Buy GM ???

[Passage2]

I'm in the market for a new tow vehicle and after much research was planning to buy a Chevy Silverado 2500 until the news headlines today. Should I purchase or shift my business away from GM?

[AKB]

I think all of us are wondering about that. GM, Ford, and Toyota are all losing money. I assume Honda and the others are also losing money. It is hard to know who will go down first, and if parts and servicing will be available after they go down. At least GM and Ford have produced huge numbers of trucks. The demand for parts and service should encourage some manufacturers to keep producing parts. I would not buy an esoteric model of anything at this point. At least there are thousands (or maybe millions) of the GM pickup trucks on the roads that will need someone to manufacture the same parts you need over the next 10 years.

[joharavhf]

I would and WILL buy a GMC truck any day of the week. Not sure what the news was, but I have had two GMC Sierras 2500s and they are WONDERFUL trucks!!!!!

[Parker_Rider]

I can't find the link right now, but I just read an article on Yahoo! news that it's safe to buy cars/trucks from these companies. Even if that arm of the company gets killed (Saturn, Pontiac, Saab, Hummer, etc), the warranty will still be honored, the parts will still be made by the parts companies because there are still so many of them on the road + many of these car companies share parts between models (the example was a part from a Saturn is also used in a Malibu). So if you want to buy a GM truck, go for it!!
Personally, I loff my Dodge... but hey, if you like inferiority... ;) TOTALLY just kidding!!!!! yay new trucks (of any kind)! it's always exciting!

[msj]

I didn't know George Morris (GM) was for sale! :D

Sorry, but it's past my bedtime and that's the first thought that came to mind when I saw the topic. :lol:

While I have a Chevy pickup right now, I've always had Ford's in the past and will probably go back to Ford again if I get rid of the Chevy. Besides Ford hasn't (YET) asked for any bail out money. But if you have your heart set on the Silverado 2500 go for it. Just make sure you know a local service station that can keep it running just in case.... :(

[MunchkinsMom]

I would buy another GM truck, I'm on my second. My first was a 1986 K30 one-ton, and it is still on the road, being used as a farm/plow truck up in CT. I now drive a 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD and I love it.

[dalpal]

I didn't know George Morris (GM) was for sale! :D

Sorry, but it's past my bedtime and that's the first thought that came to mind when I saw the topic. :lol:

While I have a Chevy pickup right now, I've always had Ford's in the past and will probably go back to Ford again if I get rid of the Chevy. Besides Ford hasn't (YET) asked for any bail out money. But if you have your heart set on the Silverado 2500 go for it. Just make sure you know a local service station that can keep it running just in case.... :(

Snort, that was the first thought that came to me as well. :lol:

[gabz]

I don't know if the laws have changed or not, but it was a requirement that manufacturers provide parts for 7 years beyond a model year.

Here in the Detroit area, it's very scary with what's happening. If it were me, I would buy Ford or GM (Ford is what I traditionally buy) but not Chrysler simply because Chrysler is a privately traded company while Ford and GM are publicly traded. Chrysler is owned by a private company.

Buying at this time is the right consumer thing to do. If each person that is employed buys a US made "thing", we could all strengthen the economy. I find it harder and harder and harder to find what I want that is made in the US. My first trip to a JoAnn fabric in many moons and gee whilikers - fabrics are all made in foreign countries. What happened to our textile mills in North & South Carolina? I used to buy fabric from mills in Scranton, PA when I worked retail. sad, sad, sad.

Lord only knows what will happen when soldiers come home to add to the unemployed. sigh...

So yes. Buy a GM vehicle. Two friends have 3/4 ton GM Diesels... they last a long time. (I get a Ford discount, so that's what I buy)

[TheOrangeOne]

I think you'll be fine. Even if GM goes bankrupt, it won't fall off the map. Make sure to find a dealer you trust. When a franchise of ours went under and really disappeared into thin air, we paid warranty claims on the cars out of pocket. While that's usually not economically feasable, a good dealer will be able to work something out with you. Saab just went bankrupt and while they are going to continue providing warranties to every vehicle on the ground, had they not done so, our plan was to include an aftermarket plan with all the vehicles. A good ethical dealer will be able to help you feel confident and happy with your purchase.

[Painted Horse]

Manufactures are supposed provide spare parts for up to 5 years after they stop production. Gabz above said 7 years, even better.

MunchinMoms says she is driving a 1986 truck. Now I now that model has been discontinued There have been several models of GM trucks since the 1986 model. Where does she get parts and service for a 23 year old truck? Somebody is making parts. My brother still has his 1970 Mustang, that he drives. He still buys parts for that car 39 years after it was built.

Parts will be available, even if GM goes bankrupt.

[Dirty Little Secret]

I adore my GM 2500. It's the HD 4x4 model (2006?). Pulls great, comfortable, no trouble to date. Great truck. I'd definitely buy again.

[msj]

Manufactures are supposed provide spare parts for up to 5 years after they stop production. Gabz above said 7 years, even better.

MunchinMoms says she is driving a 1986 truck. Now I now that model has been discontinued There have been several models of GM trucks since the 1986 model. Where does she get parts and service for a 23 year old truck? Somebody is making parts. My brother still has his 1970 Mustang, that he drives. He still buys parts for that car 39 years after it was built.

Parts will be available, even if GM goes bankrupt.

I rather imagine that the parts available for older models, say MunchinMoms and your brothers, are available thru a junk yard. I believe the mechanics contact a junk yard looking for parts.

[Bravestrom]

I adore my GM 2500. It's the HD 4x4 model (2006?). Pulls great, comfortable, no trouble to date. Great truck. I'd definitely buy again.

You can't get a better truck that this - we have this - in a crew cab - pulls a 4 horse slant load with 4 large draft crosses - no problems. Has taken the trailer through some mud when many other trucks at the same events got stuck including dualies.

I love this truck and it works great for us.

[Kementari]

I have a 17 year-old Chevy truck, and I can find parts for it just fine at the local NAPA. With the number of GM vehicles on the road, I SERIOUSLY doubt that if GM DID go under, suddenly everyone else would stop making parts for their vehicles, too.

[Woodland]

YES! Buy it!

They are well made well performing vehicles that will survive this depression.

[mybeau1999]

I work at a chevy dealership and our sales(wo)men are hurting. You will love the truck, be safe with the warranty and help one of them put food on the table:D

[gabz]

a little OT... but regarding finding parts. In 1978 I bought a Ford Fiesta. It was built in Europe (still is.. it's a great little car). well I started having trouble finding parts somewhere around 1985 or so... I discovered that many of the parts for a mercury-branded product were a match and cheaper too!!

But really. The 3/4 GMs are great trucks.
Go to MrTruck.com and check around there too!!

[LoveMyPonies]

My husband and I, as well are both of our parents and extended families only buy GM. We own a 2006 2500 HD Sierra gas engine and love it! My inlaws have the 2006 2500 HD Diesel Silverado and that's a nice truck too. One suggestion if you're buying new is to watch the gearing on the gas trucks. We haven't had a problem with the diesel, but our gas one can be a guzzler when towing. They recently came out with different gearing for the gas trucks and it makes a world of difference. Our smart lease is just about over and we're either going to get a GMC diesel or the new gearing in the gas trucks. We LOOOOOVE them! :D
And... if you're looking for a daily driver, I have a Cobalt SS 2.4 that is a-maz-ing. Great on gas, awesome heated seats which were great this winter and the 2.4 engines run for FOREVER! :winkgrin:
I'm certainly not too worried about the whole auto industry. Call me naiive, but I just can't see the largest auto maker in the world going down without more of a fight.

Happy Truck Hunting!

[BeastieSlave]

I would in a heartbeat :yes: I bought my current Tahoe in September. The one before that did an amazing job for me for over 250,000 miles. My husband's had his Trailblazer for seven years and the Blazer he had before that was sixteen years old when he finally traded it in. DH and I are loyal GM owners.
The way I see it, even if the company totally tanks (heaven forbid!) there are still plenty of independant mechanics who can work on the vehicles and there will be plenty of parts out there. Not buying now because of what 'might' happen seems foolish and buying now might just be helpful.

[Auventera Two]

Just got back from buying shavings in my 08 2500 HD Sierra, Diesel. It is the BEST truck we've ever owned. Just plain LOVE IT. It's loaded with leather and all the options. It's a luxury vehicle and towing vehicle in one. We have a collection of Camaros and we're waiting for the new production model to come out, so YES, buy GM. Support GM PLEASE so I can get my new Camaro. :cool: Some people in our Camaro club are in cahoots with the higher ups within GM and they don't seem to have any worries, so I don't either. We will always buy GM and nothing else. We had a Silverado before this with 130,000 miles and sold it for a good price and it had no problems. Just a great truck.

I agree if you're buying a toe vehicle, go diesel. We have the Allison transmission and the truck is very well powered and looks great. When you're towing, the transmission is even more important than the engine. Seriously, if you're going to make such a big purchase, add another 8k to it and get the diesel. They last longer, they are powered better, and the resale is higher than a gasoline engine.

And even if they go bankrupt, they'll still be around. Most of the major airlines are all bankrupt and they're still flying and have been for a couple years now.

About 8 months ago we bought the new truck to support our country, and GM. :lol: You should too. :winkgrin: :)

[Dune]

A box van one ton, CHEVY. A 3/4 ton CHEVY. A 1/2 ton CHEVY. We like all three for different reasons! :cool:

[ToTheNines]

My tow vehicle (for a two horse Featherlite slant) is a 2001 Chevy 2500 HD, and I LOVE it.

My personal vehicle is a 1996 Chevy Cheyanne (bare bones Silverado) 1500 with over 200,000 miles, and it still runs great, with amazingly little maintenance.

I am a Chevy truck gal all the way! I have no trouble at all getting parts and service for the 1996. When I take it in, the repair guys tell me what a good truck it is.

[Passage2]

Thanks for all the great advice. Brought her home last night. What a beauty!!!! Unfortunately, my husband already scratched it pulling into the garage. OOOh well, silly boys....

[Kementari]

My personal vehicle is a 1996 Chevy Cheyanne (bare bones Silverado) 1500 with over 200,000 miles, and it still runs great, with amazingly little maintenance.

This is what I have (only 4 years older and a few fewer miles). GREAT truck. :yes: I tow with it, too, but I have a very small trailer. ;)

[Tom King]

I've been driving my 3500 for a little over 8 years and just recently had it's first "breakdown". It's # 28 off the assembly line when they first started making the Duramax/Allison HDs.

One side of the tailgate latch came off the handle inside the tailgate. I popped off the snap on cover around the handle and saw the problem. A 9 cent push-nut from Ace hardware fixed the problem in about 10 seconds. Current set of tires have been on it for 82,000 miles and I'll change them this spring anyway because I have an equipment trailer that uses that size tires and needs replacements. I'll put the ones off the truck on the trailer and new ones on the truck. Original brake pads still look fine at 140,000 miles-I'm a smooth driver.

I'll buy another new one when this one wears out but it looks like it will be at least another 8 years.

[MunchkinsMom]

I'll buy another new one when this one wears out but it looks like it will be at least another 8 years.

That's what I figure. I bought that '86 Chevy in '92, and drove it another 10 years, it was 16 years old when I sold it, and the buyers are still using it. I don't know where they get parts, but that big old gas guzzling 454 engine was popular among gear-heads, so parts are probably still out there.

So, I figure that I should be driving my current truck for another 9 years!