2013 or 2018

Moose07 · November 9, 2020

Hello all,

Within a couple of months I'm looking to buy a either. 2012/2013 silverado or a 2018 silverado but cannot decided which one would be best.

They will both be 2wd

6speed auto (iv heard to many bad things about the 8speed from the newer models)

5.3 engine

Will be used for light towing and some trail running (nothing to crazy which is why I figured the 4wd wouldn't be worth it in my case).

I feel like the earlier version of the truck are more reliable but I also really enjoy the comfort features/tech of the newer truck. Any advice or thoughts on the 2018 model vs the 2012/2013.

Thanks to everyone in advance

SARNCAN · November 9, 2020

Hello all,
Within a couple of months I'm looking to buy a either. 2012/2013 silverado or a 2018 silverado but cannot decided which one would be best.

They will both be 2wd
6speed auto (iv heard to many bad things about the 8speed from the newer models)
5.3 engine

Will be used for light towing and some trail running (nothing to crazy which is why I figured the 4wd wouldn't be worth it in my case).

I feel like the earlier version of the truck are more reliable but I also really enjoy the comfort features/tech of the newer truck. Any advice or thoughts on the 2018 model vs the 2012/2013.

Thanks to everyone in advance [emoji106]

If I were you, I would go for 2018 4WD (even if you don’t use it regularly, at least it is there for need)

newdude · November 9, 2020

2018 5.3 will have the 6 speed as well unless its an LTZ then it is possible to have the 8 speed.

SARNCAN · November 9, 2020

2018 5.3 will have the 6 speed as well unless its an LTZ then it is possible to have the 8 speed.

I think LTZ will still have 6-speed
6.2L engines as of the Denali will have 8-speed

evad · November 9, 2020

just my opinion but go 2018 .....that l83 and 6 spd is the shnizzle ....but i think i'm the only one on here that believes that

Moose07 · November 9, 2020

4 hours ago, SARNCAN said:

If I were you, I would go for 2018 4WD (even if you don’t use it regularly, at least it is there for need)

I would love 4wd but iv read up that it tends to fail quite ofthen. Do you have any experience with it ?

diyer2 · November 9, 2020

I don't think 4 WD has problems. I think you're reading only the ones who have issues. Can you do your own maintenance? Changing fluids in the drive line will be a big advantage.

I would get the lowest mileage truck I could afford.

SARNCAN · November 9, 2020

I would love 4wd but iv read up that it tends to fail quite ofthen. Do you have any experience with it ?

No problems with 4WD system, you just need to use it a little from time to time to circulate the oil inside to prevent gear jam or failure.

You never know when you need 4WD in any situation

What is known to fail is the torque converter and sometimes transmission clutches.

* You have to make sure that you change trans and transfer case fluid regularly, and prevent overheat of the transmission fluid (I assume you know about the trans thermostat delete)

Moose07 · November 9, 2020

3 hours ago, diyer2 said:

I don't think 4 WD has problems. I think you're reading only the ones who have issues. Can you do your own maintenance? Changing fluids in the drive line will be a big advantage.

I would get the lowest mileage truck I could afford.

Yea I suppose whenever looking up reliability the more vocal ones are the ones with issues. I can do alot of maintenance and replace most simple wear and tear parts myself(usually on my 06 silverado) but I'm also not a mechanic by any means either.

Edited November 9, 2020 by Moose07

Forace2018 · January 29, 2021

On 11/9/2020 at 2:48 PM, Moose07 said:

I would love 4wd but iv read up that it tends to fail quite ofthen. Do you have any experience with it ?

Ive had only 4X4 trucks since 1973 and never had a failure. That being said, I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500SLT with the 6.2l and 4X4 and unless something ever happens to this truck ,,, it will be my last. Best truck I have ever had hands down. Plus this is the first new truck I ever bought because when i test drove it i fell in love with it. I have a CAI and simple exhaust work done as well as a Diablew Tune and on the highway traveling I can get 22-24 mpg which is much better than the last Chevy I had with the 5.3. Just my $.02 but maybe will help you to decide. Good luck in your decision.

YukonXL04 · January 29, 2021

26 minutes ago, Forace2018 said:

Ive had only 4X4 trucks since 1973 and never had a failure. That being said, I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500SLT with the 6.2l and 4X4 and unless something ever happens to this truck ,,, it will be my last. Best truck I have ever had hands down. Plus this is the first new truck I ever bought because when i test drove it i fell in love with it. I have a CAI and simple exhaust work done as well as a Diablew Tune and on the highway traveling I can get 22-24 mpg which is much better than the last Chevy I had with the 5.3. Just my $.02 but maybe will help you to decide. Good luck in your decision.

This. I have the same 2018, 6.2 8spd 4x4 and I love this truck. I use my 4x4 occasionally and haven't ever had any problems with it. I did with my 2000 2500 gmc. Had several issues with the 4x4 on it.

How did you get a diablew tune on the 6.2/8spd? I thought it was locked out