In a message dated 1/10/99 7:38:53 PM Eastern Standard Time, burt@metronet.com writes:
What is your anticipated budget? More than my first house by a long shot I'm sorry to say. I think around $40k. [which is just terrible]Then, if you plan on sticking with GM, they will have some new products you might want to look at. But first, a couple of points about some of the other posts -- since you have a 454, it is not going to last as long as a diesel. Whether it is economical to go beyond 150,000 miles depends somewhat on how much of your own work you do, the condition of the truck, etc., etc.
GM has a new series out in its pick-ups, I don't know whether the Suburban
has been updated or not, they surely will do that at some point however.
The 2500 series pickup now has a 6.0 V-8 available engine in it. The 1500
has a 5.3 V-8 available. I just took delivery of a K-1500 Sierra Extra
Cab with a 5.3 and a 3.73 axle. This truck is a gem -- it has a tow/haul
feature on the
auto trans that significantly increases the RPM levels for gear changes
and virtually eliminates "hunting" when you are towing a load. The CGVW
rating on my truck is 13,000 pounds, which means it should pull most Airstreams
up to 25 - 27 feet. If you have a longer trailer -- well you would have
to go with the 2500 equipped with either the 6.0 or the (6.5?) diesel.
These things are not cheap, of course, but I paid just under $30,000
(drive away price) for my Sierra (no trade in) and it does not lack for
anything you would want, except maybe leather upholstery (which I did not
want) -- still a lot less than a new Surburban. Among the features on my
truck are --
tow/haul on the trans, auto shift to 4x4, trailering package, CD player,
all kinds of anti-theft gadgets, etc. If it holds up and gives good service
it will be a terrific truck.
I know a lot of people like Fords and I don't have anthing against them. But the sales department of our local Ford dealer is staffed by people who cannot carry on an intelligent conversation about their trucks. I gave up after two trys with them.
Check out the new GM pickups just for comparison -- if you can find one to look at. I ordered mine in August and it was delivered on January 8.
Hartwell