me, I like to concentrate on looking for game, controlling my dogs, and other stuff on hunting trips. Out in the desert around here in Eastern Oregon, you can actually look at a map or look through binoculars while driving down a dirt road and be safe because there are no other cars and it's no big deal if you veer off the road. Therefore, it is nice to have a free hand and not to have to shift.

    Now when I'm driving a sports car, it's just for the fun of DRIVING. Total attention has to be on DRIVING. And DRIVING with a stick is more fun than with an auto.
  • sovercash1sovercash1 Member Posts: 112
    When someone tells me that THIS belongs in this vehicle and this belongs in that vehicle, I'm going to stand up and tell you to keep your belongings to yourself..

    I choose what I like!! If another person doesn't like it, TOUGH,,,, I do!! I paided for it, YOU did not!!

    BTW: I have kidded a Bill Elliott fan that works with me that NASCAR had given him the Ok to use an Auto in his car for a few weeks because of the Knee injury.. If anyone didn't know, Bill Elliott triped over his Golf Club bag..
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    is you would like us to TELL you what BELONGS in which car?

    OK....I can do that...

    - Tim
  • t37l1011t37l1011 Member Posts: 24
    I agree with learning on a stick. My daughter is 14 and has already been told that she we won't be driving any automatics until she is more than competent on the stick. She's already learning and it will be a lot easier than trying to learn one later. So awesome Bill tripped over his golf bag huh. Yea, he's awesome alright. Oh well, he won't have to do too much shifting this week at Taladega, just keep his right foot on the floor. By the way, I'm not concerned with the reliability of the allison automatic, I'm just with Andy in that I feel like I have more control with a manual. I just prefer one, maybe because I was raised on sticks, that's all.
  • blawlessblawless Member Posts: 29
    Will they ever put a system similar to Chrysler's auto stick in a truck? It allows you to have the control of a stick, but still use the automatic when you want it. I don't mind a stick except when I am in heavy traffic. Luckily, I have a granny gear in my rig so I can roll really slow without having to use the clutch so much.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    on a steep hill....with traffic right behind you....and you have only two feet...but need three!

    - Tim
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    clutch...LOL!! right into the vehicle in the front who decided to stop instead of going like he was supposed to...
  • tleleuxtleleux Member Posts: 1
    How can I find out my delivery date on my 2001 GMC 2500HD? Everytime I contact he dealer he says that he does not have a date. It has been on order for 6 weeks now.

    Thanks for the help
  • 4x44x4 Member Posts: 114
    Well he got it today...CC, 6.0, 4.10's, LS , 2wd, Blue, black flares....very nice...first Crew cab I have seen ..
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    lots of room in the rear? More than ext cabs???

    Ryan
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    see some pics of how the seats fold and how much of a flat floor surface you have

    - Tim
  • 4x44x4 Member Posts: 114
    Yes there is more legroom in it than the ext cab...i not sure how much though...I really don't think it is as big as my 99 Superduty crew cab backseat was...I don't know though..it was dark and it started raining so i didn't get a chance to study it...I asked him about the rear seat folding down but he didn't know and gasn't tried it yet...again it was raining so we didn't get to do a whole lot...Tim send me an e-mail so i can figure out how to post pics...cf2427@hotmail.com...I think he has a digital camera that we can use...My CC was built on the 9th so hopefully i will have some pics of mine next week.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ...if you don't have it.....free places offer it....like Picturetrail...

    Or just send them to me and I will do it...

    lemme know

    - Tim
  • sdpiersonsdpierson Member Posts: 69
    Going on the dimensions they list, if I remember right, the crew cab has 38" of leg room in the rear, ext. cab has 33" of leg room in rear. The crew is about 10" longer in overall length. That's coming from memory so it could be a little off.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    I think it was 11"?...but something like that...I figured what's another foot or so....

    I wanna see one!!!!

    - Tim
  • johnt9johnt9 Member Posts: 10
    cew cabs: whats the latest on 1/2 ton production. i saw gmc to produce in early 2001 posted in pickup forum.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    who cares?

    I wanna see the HD ones!

    LOL

    - Tim
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Tim this sounds scary but im with you on that one. Leave the CC for the big doggs

    Ryan
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    A crew cab, like the suburban, is too much truck for a 1/2-ton. I have no idea why you would want a 1/2-ton crew cab. I barely understand why you would want a 1/2-ton full-size truck.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    My kinda thoughts exactly!

    LOL

    - Tim
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    more of us.....Hehehe!!
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