GMTruckGuy74

Hope you have a great one!!

I only have 1.5 kids (14 y-o & 3 y-o), so while a 4-door is definitely more practical, I could get by with a 2-door. The wife on the otherhand wants the convenience of a 4-door. I'm still hung up on the '01 2500 extend cab (see the post right before this one). If I had to make a purchase by this weekend, I'd probably end up with that 2500. Seeing as how I have the lease tying me down right now, unless I found a beneficial-to-me way out, I don't think I'll end up with it. I need to stop online window shopping, if only for the purpose of keeping my sanity!!

Well, here it is two days later and I still can't get the 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT Extend Cab 4WD out of my head!! It doesn't help that the landscaping company that was responsible for snow removal the last two days in my development had similar Sierra 2500 Extend Cab pickups plowing the streets; nor as I drove around on errands today I saw no less than four Sierra 2500's on the roads or in parking lots (they're stalking me!!). I think for my sanity I need to go see this truck this weekend Also, I've been thinking about the 2001 Regular Cab SLE 1500 Z71/4WD too. I really need to find out if the selling dealership has any maintenance records available, and any background history on the truck they can give me. If it turns out that it is a well-kept, reliable truck, I'd definitely be interested in it more. Anything that is not a GMC Sierra is not keeping me interested very long (like the Alero coupe I posted about). If I'm going to not have a new car/truck by late summer, I want whatever used vehicle I end up with to be something I do want and not have to settle for. In the meantime, I'll keep looking over the next several months - there's no immediate need for me to do anything, and I'm not sure how I could get out of my lease in a beneficial way at this time without costing me money that I don't want to part with.

PCS, thanks for your input, I do appreciate it. Common sense is telling me to pass on the '01 Sierra 2500, as the extend cab is not as roomy for the family and I don't have a need for a 3/4 pickup and the capabilities it offers. As for the '01 Sierra Regular Cab, the main benefit is that I could have it paid off in about 12 months with low payments - unless I was able to negotiate a much better cash deal and drive away with it. It may not offer room for more than 3, but a small payment or no payment is much better than worrying about making my current lease payment after June. daves87rs, your advice on the Jimmy/Blazer (and Bravada) are spot on. I've spoken with a couple of other people I know that are more knowledgable with mechanics than me and they told me to stay away from the Jimmy/Blazer/Bravada - especially since 4WD/AWD systems can be costly to repair, in addition to other reliability issues. I was looking at a 2001 Jimmy SLT 4WD with 110k and a 2000 Bravada Platinum with 105k. My two friends basically said no and recommend I stick with a car if I'm going with an older, used purchase to hold me over. Both also were leary of the '01 Regualr Cab with 175K, saying that repairs could run costly too. But they said those trucks with the 5.3L V8 engine are known for lasting over 200k miles and said if I could drive away with it for $2,000 cash, it might be a good deal (they both recommended a mechanic to check it out first before I do anything). Throwing Oldsmoboi in here, he has mentioned to me in the past to look at used Oldsmobile Aleros. I've always liked the GLS Coupe, so I did a Craigslist search in my area and found this one: Link The good thing with this car is that I could drive it and pay it off in 24 months and that's about when my stepson will be turning 17 - I can give it to him as his first car (of course I know he won't like it - he wants a Scion Tc - but who can refuse a free car when offered???). The wife likes this idea too, however I need to see what I can do with my SmartLease (there's a local CarSense dealer that is advertising they are looking to buy newer, decent condition used cars, so I might stop by there this week to see what can be worked out).

Here's the info on the '01 Sierra SLE, Regular Cab, Longbed, Z71/4WD:

I guess I will continue searching older, used GMC Jimmy 4-door SLE & SLT models. I've been concentrating my search on 2000 & 2001 models, the last ones offered before the GMT-360 Envoy took over. Any advice on the Jimmy models?

WMJ, see I prefer pickup trucks to cars, I don't necessarily need one (much like someone who prefers sports cars to sedans. even when they have a family to transport). I'm not a 'huge' person - being 5'9" and 240lbs - but I hate small, tiny interiors and need a vehicle that I find roomy and comfy, one benefit of owning a full-size pickup (the AURA and G6 that we have are the smallest I am willing to go, and even then 1.5+ long hour drives can get tiresome quickly for me). That being said, let me answer your questions: 1. Use: Daily driver 95% of the time; hauling snack foods/beverage cases once a week for my job (wholesale shopping club) being the other 4%; 1% for all of the family calls I'll get to haul something for them. More bulky stuff than heavy stuff, at least once a week. 2. People: The truck will need to carry me on a a dialy basis, and be available to carry my wife and two boys (14 y-o <5' 8", 140lbs> and 3 y-o <50", 40lbs, in a booster seat>) comfortably on the weekends. Honestly, carrying people is more important than cargo. 3. Interior space: More would be nice - an extended cab is a must for weekend family hauling needs. However, we do have the wife's G6 to use for weekend duty, so the regular cab I posted above could suffice to save me cash (assuming I don't get my contract and I'm unemployed for an undetermined amount of time). 4. Towing: No need at this time. 5. Budget: Well, I know I can afford what I'm paying right now for the AURA lease (very low $300s)... but assuming I'm unemployed in four months and will be for an undetermined amount of time, that's questionable (and may require me to give up the lease anyway). I have $2k in cash on hand, but am hesitant to use it should I find myself unemployed beyond the summer and in need of money to survive. So I've basically answered my own question - I don't need a 2500 series pickup, and if I want a 1500 series, I should be looking for a crew cab model. Unfortunately, that means the oldest I can look for is a 2003 model, and even then they aren't as cheap as this 2001 2500 extended cab with low miles. I've tried making myself comfortable in a crew cab GMC Canyon, but it just doesn't work out. The Envoy (lease) we had was fine, but I want a pickup truck over a SUV (and based on my answers above, a SUV is more practical for me). Maybe I should be looking for an older, decent condition Yukon 4-door. I'd still like to hear what people have to say about the '01 regular cab with 175K on the odometer.

To PCS & daves87rs: Well yes, that is definitely a factor to consider and one of the reasons why I've been looking at older, used vehicles. However, I can't help that one of the older, used vehicles I've found happens to be this beautiful GMC!! But I have taken that point into consideration, plus the fact that gas prices may rise again making fill-ups a painful experience. It would be great to know I had a contract at my job next year - it's a 14-mile roundtrip commute, so gas wouldn't be a big issue going back & forth there daily. Too bad I still have to wait two months to know "officially" As for it being a 2500 series, I know I don't need the capabilities that a 3/4 ton truck offers, but it is such a great looking, low mileage, and very well-optioned truck that it is hard to pass up. And everyone I know with a 3/4 truck (be it GMC, Chevy, Ford or Dodge) all say that these trucks are built to last since they are bought for work purposes. I'm wondering if they'd be willing to lower the price more to move it (playing with an online finance calculator, at the price they are asking I could take a 48 month loan on this truck and pay about $10 less per month than I am on the AURA!). As for those saying to find a beater instead, what is your advice on this one then: Link It's a 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, Regular Cab, Longbed, Z71 4WD for $3,995 - BUT, it has 175,000 miles on it. I've seen this one online for the last two months, so I figured that high mileage may not be it's only concern. But conversely, it's cheap and affordable and wouldn't require a lengthy loan.

So just chillin' at home today and surfin' the web... went over to Craigslist.com and played around looking at different vehicles for sale. I decided to see what GMCs were listed and found this one: http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/1054584216.html It's a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT Extended cab 4WD with 38,400 original miles for $12,900. Is this something I should look into? I'm questioning the 6.0L V8 and 2500 series - if it were a 1500 series with the 5.3L V8 I'd probably not be asking for any advice!! I don't really need a 2500 series, and the 6.0L V8 I think is overkill for my needs. However, for some reason I really like 2000-2002 GMC Sierras the best (maybe because I sold new 1999 & 2000 Sierras), and I love how this truck is equipped (SLT, upgraded polished rims, the two-tone white & pewter, etc). Is the 6.0L V8 too much for me? Are there any problem areas I should know with a 2500? I figured if I have to buy used, I might as well buy something I like!! I just don't know if a 2500 series pickup is the right one for me. I'll appreciate advice and thoughts on this truck.

Last weekend we bought a slightly larger than 2 gallon tank and a Betta fish for my 3 y-o son. We were looking for a tank for goldfish until the store associate at PetsMart informed us of the maintenance and upkeep duties, and the fact that we would need a 6+ gallon tank for just 1 goldfish! I guess when he saw my face as he described the responsibilities he switched over to talking about Betta fish. It's been a week now and "Bruce", named by my little guy after the shark in "Finding Nemo", is happily swimming around in his home. The wife had to change the water though after only 6 days, as it was cloudy & dirty. But upkeep is a breeze compared to other fish!!

Derek, did you compare the G8 (3.6L V6) to the G8 GT (6.0L V8)? I'd like to know your views on both cars if you did. While I'd love to own a G8 GT with the awesome 6.0L V8 powering those rear wheels, I'm sure the 3.6L V6 would be the more economical choice overall. But if you feel the extra $$$ for the G8 GT is worth it, I'd like to hear it. Also, what kind of MPG are you getting and how many miles on one tank between refills? BTW, I still hate you for buying my color!!

I'm curious as to why GM just abandoned those body shells? I guess they were to be sold along with the rest of the scrap metal? You would think that someone would want to buy those for a project or whatever. Since that video was taken in May of 2008, is the complex completely gone now?

Talk about being a mutt!! :rotflmao:

Well, the outlook for me getting a new contract with my school district in June is very dim at this point (it is early to start panicking, as we don't have to be "officially" told until April 30th). However, the principal and union president, in separate meetings, have told the high school staff that non-tenred teachers (not me thankfully) and low-seniority holders (unfortunately, this is me in my department; even with 7 years there I still have no one below me and too many above) should start taking pro-active measures now as the school budget is projected to be $4 million short for 2009/2010. In discussions with administration and supvervisors, I've learned my job/position is "expendable". The subjects I teach are part of the elective course offerings, where many schools are cutting their budget money at (now if I only taught required academic courses like math, history, science or english!). I do not look forward to the day when pink slips are issued, especially with my name on one. Unlike some people out in the business world, there is no severance pay for teachers. Come July 1, there will be no money for me until I find new employment

Well, the outlook for me getting a new contract with my school district in June is very dim at this point (since we don't have to be "officially" told until April 30th, everything right now is up in the air). The principal and union president separately have told the high school staff that non-tenred teachers (not me thankfully) and low-seniority holders (however, this is me in my department; even with 7 years there I still have no one below me and too many above) should take pro-active measures now as the school budget is projected to be $4 million short for 2009/2010. I've seen the behind-the-scenes actions lately by administration and I can tell that my job is "expendable". Where am I going with this? Well, come November I won't have a car anymore - my GMAC SmartLease contract expires and leasing today is just about non-existant. If I don't have a new teaching job for September, I won't be able to afford a new car anyway. Trying to get out of my lease now (which I can't do financially anway) for a new or slightly used car isn't feasible (coupled with the remaining 9 payments, until I know whether or not I have a new contract for next year a new car payment is the last thing I need). So while I would like to say I can look forward to a new car in mid- to late-2009, that concept may just have to be 'shelved' for an undetermined amount of time

Don't forget that in about a month & a half the 2010 GMC Terrain will make it's debut and then be offered for sale late summer/early fall. The wife and I liked the 2010 Chevy Equinox that was on display at the Philly Auto Show earlier this month, and I'm sure I'll like the GMC version a tad bit more anyway :AH-HA_wink:

I took the wife's '08 G6 V6 Sedan out last night to pickup our pizza order and I must say that I find the car to be good at what it is - affordable, uplevel-basic transportation. Having owned a '04 Malibu LT and currently leasing an '07 AURA XE (both, like the G6, with the 3.5L V6 and four-speed auto trans), there isn't much noticable difference in their driving performance between the three in my opinion. I will say that the '04 Malibu and the G6 interiors are of the same quality (Fisher-Price as many stated, though I don't think it's as bad) and the '08 Malibu shares the upgraded interior first offered in the AURA. I find the G6 to be a solid contender in this field and it offers a ton of features & value in an athletic-inspired exterior design. And the fact that it is one of Pontiac's best sellers and I see them everywhere I go, I can't possible fathom that many outside of C&G agree with the distaste for the G6. It is what it is, and it is good at what it is.

dwightlooi, I just wanted to let you know that it was me that removed your double-post of this topic :AH-HA_wink:

Sorry to your post, but what about the 2005 LaCrosse CXS wit the 3.6L V6??? A local dealer is offering one for sale with a tad under 30K miles for under $14k. I've always liked the LaCosse CXS model personally, but not sure if the 2005 model year is a good year or one to stay away from.

Sorry to your post, but what about the 2005 LaCrosse CXS wit the 3.6L V6??? A local dealer is offering one for sale with a tad under 30K miles for under $14k. I've always liked the LaCosse CXS model personally, but not sure if the 2005 model year is a good year or one to stay away from.

Well about two weeks ago a very reliable source told me some bad news... all department supervisors in my high school have submitted the name of the person with the lowest seniority currently employed (in my department, business education, that would be ME). While nothing official yet - school board election & budget approval don't take place until April in NJ - word has spread that there will not be enough money to fund both supplies and teachers for next year. My source told me this so I don't waste any time trying to find another teaching job (good luck I say). Then today after our faculty meeting we have a meeting with the local union president. She tells us that right now the budget shortfall for 2009/2010 is projected at $4 million dollars. She proceeds to say that anyone that is not tenured or that is low-person with seniority needs to take some proactive measures now, while at the same time saying that "don't panic just yet". So I'm seeing the writing on the wall.. after 7 years in my school district, it is likely I won't be offered a new contract for 2009/2010. Not sure how likely it will be to find another business ed teaching position, since I know it's a dying field and one that isn't offering many jobs right now (and my license is only good for NJ). So I know that buying a brand new car this year will be out of the question. And in the process of trying to lower outgoing cash, I'm thinking I may try to get out of my lease somehow around the end of May or beginning of June. I'll have to find an older, but decent condition used car that won't cost me so much in both payments and insurance... but what? I'd like to hear from the posters here on what I should be considering. I want something decent and reliable, and I know that getting it checked out by a mechanic first will be a must. All I can think of is cars such as the Buick Century or Oldsmobile Intrigue (2000-ish); the new CarSense dealership by me is showing on their website a 2003 Saturn LW300 (V6 engine) station wagon, loaded (leather, heated seats, chrome rims, dvd player, etc) with 21k original miles for $9995. Please feel free to post your opinion on this subject and offer your suggestions.

Well, after seeing the 2010 Buick LaCrosse in person, I will be adding that to the "car" list now (at least until the official prices are announced!). It is a stunning car in person, and if you look at the styling lines, you see it has a unique design to it (for example, follow the sweep spear and it leads to the chrome trim in the taillight). The features alone are enough for me to like the car - HUD, extra ambient lighting, adaptive headlights, 19" rims (CXS), 3.6l V6 (CXS), etc.

Happy Birthday!! Hope tomorrow is much better & more enjoyable!

Well, depending on how much weight you want to put on what auto show "product specialists" say, the GMC PS rep I spoke to in reference to the Terrain yesterday at the Philly Auto Show told me that the Terrain will debut at the NYIAS in April and go on sale late summer/early fall, compared to the mid-summer on-sale date of the 2010 Chevy Equinox. I was impressed with the new 2010 Equinox, however I think I'll like the boxier styling (and apparent Sierra-inspired headlight design) of the Terrain better. The color on the Equinox displayed, Merlot Jewel Metallic, was very impressive and hopefully a sign that GM is investing in richer colors for their new models (something I've always felt that GM lagged behind in).

Sorry I jumped the gun there... had a bad day and misunderstood your post. I'm still disappointed by the death of the Denali XT (concept) becoming a production model, and with the thought of losing the Terrain too, it just made me mad. As for waiting, I'm a patient guy so a couple of extra months (assuming it's debut will be in NYC) won't kill me. Of course if the NYC show is its debut, all the better because that's the "major" car show I go to :wink: