What makes this 2008 Chevy Silverado the best truck? CAR WIZARD shows proof of this claim. 

Keep in mind. Im not so much recomending the AFM models. Mainly the LS based Chevy trucks. The 4.8 engine does not have AFM. But even AFM beats the hell out of a Triton 5.4.

The best year in my opinion was the 1999-2007 before they had all the fuel management bullcrap... thanks for making me the top comment you guys are awesome!

I have a 2000 Silverado LT 5.3 It has a 197000 miles on it Runs perfectly no rust whatsoever When people see it they think it's 10 years newer than it is Only basic maintenance is all it takes to keep it running perfectly We'll have this truck forever I love it

As a mechanic seeing an engine with so much room to work on is very satisfying.

I like the 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 6.0 gas engine. No cylinder deactivation and will tow up to about 10k pounds without problems.

the LS engines are all very good. AFM is a killer but can be fixed. One important thing to note is to try and get a newer one (post 2009) with a 6l80e vs an earlier model like this one with a 4l60e. However sometimes you get a particularly stubborn 4l60e that just wont call it quits. These trucks are everywhere with many miles, and will be around for years to come.

My 2009 has 140k miles on the clock trouble free. The 4.8 gm V8 is such a sweet engine. Smooth quiet and does not leak or smoke. No AFM, no flex fuel, no cam timing.

But Car Wizard, in a previous video you recommended not buying the updated Silverado. You said to buy the pre 2007 models.

What I like most about this truck is that it isn't lifted to oblivion and obnoxious. It's a sensible, reliable truck. That is what a truck is supposed to be!

I've owned a 2007 GMC Sierra (1st year of this generation) since new and it now has 296,000 miles with only a few minor issues along the way. It's never stranded me, I've done all the repairs myself, and it's simply the best vehicle I have ever owned.

We bought a '21 Silverado with the 5.3 L84 V8. I had hoped that after 14 model years of cylinder deactivation production, they would have finally figured it out with this generation. The flashing check engine light at 585 miles said otherwise; the lifters failed on two cylinders. If you like arriving at your destination in the vehicle you left in, based on my experience I would recommend against buying anything with cylinder deactivation. We plan on trading it before the warranty runs out.

I've owned every generation GM truck starting with the 73-87 trucks. Each generation brings new tech or new features so comparing across them all is a little difficult. The older generations tend to be more mechanical and less electronic so they are more reliable. But, the gas mileage was worse in the older generations. My favorite generation is the GMT800 which was 99-07. It's the generation that blends together some newer tech and retains some of the reliability before GM started slowly reducing their quality of parts in search of maximum profits.

I bought a 2013 z71 4 years ago for 18k. Best money spent. I can attest that those problems that you pointed out are truly real and have been remedied on this one. The only thing I've done differently is upgraded the brakes to the tow package. I have also deactivated the active fuel management so that I have a V8 all of the time. The other funny thing is I have a Toyota Corolla as a car. I bought it in 2007. I've never had a problem with that car. There is 230,000 miles on this Toyota that I have. I've always been replacing General things like tires and fluids and brakes. That is it.

There's a high schooler in my town who drives one of these and it should have probably been totalled. It looks like it's been jumped in a field a dozen times and the bed is held on by bungee cords... but it somehow still drives.

I've got a 03 suburban. Absolutely love it. Drives like a dream. I do minor repairs that are doable without a bridge since I don't have one and like you say, it's so easy. 218k miles and running strong. Washing the underside is probably one of the best advice you can give on these cars. I take it to a carwash to get the underside washed once a month. It has zero rust..

It’s because the rear wheels came with Drum brakes from factory and they converted them to disc brakes

I had a 2004 GMC version that I got new for work and drove it throughout the Southeast. I put 775K miles on it and sold it running with the original engine. No major engine work but replaced the trans three times.

1999-2007 classic gm truck/SUV's are the pinnacle of reliability and ease of maintenance...in fact almost every vehicle in that year range was very nice...a good balance of technology without being a nightmare to work on. GM trucks from these yrs will easy go 300-500k with little trouble

Always love my transmission oil lines resting on my catalytic converter.

Aye…. The 5.3 in these years had that AFM problem. Same thing with Dodge Ram starting in 06. Also stay far away from the 5.4 3v! At least the GM is easy to work on.

A few things that Wizard fails to mention - if you're looking for this series of truck which ran from 2007-2013, look for a 2010 or newer with a 6L80. The 07-09's 4L60E is a weak point. There is no way this truck has its original transmission at 220k miles. Plus, the 6L80 gives you a little better gas mileage. Bluetooth also became standard equipment after 2010. AFM (displacement-on-demand as GM calls it) isn't a big deal really as long as you keep up with your oil changes. If you're really that hurt about it, you can always disable it and it will happily drain your gas tank running all 8 cylinders at a time. Want to become an expert on P0442 codes and chasing EVAP system leaks? Then BOY HOWDY IS THIS THE TRUCK FOR YOU!!! Avoid the V6 model.

No matter if you work on your own vehicle or take it to your trusty mechanic, it's great to know that this generation of GM trucks are "fix-it friendly". Thank you Wizard and Crazy D. 👍

I've grown oddly attached to my '02 Silverado K2500 work truck with the 6.0L and 4L80. Single cab, long bed, 4x4, manual everything.

Keeping my 02 Silverado Z71 4x4. It's kind of a rare configuration being an extended cab long bed. You don't see many of those half ton trucks. It's got 348k miles on it I just put $1700 into it doing the rear main seal and and oil pump. It's running so good now it's freaking scary for a truck with 348k miles.

Got an ‘09 Sierra with the 5.3 swapped from a 4.8. Bought it at 168,000km (~100,000 miles). Recently hit 200,000 kms and have had literally no issues. Any work done was of my own choosing; lift, bedliner painting, fresh steering, brakes, cold air, etc. Nothing has broken down on me and I love starting that truck every day

Best truck on the road? Oh Car Wizard, you put up a photo of a Chevy in the thumbnail; instead of the Toyota Tacoma.

Standing next to Crazy D the Wizard looked like a small child... Good to see ya! ✌

Those fender flares means it’s rusting out like mine. My 2010 has 173k miles and my AfM lifter tray broke at 143k almost 4years ago causing a damaged cam. I deleted all the AFM with the Texas Speed kit and a non-afm cam. Did all the work myself and even had room to stand between the core support and engine when I did the block/head surface cleaning.

After watching this video, I feel better. I bought one of these 2 days ago with 188k miles on it. Truck's in good shape inside and out. One owner, and it's a Southern truck. My buddy, who's a mechanic, put the scanner on it yesterday and there were no codes stored, so I'm happy for that. Plan on taking it in to the shop this week for an oil change and replace the tranny fluid and filter, since the Carfax I bought for it showed no maintenance records.

I have found over the years that generally GM vehicles are fairly easy to work on vs Ford and Chrysler products. This is why I prefer them over the others.

If I was looking for a truck, this would be it!

Crazy D seriously needs to be careful with his health!!!

While I agree with everything in this video. I would also suggest the older gen 3 trucks just as much, 99+ if you don’t hate the styling or interiors, they are just as good, if not better.

I had a 2003 GMC 2500hd with the 6.0 gas engine that went for 600k miles. Used it mostly for work. I replaced it with a 2019 Chevy 2500hd with the 6.0 as well. 95k miles later, zero problems so far.

I have to agree with you on this, I have a 2007 Silverado the new body style so basically a 2008, it has 243,000 miles and still runs like new, only major thing I had to replace on it was the throttle body, but nothing other than the normal things to go like ball joints, etc. the ball joints actually lasted 230k miles before I had to replace them and they only had a very slight wiggle

I Have a 2007 Silverado with this "new" body style, mine also has the 5.3, with the same transmission. its been a fantastic truck. I just crossed over 110,xxx miles. I am a mid to low experienced mechanic, and was easily able to change spark plugs, wires, etc. myself and all maintenance is done by me. its a fantastic truck. Great video. greetings from Oregon.

I have a 2009 LT with 5.3. Mine has 6 speed transmission and drum brakes on rear (?). I installed the upgraded PCV valve cover and had the AFM deleted. Great truck! Only trouble was a leaking wheel cylinder.

Absolutely agree 100% this generation trucks are very reliable. But it does bother me when people say it’s basically a 5.3 when it’s not. I had an ‘06 Tahoe with the 5.3 and ‘07 Impala SS with the LS4 5.3. My impala also came with “246” heads too which were off of the LS6. LS4 also has higher compression

The 6.0 in the 2500HD dont have the AFM. And they are awesome!! Reliable strong truck.

I had a 2010 Sierra Denali with 6.2L it was perfect truck pretty much. Only better truck i had only because of towing was 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 with Duramax. My folks have a 2012 Silverado with 5.3 and it’s got like 150k+ and it’s just as powerful and smooth as day 1. All this said my dads a master mechanic and machinist for 50+ years so Im well trained myself and your absolutely right about these trucks if you maintenance them normally or better they will run over the energizer bunny and it’s offspring because they keep going and going and going!🤣

So your telling me I should buy this instead of a tundra?

That generation/body style ran all the way to 2013. I have a 2013 Silverado, and so far it's been the most reliable vehicle I've owned in years. So far I've never had a major repair on it. All regular maintenance stuff and consumables (brakes, tires, etc). My previous two cars were both GM, and were nothing but money pits. But my Silverado has been refreshingly reliable (knocks on wood).

The best gas engine is the 6.0 vortec, true workhorse motor, 350k+ on mine still running like new, only thing in the engine replaced is spark plug maintenance

Wizard, I know you’re not a big truck guy but 3/4 ton trucks are much better than 1/2 tons. Not only are the built better no AFM, or turbos if you’re a ford guy

I have almost that same truck. Z71 tho which gets you locking rear diff and I think beefier rear shocks. They have two major common issues to look out for. In the 5.3 the heads on the exhaust manifold bolts break off. Extracting these bolts is difficult with the engine in the vehicle. Namely the rear driver's side bolt which commonly does break it's very close to the firewall. You need a high end mig welder with shielding gas in order to weld a nut on the broken off stud (they pretty much always break off flush with the cylinder head and there is not enough room to use an ez out etc) to then back out the broken stud. Most of the other bolts are accessible enough to use an extractor etc but the best and easiest method is to use a nice mig welder with shielding gas to weld nuts to the broken off bolts. This is an extremely common issue on these vehicles so much so they sell aftermarket clamps that bolt to the cylinder head and puts pressure on the exhaust manifold to seal up the leaks caused by broken manifold bolts. These clamps sound ludicrous but do work since it's usually the same three bolts that break so installing the clamps may seal up the manifold and you're set to go. The clamps don't always work tho for various reasons. If you do use the clamps loctite all the bolts. Listen for a ticking noise while running especially when cold and inspect the exhaust manifold before purchase. Paying a shop to replace the exhaust manifolds and bolts will be fairly expensive depending on condition etc. Expect, $750 to $1500 out the door depending on which bolts are broken how rusted the bolts are etc. It's a difficult job overall in a tight space. The other big expensive common issue on the 5.3 is a rear main seal leak. Despite what the wizard says a leak in the area he shows is commonly the rear main seal. Occasionally it will be the oil pan or oil cooler line cover plate (like he said) but more often than not (especially at higher mileages) if you see a leak just like he shows it is the rear main seal. This leak tends to develop by about 100 to 150k. Like any rear main seal leak the transmission must be removed to replace the seal. In a 4wd that involves removing the transfer case as well so youre looking at another expensive repair in the range of $1200 to $2000 or so varying greatly depending on shop and 2wd or not etc. There is nothing unusual about the job it is just labor intensive and takes a while. One tricky part is disconnecting the exhaust system. Where it connects to the exhaust manifold there are three bolts each side which depending on age salt etc. may or may not come out. You could do the rear main with buddy's in a garage or driveway with out a lift but you will need extra tall jackstands (to be able to raise the vehicle enough to roll out the transmission), a jack with a nice high lift, possibly oxy acetylene to heat up the exhaust bolts for removal (MAP gas may work) and a transmission jack. After that it's just wrenching. Although that sounds daunting these are great trucks with few other common big issues, neither an oil leak or an exhaust leak is going to leave you stranded. They are very reliable. Very very easy and straightforward to work on as was mentioned. The wizard didn't mention that the frame is "fully boxed" which results in a strong and very durable very rust resistant frame. The fenders etc do rust like any vehicle but that's to be expected, maintenance is key to avoiding this. The interior bench seat design is excellent imo love the classic column shifter and front bench seat. Simple easy to clean dash and HVAC. The auto climate control is a little buggy, but not terrible. Expect a few cheap and easy repairs here and there as you should expect with any vehicle. The transmissions are average in durability. Use high quality dex 6 as is recommended, change the ATF and filter with dex 6 about once every 100k. And the trannies should go to over 200k before needing a rebuilt barring an abnormal failure or if it's abused. Always turn off overdrive if towing. Expect a shorter transmission life if you're often working it hard, (high heat climate, towing, lots of city driving, off-roading, plowing, etc) Overall a simple reliable well designed vehicle that with proper care and maintenance should serve a motorist well. Definitely one of the best trucks you can buy for the money.

That would make a great window sticker! “Car Wizard Approved” with a caricature of you doing a 👍.

buying a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 RWD Vortec Max for my son to have while he is away at University on the other side of the country. We are replacing all the fluids/filters and major items and looking forward to the drive/bond from coast to coast. Hoping to get 4 more years and lot of memories.

Thankfully I bought mine before the went way up in price. 300k miles on it still running strong!!!

We sold off all diesil s and have GM 6.0 gas now. No troubles some have 300,000 on original motors transmission in Vans and utility trucks... 2001-2008 our fleet. New ones with AFM high pressure fuel injection and multi cylinder system not good . Keeping old truck s . Spray underside with Krown rust proof grease (not tar) every fall before road salt winter.

I wish I could afford one of these trucks. Sadly up north here they cost an absolute fortune compared to down in the states and theyre always rusty. Had a line on a Wizard unapproved 94 6.5 3500 with a mint body and frame but the engine just scared me too much despite the fact that it had been completely gone through less then 50k km ago lol. Sadly every vehicle where I am has to pass a safety inspection to be registered the first time by a new owner and that includes no rust through anything which is almost impossible to find

*Throwing hammers across the shop* sounds like he did it lately😂😂😂😂💪💪💪

Had a 2008 Chevy Suburban 5.3 .. engine had mystery oil disappearance .. The 6.0 without AFM is better, imo. Very comfortable seats.

I have a 2012 silverado. Took it to a dyno shop and had the afm turned off and a mild tune done. Been driving it for about 10,000 miles now(current mileage is 105k) and so far no issues at all other than a $5 airflow sensor.

A friend of mine had an 08 extended cab z71 as his work truck and it had well over 300k miles before it was totaled. It was a great truck and very dependable for him

Thanks for is Wizard! I got an 09 GMC 1500 and I love it. Great work truck!

Hey Wizard.. Any experience with AFM Disablers that plug into your OBD port? Sold on Amazon for $50-60. They promise not to mess with the ECU. Your thoughts?

I disagree. I've had trouble with GM products, and found that GM does not honor its warranties. They are a bad company to do business with for other reasons, too. I'm done with GM forever.

A big yikes on the rubber undercoating. That truck will be garbage in a couple winters.

I have started doing some of my own repairs on my 2009 Silverado. The Number 8 spark plug is a real pain to get at for changing out. I also changed out the Oil Pressure Sensor and if I took it to a Chevy shop it would be a high cost. (Unless you know how to get to the Sensor) Make sure to change out the filter if you change out the sensor. Your thoughts? Living in rural South Dakota a good 4x4 is a must. I really like my 2009. Thanks for letting others know.

Love my 09 Silverado. 193k and still going strong. I’m a very amateur wrencher but feel confident working on my truck.

You know Scott Kilmer will disagree ...

What about a 2007 Silverado 6.0? That’s what I got last month

i got a 2008 silverado, but mine is the 4.8 variant. which is more reliable and doesnt have active fuel management. it has 238k miles, doesnt burn oil. no leaks, never had any trans or engine problems yet. the only issue ive had, was i had to replace the ball joints and wheel bearings twice.

That truck has a rear disk break conversion. The 07-08 nnbs came with rear drum breaks.

GM used to have great reliability, but newer trucks won’t make it anywhere near 100,000 miles without the transmission, air conditioning, tailgate, water pump and all kinds of stuff breaking!

I love the LS motors. That is why i told my dad to buy a Chevy.They are overall reliable and easy to fix if you need to DIY.

I had a 2008 Silverado identical to this one with almost the exact same mileage. Replaced 3 transmissions and when the 3rd went bad it blew a rod bearing. Bought a 2002 Suburban 2500 (Same as the silverado 2500) and I have to tell you it's a far better vehicle minus the rack and pinion steering.

I have an 08 vmax silverado. Good truck but starting to show it's age. Needs a new ecu because it's throwing codes for things that are working as intended. Also the radiator fans will not stop running even after changing the temp sensor. Other than that great trucks. Could use a tune though. All that factory torque management bs should be abolished!

Remember - it's one mans opinion. Where the wizard lives maybe a Chebby will do going back and forth to work. Its an unreliable rust bucket as a truck to be worked.

Don't take the flares off, I've never seen one the GMs twins 08-13 without bubbling fenders. Including my old 11 Sierra. Otherwise brilliant truck.

04 siverado Z71 5.3 426000+ miles origanal eng/trany. Maintain it and it will last forever.

I bought an '05 with 250K+ miles for $500. It was overheating and clattered on start up. Yea, replaced oil pump and thermostat. It ran great so I did all the things. Love it.

I have always been a Chevy guy. But my dad has a 04 dodge 2500 with the hemi. It has 225k and has had no major service, still going strong. I love both

I literally bought an 08 silverado after watching this, lol!

I wish we had you, your wife, and your staff that could support SoCal... Amazing info ! Thank you !

Emotions affect the price? That is absolutely telling, your ''emotions'' should never impact what you charge a customer. So the more frustrated, upset, and emotional you get, means I'm going to pay a higher price?

My 03' Z71 5.3 has been awesome,have had break downs but one should expect that with any car or truck.Bought new,ext cab 20yrs now and still looks and drives like new.I am a Preventive MAINTENANCE freak,always change oil 3k or less,schedule always followed,now stats.... 217k miles, Just recently had the original radiator done tank split,175k Alternator replaced original at 185k,still good,but i saw a change in the guage reading Front axels 90k left,120k right,and most recently replaced both again 210k Body mount bushings 180k,omg what a difference 195k cats and stainless magnaflow exhaust 190k all new ac system,complete,tough summers in SE 100k new shocks,steps,brakes,calipers,rotors,150k same,200k same All brake lines 180k, 185k Head liner,All new tint,and new windshield Fuel pump 150k Guage Cluster 170k COMPLETE LIGHT KIT 3X'S NOW,3rd TIME WENT TO GM,HOLY CRAP ARE THEY CROOKS,BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN QUALITY,I GOT 13 YRS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL LIGHTS,GOT TIRED OF BUYING LIGHT KITS.EACH HEAD LIGHT ALONE WAS 275,AND NO BULB,YIKES Im retired and disabled and did not want a new truck payment,in the last 1.5 yrs i have done things for preventive reasons and upkeep,for approximately 10k,still better than a new truck pymnt,besides it is still mint has everything i need except the plug for my hair dryer,LMAO,JUST KIDDING,,AND MOST OF ALL IM AT EASE BC I KNOW WHAT I HAVE,HOW RELIABLE IT HAS BEEN,AND IT HAS SAVED MY LIFE DUE TO ITS PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES WITH CRAZY DRIVERS,IT IS A BAD ASS TRUCK,LOVE IT,AND IT IS LONGER THAN MY 66'IMPALA SS,HOLY MOLY,PEACE TO ALL

Thank you Car Wizard. I have a 2005 Tahoe with 412, 560 miles on it with only valve cover gaskets changed on the motor. Good info and appreciate it sir!

I’m a GM guy…so I’m biased…I love my 03 Sierra 2500 HD, I also have an 02 Sierra 2500 HD farm truck…both are as dependable as an Axe. I have had a couple 08 and newer Silverado/Sierras and the new 07 to 13 trucks were problematic compared to the older and newer machines. I contributed it to GMs finances at the time. I think they cut corners and issues manifested after the warranty period.

they're all junk. get rid of all the electronics like fuel injection and electric transmission and transfer case you will have a good dependable truck again

It’s amazing how 2 big time mechanics “Car Wizard” and “Scotty Kilmer” have 2 totally different thoughts on best trucks. Scotty hates GM trucks and says Fords are built better, but Car wizard prefers GM trucks over Ford trucks. Kinda strange how 2 very smart mechanics have totally different preferences on these 2 different truck manufacturers.

These late-2000's Chevrolet Silverado's are still the best pick-ups that GM has ever made, especially the ones with the LS-based, non-AFM, 5.3 L V8 engines and the four-speed automatic transmission. I would like to plan to own one in the foreseeable future. Anyway, can you do another video on a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (RVR in Canada) non-AWC (only 2WD) with the 2 L four-cylinder engine and the five-speed manual-transmission, as well as the 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 X AWD with the 2.5 L flat-4 engine and the four-speed automatic transmission, please? I would like to see those vehicles at the Car Wizard's shop, as well as Mrs. Wizard, demonstrating the interior from the driver's side. Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of the day. See you next video upload on Thursday.

My 2012 gmc sierra is great! It’s got the 4.8 greatest truck I’ve ever owned

I've known to people with these AFM chevies, both motors blew and had to be replaced. Id take a well maintained 3 valve 5.4 with service records over this...or a Titan 5.6L

I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 4x4 with the aluminum block L76 6L with active fuel management. I LOVE my truck, it absolutely hauls ass and the 4x4 is stealthy, you really can’t tell it’s a four wheel drive. I’ve owned it since it came off lease in 2010. I’ll never buy another truck.

I have a oil leak as well on my 13 AND had a mechanic look at it and that's wt he sed it was the rear main! I think he is MISTAKING as well! I think it's the oil cooler line!

Have a 2018 with the 6.2 LS motor. It has had no issues. Definitely like the power over the 5.3. It tows very similar to my old Duramax. Time will tell how well it holds up. Approaching 50,000 now.

Love my 2015 Silverado 2500hd . Bought it new in 2014 . But I'm surprised no one is losing their minds over the Trans cooler lines against the cat conv.. haahahha

I love bench seats ! That truck looks in good shape.

180k on my 07 Yukon Denali with the 6.2 that comes without afm. Love it and the 410hp! Really gets up and goes, but I may need a transmission rebuild in a year or so (doesn't hold on 5th gear for long), but been good otherwise. Have maintained myself and added a billet torque converter too. It performs really well and the interior and exterior are flawless also due to upkeep and care. Not confident in anything with the afm technology though unless deleted.

Chevy had the square body OBS and cat eyes where my favorite vintage with the 2500 had the 6 liter with 4l80e was the best work truck I had . But the BBS was the lowest point in GM . The parts bin was the worst on even corvettes using a steering wheel out is a cobalt and the knobs and clusters where the worst . BBS is what I refer to as the Bailout Body Style

I have it's distant twin, a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ and it has 441,000 kms, and it's phenomenal. Incredibly reliable and rugged. Toyota's are nice, but frames rust up here in Canada badly. Keep up with oil changes and other services, and these things run like gems.

12:42 raging moments could include oil pressure sensor

I got an 07 Suburban, bought it with 160k now has 298k on it. No lights no issues 1st motor 1st trans. The only things I have had to do to this truck is basic maintenance that you would expect to do. The only thing that I did to mine so that I did not have to deal with the AFM failure was tune it out so that the 5.3 stays in v8 mode. it is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The only thing I would say that sucks is the number 8 spark plug but its not the worst I have dealt with.

I have a 2009 Silverado LT 5.3L. Definitely keep an eye on the oil levels. I was burning about a qt every 1,000 miles. Changed the valve cover with the PCV. My oil consumption reduced drastically. At 145,xxx miles now I've had no major issues other than typical cheap GM crap. I've replaced the master cylinder (never flushed it for 7+yrs), evap canister, PCV, power window switch panel on 2 doors, center console lid. I probably should do the AFM deflector add bulletin, but a recent leak down test shows the engine is still really strong. Definitely flush the brake fluid often. I believe my master cylinder leak was caused due to lack of maintenance on my part.

If y’all think that’s a lot of engine space you should see the 4.3. I can stand in the engine bay and bend my knees

Have a 2008 1500 lt with the 4.8 engine. Just hit 380,000 miles with no issues at all. Carry over 2000 lbs on it all week long. Great truck.

Agreed. As far as pick-ups (generally my go-to daily), I've always had GM products. As far as passenger vehicles, I typically stay away from GM, for the most part. I was an auto mechanic for 25+ years, recently hanging up that belt for other ventures. I know what's what, but I'm tired. A chef doesn't want to go home and cook dinner, that's the last thing he wants to do after working all day. As a mechanic, if you're wise, you know what to buy for yourself to avoid having to stress yourself out when your own vehicle needs attention. GM still has the simplest platform, and I certainly don't mind doing reasonable repairs on my own vehicle. Although my current is a '14 with VVT and AFM to try to comply with governmental emissions regulations (which creates more mechanical failure points), and I wish I had programmed out these features some years ago, because I'm starting to have issues with that. Other than that, even the '14 has been very forgiving to own as a daily driver for 6 years now.

Love my 2009 Sierra without active fuel mgmt

I like my 2011, but I got an OBD2 plug-in that keeps it full time v8. Trying to keep that valve train working. Gas mileage around town actually got better. 14.6 mpg went to 14.7. Small victories.