If you have been thinking about purchasing a used Chevy 1500 for sale, then you might be a bit confused about where to begin. Not only is it one of the most popular full-size pickups in the United States, but the Silverado 1500 has also been around for over 20 years, so there are a lot of used models available. With four generations of models to choose from, I’m going to walk you through which ones are among your best bets on the used market. Let’s get started exploring everything that this capable half-ton truck has to offer.
First Generation Chevy 1500 Trucks
The first generation of Chevy 1500 trucks was in production from 1999 to 2007. If you happen to find a model hailing from one of these years, then it will be extremely affordable. While these pickups are still quite powerful, they lack most of the newer tech upgrades that you can find in later generations. Here’s what you can expect from a used Chevy 1500 for sale from the first generation.
There are three powertrains that you may see on any of these vehicles. First is the 4.3-liter Vortec V6 that pumps out 200 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This motor can be found on all model years of the first-generation Silverado 1500. However, in 2004, the V6 was revised to deliver 195 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Next is the 4.8-liter Vortec V8. This particular motor pushes out 255 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque on trucks from the first model year. However, it was tweaked in 2000 to make 270 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. In 2004, it was revamped yet again to offer drivers 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Overall, this V8 is arguably the most well-rounded choice of the three engines.
Finally, the last powertrain you may come across in first-generation Chevy 1500 models is the 5.3-liter Vortec V8. Like the smaller V8, this engine was revised after the first model year, increasing output from 270 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque to 285 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It was redesigned again in 2004 to deliver 295 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. If you want excellent power for a low price, this is the engine to look for.
As for features, many of these older models come with practical elements like a spray-in bed liner on higher trims and maybe even an in-bed power outlet. However, you will be missing out on a lot of nifty components that come into play later on. However, if you are on a tight budget, a first-generation used Chevy 1500 will serve you well.
Second Generation
Produced from 2007 until 2014, the second generation of the Chevy 1500 models saw some much-needed updates. While the same three body styles are available, the four-door extended cab was updated with front-opening rear doors that swing 170-degrees. This makes it easier for passengers to climb into the back and allows for easier loading of large items. Overall, the second generation took what was good from the first generation and added even more valuable features.
Four powertrain options can be found with the second-generation models. The first is the same 4.3-liter V6 from the first-generation trucks, which carried over without any changes. The second is the 4.8-liter V8, which delivers 295 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque in the first few model years of this generation. In 2010, it was revised to make 302 hp with the same amount of torque. This slight change may be more attractive to some buyers.
Next, the 5.3-liter V8 makes around 315 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque, a substantial boost over the previous generation’s 5.3-liter V8. Finally, the 6.0-liter V8 motor from 2007 to 2008 makes 367 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. In 2009, it was updated for 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, marking a new milestone for Chevy’s half-ton truck. Depending on your needs, you can select which powertrain will be best suited for you.
If you want a second-generation Chevy 1500, you should consider the 2012 version. This year marked a refresh that added numerous modern features to the truck. If that’s something you want, then you should particularly look for LTZ, SLT, or Denali trims. Ventilated seats and wood grain interior accents can also be found on these higher trim levels, as well as an available redesigned touchscreen navigation system.
Third Generation
Since the fourth generation is the current Chevy 1500 model and is only just reaching used car lots, the third generation will be the last one we will discuss today. From 2014 to 2019, these trucks include the most advanced technology that you can find on the used market. A good example of this can be seen with the Chevrolet MyLink multimedia center. Displayed on a touchscreen interface, this system was standard on most trims. It includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auxiliary input jack to hook up your smartphone, and USB ports for charging. The USB ports can also be used with many iPhone models to stream music via Pandora.
OnStar is another example. This standard feature allows first-responders to locate your truck if it ever gets stolen. It will also notify emergency services in the event of an accident. You can even find a top-tier trim from the third generation that comes with a premium Bose stereo. It just depends on which particular model you want.
Looking at the tiro of powertrains, you will notice a few differences. The older Vortec engines were replaced by more efficient EcoTec designs. The first is a 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 that makes 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque – that’s as much power as the top 5.3-liter Vortec V8 found in the original Silverado 1500. Next is the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 that pushes out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. For models from 2016 to 2018, it may also come with eAssist technology for even greater efficiency and low-end torque. Finally, the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 delivers a whopping 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Our suggestion for a used Chevy 1500 is a 2016 model. These trucks underwent a mid-cycle refresh and came out with a redesigned grille, front fascia, and new headlights. HD radio is also offered, along with an available 8-inch touchscreen interface and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. If you happen to find one that has bucket seats and a center console, it may also include a wireless charging pad to help reduce the amount of clutter inside the cabin. A 2016 used Chevy 1500 will provide you with all the technology you want without the steep price tag of a newer used model.
Find a Used Chevy 1500 for Sale
Now that you have a better understanding of what each generation of Chevy 1500 models comes with, you can narrow down your options. From an affordable first-generation model to a tech-heavy third-generation truck, there is something for everyone when you are shopping for a Silverado on the used market. Just figure out what you need out of a truck and then head over to your local used Chevy dealer to see what they have in stock. With so many different options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect used Silverado 1500 for your needs at an affordable price.
