If you’re looking to buy a full-size pickup truck, you might be dismayed by the high starting prices of the most common new models. Add four-wheel drive and a towing package, and it’s not unusual to see a $50,000 MSRP or higher. Rather than give up and drop down to a smaller body style, why not consider visiting a used Chevy Silverado dealer and getting acquainted with a pre-owned alternative? It just makes good financial sense.
The used Chevy Silverado landscape spans a diverse range of prices, models, and cab styles, not to mention over 20 model years of production. Whether you choose a low mileage certified pre-owned truck or a well-used older model, the consistency of Chevy’s quality and innovation means you’ll end up with a truck you can count on for years of reliability. That’s the strength of the Chevy nameplate.
So, you’re ready to move forward. Where do you start? Our suggestion is always going to be at a certified Chevrolet dealer, especially if you want a certified pre-owned Silverado. The alternative comes with some risks that might affect the deal you get and/or the quality of the truck you end up buying. Also, unless you’re very familiar with the specific capabilities you need (e.g., towing capacity), you might end up with a truck that isn’t properly equipped.
We’re all familiar with the stereotypical slick used car salesperson preying on unsuspecting buyers. Unfortunately, that dynamic still exists, and these days it’s a little harder to spot. That’s because there are new players in the used car market, and they’re hidden behind glossy national advertising campaigns, convenient app-based shopping tools, and trendy vending machine delivery sites. It’s impersonal, devoid of human interaction, and potentially costly.
Instead, we recommend an easier and more familiar path. We’ll guide you through the Silverado lineup, model year history and highlights, followed by some advice for ending up with the highest quality, most affordable Silverado in your driveway. Here’s our comprehensive used Silverado buyer’s guide, including some valuable time-tested tips to make your experience stress-free.
Silverado 1500 Model Overview
The Silverado replaced Chevy’s popular C/K as the brand’s full-size pickup truck brand in 1999. Since then, it has undergone four generations of redesigns, the most recent happening in the 2019 model year. Since most buyers are likely looking for a 10-year-old or newer truck, we’ll focus on the second and third-generation Silverados.
The second generation (2007 – 2014) ushered in a more modern exterior that was more aligned with the existing mid-size Colorado’s body style. The exterior changes resulted in better aerodynamics, which in turn led to improved fuel economy. 2007 was also the first year the Silverado earned Motor Trend’s coveted Truck of the Year award.
Offered in three cab styles – regular, extended, and crew cab – the Silverado came in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Chevy even attempted to launch a hybrid Silverado in the 2009 model year, but it was before its time, and slow sales resulted in its discontinuation. Throughout its second-gen run, the Silverado was offered in several trims, including the base WT and the high-end LTZ.
2014 brought the newly-redesigned third generation (2014 – 2019) Silverado. Throughout this production run, we see a continued effort to add more infotainment tech and connected services. Chevy’s MyLink operating system made its debut on the high-end LTZ, along with a touchscreen. Three engines – a 5.3-liter V8, a 4.3-liter V6, and a 6.2-liter V8 – made up the powertrain offerings, and the super high-end High Country was added to the trim lineup.
The GM Certified Program
If you have a healthy budget to work with, we recommend checking out the inventory of General Motors’ Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Silverados at your local Chevy dealer. These trucks are carefully inspected and must meet rigorous factory-set quality criteria. CPO trucks are less than 6 model years old, have no more than 75,000 miles on the odometer, possess a clean title, and pass a 172-point inspection.
A typical candidate for CPO certification is a low mileage, recent year lease return. Given the high starting MSRP of today’s fully-loaded full-size pickups, leasing is gaining in popularity, and as a result, the used car market is flooded with quality inventory. Leased cars are subject to strict wear-and-tear guidelines, which means they’re typically in excellent physical and mechanical condition when they’re returned.
These vehicles are, on average, more expensive than traditional non-certified used models, but they come with a handful of extras that justify the additional cost. All CPO Silverado trucks come with a 1-year/12,000-mile limited warranty, a 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a 3-day/150-mile exchange policy in case you experience buyer’s remorse.
In addition, all CPO trucks come with a limited OnStar connected services trial, a free SiriusXM satellite radio trial, and free scheduled maintenance within the first 2 years or 24,000 miles (with restrictions). The other benefit is that part of the inspection process involves reviewing the truck’s CARFAX report and checking for any incomplete factory recalls. The result is a truck that’s in prime operating condition with warranty coverage that’s extensive enough to catch any early-onset mechanical issues.
Shopping Tips and Trips
The most complicated part of the used truck-buying process is determining your search criteria and priorities. Will you shop a dollar amount, or are you laser-focused on one specific trim? You may not know how much truck you can get for the dollar. Variables like mileage, trim level, and equipment packages affect the sales price as well.
The next step is very clearly outlining the capabilities you need on your used Silverado pickup. Will you be towing or hauling cargo? Do you need off-roading capabilities, such as a locking rear differential or additional ground clearance? Be sure you know what you’ll be asking your truck to do for you.
This is where a certified Chevrolet dealer can really help. You may not understand complicated specifications like axle ratios and torque ratings and how they relate to your specific criteria. Working with a trained sales representative simplifies this process because you just need a rough idea of the equipment you need.
For example, if you’re towing a boat, let your salesperson know the weight and trailer type, and they can search current inventory for a truck that meets the minimum towing specification. The other advantage of working with a certified dealer is they’re constantly taking in trades and can let you know when a truck with your criteria shows up on the dealer floor. It’s a time and energy saver.
If you’re shopping on a budget, it’s likely you’ll be looking at older model years. It’s critical to check the truck for evidence of aftermarket accessories – especially lift kits – or incorrectly installed DIY upgrades. Also, older models should be thoroughly inspected for rust or other extensive body damage. The truck bed also holds clues as to how well the truck was cared for. A bed that’s dented, scratched, or cracked may mean the truck has endured excessive wear-and-tear.
Buying a Used Truck Is a Great Option
The used truck buying process will go a lot more smoothly if you take some time to ponder what you’re looking for, as well as identify a max budget so you don’t waste time looking at trucks you can’t afford. Most importantly, buy from a source you can trust, ideally a certified Chevrolet dealer. Remember: if you want a GM Certified Pre-Owned Silverado, you can only find one at a certified Chevrolet dealer. Our vote is always going to be to center your search there whether you’re buying CPO or not. It’s a one-stop-shop to buy, finance, and receive ongoing service and maintenance without having to drive all over town.
