Finding the perfect used Chevy for sale can feel like trying to find Waldo. The same rings true for the Chevy Silverado 1500. GM has been making this truck for over 25 years, and with its legendary dependability, millions are still on the road. With so many trims, generations, and features, what should you prioritize in your search for a dream full-size truck at a reasonable price?
With so many different truck-driving desires out there, trying to narrow down five or ten features everyone should seek out would be a fool’s errand. As such, I’m going to look at some general categories of Silverado features, why they matter, and how to find the ones you want and need. By using this as a jumping-off point, you can start on the path to a used Silverado 1500 you’re proud of.
Model Year
Some people don’t consider the model year a feature, but I respectfully disagree. The model year tells you a lot about the truck, including what engines, suspension designs, infotainment screens, and upholstery were available from the factory. They also let you know what generation and cycle the truck is, and dates can signify when major changes occur that affect the performance. The third-generation Silverado 1500, made from 2014 to 2019, used a new platform that had more refined driving manners, but you may prefer the rougher-around-the-edges dynamics of the 2007 to 2013 second-generation truck. Mid-cycle refreshes like that in 2016 also indicate major changes you may like or not like.
Engine Options
Next, you’ll want to look at what engine is inside your potential Silverado 1500, as many have been offered. If you count mid-cycle reworkings, the second-generation Silverado 1500 made from 2007 to 2013 had a whopping seven engine options through its run, ranging from the 195-hp 4.3L Vortec V6 to the 403-hp 6.2L Vortec V8. Those looking for a Silverado 1500 with a diesel engine for efficiency and towing are limited to the fourth-generation trucks, which started production in 2019. More recent Silverado 1500s are likely to have more powerful and longer-lasting engines, such as the 420 hp, 460 lb-ft 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 in high-end fourth-generation trucks, but they’ll cost more, too. You might be fine with less horsepower, but you also don’t want to unexpectedly get a kitten when you want a mountain lion.
Cab and Bed Size
Chevy is known for offering a lot of cab and bed combinations, and you’ll need to pay attention to what you’re getting. Historically, the Silverado has three cab options:
- Regular Cab: One row of seating with two doors and storage behind the seats.
- Double/Extended Cab: Two rows of seating with a tighter second row and short swing-out rear doors.
- Crew Cab: Two rows of seating with a more spacious second row and four full-size doors.
There are also typically three bed sizes:
- Short Bed: 70 in
- Standard Bed: 79 in
- Long Bed: 98 in
That said, there may only be certain combinations available, especially on certain trim levels. The long bed is traditionally exclusive to the regular cab, and some trims only offer double and crew cabs. You must decide whether getting the combo you want is worth potentially giving up some other features or paying for things you don’t need.
Towing and Payload Capacity
You’re not buying a truck to putt-putt around in. You’re buying it to haul everything you need and then some. Pay attention to the towing and payload ratings of the Silverado 1500 you’re looking at. The key principle is that smaller gas engines have better payload, while bigger gas engines and diesel power plants have better towing. From there, factors like the truck’s age, cab, bed, and wheel size play roles. Regardless, the Max Trailering Package is a must for serious workers and adventurers.
Here’s a case study. The fourth-generation Silverado 1500 with a Duramax diesel engine, short bed, and RWD has a towing capacity of 9,300 lbs in the standard configuration. If the original owner added the Max Trailering Package and 20-inch wheels, the capacity jumps to 13,300 lbs. The 2.7L turbo-four engine is capped at 9,200 lbs regardless. As for payload, a fourth-generation diesel Silverado 1500 reaches 1,970 lbs, but the 2.7L turbo-four engine has a payload capacity of 2,260 lbs. Those differences add up.
Off-Roading Capability
I know many of you like to take your truck off the main roads, which is why you should pay attention to whether a Silverado 1500 is off-road ready. Chevy is famous for its Z71 off-road package that adds a factory lift kit, all-terrain tires, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, a heavy-duty air filter, and other goodies to tackle mud and snow. Be aware of availability. Chevy typically only offered the Z71 upgrade on Silverados with V8 engines, and the third generation limited it to the LT and LTZ trim levels. Silverados from 2019 onward include the Custom and LT Trail Boss with the Z71 package, plus better shocks, and recent model years offer the ZR2 aimed at the most serious off-roaders.
Infotainment Technology
One trade-off to buying a used Chevy Silverado 1500 is that you’ll have to check whether it offers the equipment you need to entertain and inform. GM has added many tech features over the years that you may think are essential, nice to have, or unnecessary. Here are a few of the important infotainment milestones to consider:
- 2014: The Silverado 1500 begins offering standard smartphone integration and OnStar capability.
- 2015: HD Radio is added to the LT and LTZ trims.
- 2016: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay become standard in all Silverado 1500s with the larger of the two infotainment touchscreens.
- 2022: The touchscreen upgrade option gets a boost from eight to 13.4 inches and adds Google Built-in.
Depending on the truck, you may also find SiriusXM satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspots, charging pads, and GPS navigation. In all situations, the WT and Custom trims have much more basic tech than other trims, so if you want a stripped-down infotainment experience, those are the trucks to target.
Safety Features
If safety is a priority, you’ll want to pay attention to what safety add-ons come with your Silverado. Driver assistance debuted on the third-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 in 2014 with the Driver Alert Package. This basic loadout, included in some optional upgrades, offered early versions of forward collision alerts and lane-keeping assistance. Those should be the bare minimum most drivers accept.
Beginning in 2019 with the fourth generation, GM started adding Chevy Safety Assist to every Silverado 1500. On lower trims, this meant improved versions of existing safety tech, an HD rear camera, automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, automatic high beams, and trailer hitch guidance. Higher trims can offer even more safety features such as blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking assistance, HD Surround Vision, and rear pedestrian alerts.
Reliability and Recalls
Even if you’re buying used, you want to get plenty of good years from your truck. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is known as one of the most reliable trucks ever. It’s a former winner of the J.D. Power “Most Dependable Light-Duty Pickup” award. Some editions are more reliable than others, though, and mileage and age aren’t the only factors.
For example, the 2012 and 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500s are cited as some of the most durable Silverado 1500s produced. According to the NHTS, the 2012 model only has four recalls and the 2017 model has six, which are low by any standard. On the other hand, the 2014 Silverado 1500 has 20 recalls, and the 2015 edition has 23. Research what sort of recalls were issued and determine whether they have been addressed, so you’re not stuck taking the time to do it or experiencing a sudden failure.
Find the Silverado 1500 Features Right for You
No two people want their truck to be the same. That’s why Chevy has offered so many ways to purchase a new Silverado 1500 and why there are so many features to consider when buying a used model. I hope the advice and guidance I’ve offered here will help you in your quest for a high-value Silverado 1500 that fits your vision of the ideal truck. Above all, remember it’s your wants and needs that matter. If a specific Silverado 1500 doesn’t match, there’s a good chance you can find another one that will.
