Used Chevy Silverado 2500HD

• Overview

  

  When it comes to heavy-duty (HD) pickup trucks for a good price, McCluskey Automotive thinks you should look no further than a used Chevy 2500. The second generation of the used Chevy Silverado that lasted from 2007 to 2013, in particular, is a great generation to buy from if you’re in the market for a full-size HD truck. Since the Chevy Silverado is known as the longest-lasting pickup truck on the road, you can expect nothing but the best from these vehicles, and shopping at a dealership like McCluskey Automotive will ensure that you get nothing but great quality used vehicles at great prices.

  Regardless of whether it’s a used Silverado 2500HD or a new Silverado 2500HD, both models are class three trucks, and measured in the same way. The US DOT puts trucks into classes based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — GVWR, for short. The classes range from 1 to 8, with 1 being the lightest, and 8 being the heaviest. In the case of the Silverado 2500HD full-size pickup truck, it falls into the class three category, which means it weighs anywhere from 10,001 pounds to 14,000 pounds.

  For those familiar with the more archaic way of measuring trucks (based on payload), this means the Silverado 2500HD is a three-quarter ton full-size pickup truck.

  Therefore, it’s incredibly important to consider if you need a Silverado 2500HD, or if a Silverado 1500 will do. If you don’t need to tow something around 13,000 pounds on a daily basis, you’ll just be throwing money away at the gas pump by buying a 2500.

• 2007

  

  Kicking off the second generation Silverado 2500HD is the 2007 model — which received a full redesign for 2007. Just because it got a new look, doesn’t mean it lost any of its impressive capabilities. In fact, its durable nature increased for 2007, along with an even more reliable and more powerful performance. Overall, the build quality increased as well. Compared to a 2006 model, the 2007 Silverado seems light years ahead. Even the frame is all-new, and much stronger than before. This allows the 2500HD to tow much more than its predecessor, especially when equipped with the Duramax engine.

  What consumers and long-time Silverado fanatics were most excited about though is the upgraded and redesigned interior cabin. Many felt that before this model year, the truck cabin looked (and felt) low-quality. This is due to the amount of cheap materials that were found in the 2006 model. For 2007, Chevy remedied that. The award-winning brand gave the Silverado 2500HD interior a redesign and added better materials. Especially in the higher trims, where wood and metallic accents run throughout the cabin. As far as styling goes, things flow together more smoothly, especially when you look at the dashboard.

  Compared to the previous model, the 2007 model is just better overall. Which is why it would be smarter to buy this model, compared to an older one.

• 2008

  

  The 2008 Silverado 2500HD, unsurprisingly, carries over from the prior year unchanged – typical following a full redesign the year before. However, satellite radio is now standard across all trim levels, which provides this used Chevy Silverado with a bigger entertainment factor when compared to the 2007 model.

  But, it might not be worth the increase in price, especially since the 2007 model is thousands of dollars cheaper than the 2008 version. Unless you want that satellite radio, in which case you might be able to find a 2008 with more miles for the same price as a 2007 with lower miles, without losing anything else. After all, it has the same capability, design, and overall build of the 2007 model.

• 2009

  

  Again, there isn’t much that’s changed with the durability, design, and overall performance and capability of the Silverado 2500HD in 2009. But, a whole host of packages did debut during this year, which means you have the opportunity to grab a vehicle from 2009 with one (or all) of these packages equipped. Not only would be such a purchase be much cheaper than when the packages were first sold and equipped new back in 2009, but it would also provide much more value for your dollar compared to the 2007 or 2008 models.

  Added to the options list is Bluetooth technology, along with real-time traffic updates for the navigation system. OnStar also now comes with turn-by-turn directions and Destination Download. A rearview camera is also added, complementing the safety package, which adds power-adjustable pedals and rear park assist — quite well.

  So, if you’re looking for a Silverado 2500HD that’s a little more technologically advanced (but still has a relatively low price, similar to a 2007 or 2008 model), then the 2009 model is the way to go.

• 2010

  

  Finally, 2010 saw some changes, and there are plenty of reasons to nab this truck over the 2007-2009 models.

  Kicking things off is a brand new 6.0-liter V8 engine, which pumps out 360 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque for the Silverado 2500HD. Optional for those looking to land that max Class III towing capacity (13,000 pounds) is the tried and true 6.6-liter Duramax V8, which puts out 365 horsepower and 660 lb.-ft. of torque. So, don’t worry, the diesel engine wasn’t replaced. The V8 is simply there for those who prefer a gas-powered truck.

  There were other upgrades made, as well. Including things like air-conditioning becoming standard for all trim levels (something the Work Truck never saw before), and features like an upgraded audio system with a USB port on higher trim levels.

  The burly V8 alone is enough of a reason to buy a 2010 Silverado 2500HD. Air conditioning is also a necessity for some, and the fact that it’s finally available on the base trim means a lot of consumers would rather dish out the extra dough for this model compared to one from 2007, 2008, or 2009.

• 2011

  

  The 2011 model year was all about performance upgrades for the Silverado 2500HD. Compared to the others mentioned previously on this list, it’s the most capable and best-performing one yet.

  This is because Chevy decided to slap a stronger frame and suspension components onto it. Behold – a completely new, fully-boxed frame, built with the idea of added rigidity and strength in mind. Those new suspension components provide a much more comfortable ride than before. Combine that with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, and towing and hauling capabilities experience an increase. That engine pumps out 765 lb.-ft. of torque, which is 100 more than the previous Duramax engine found on the 2010. On top of that, it delivers 11 percent better fuel economy when paired to the new Allison 1000 transmission.

  Add a fifth-wheel connection with that 6.6-liter and all the proper equipment, and you’re looking at a new towing capacity of 16,500 pounds. In order to make towing that much easier and safer, a “big-rig” inspired diesel exhaust braking system also comes equipped. By choking up on the exhaust to help control speed when going downhill, it helps protect the brakes, and creates a much more effective way to slow down with a heavy load.

  Grabbing a used version with this engine and all the proper towing equipment is going to provide you with awesome value, especially since you’ll be getting it for way cheaper than the original price.

• 2012

  

  In 2012, not much changed for the Silverado 2500HD. That stellar capability and handling remained the same, along with the basic design and build. But, it did get a few upgrades to the cab on higher models. Heated and ventilated seats are available in the higher trim levels, and a hard-drive-based navigation system is also available.

  The only major change is a new Z71 off-road appearance package, which complements the Z71 suspension. Skid plates, tuned shock absorbers, and a different front stabilizer bar in the Suspension package help in the off-road world, but what good is that if you don’t look the part? A body-colored grille surround and lower fascia make a good start, while the grille itself is now a chrome mesh design. The 18-inch polished alloy wheels don’t just jazz up the look further, but also provide better grip in the off-road world.

  Those looking for an off-road truck to modify (or play around in the mud as stock) might want to consider a used Silverado 2500HD from 2012. Not only does it look the part, thanks to the all-new appearance package, but it’s also much cheaper than some of the more popular off-road vehicles.

• 2013

  

  The second generation goes out with a bang thanks to the 2013 Silverado 2500HD model. Chevy threw on a new bi-fuel compatible 6.0-liter V8 engine, which allows owners to run either compressed natural gas (CNG) or regular petroleum. It still receives praise for the exceptional ride quality and overall performance, so the CNG is just the cherry on top.

  With regular gas, this engine puts out 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, and slightly less when CNG is run through it. But, it’s going to burn a lot cleaner with significantly less pollutants than gasoline, thanks to lower carbon content.

  Also, a properly equipped 2013 Silverado 2500HD now tows up to 17,800 pounds when a fifth-wheel connection is tagged on. That’s more than a thousand pound increase from the 2011 model. It might be a little pricier, but if you need the best towing capacity the second generation Silverado 2500HD has to offer, the 2013 model is well worth it.

Get a Used Silverado 2500HD at McCluskey Automotive