If you need a reliable truck that can get the job done, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is a good bet. It’s also one of the most customizable trucks on the current market. Drivers can choose between five different engines, three transmission options, and seven great performance packages.

If you need to save some money, a used Chevy Silverado 1500 handles itself just as well as a new model. It currently has a reliability score of 3.5, which is great for a pickup truck. The Chevy Silverado has been around for many years, so how do you know which one is right for you? According to Car Life Nation, these are your best options.

2014 Chevy Silverado models

This year marked the first major redesign of the truck. In addition to a facelift, it also got a few updated engines. The standard V8 was upgraded to a 5.3-liter engine, and a 6.2-liter V8 was created as a newly available option. Its towing capacity jumped to 12,000 pounds, but the standard transmission hindered the truck’s ability to reach this number.

The interior quality also looks considerably better compared to the 2013 model. The base trim still has some plastic materials inside, but they don’t feel flimsy. High Country models have leather seating and nice wood accents throughout the cabin. The cargo box was also tweaked to be more functional, with added rail protectors and LED bed lights.

The 2015 Chevy Silverado

This model got some small interior updates like vinyl seating and an infotainment display in the base truck. Siri Eyes Free and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available in higher trims. The heavy-duty versions also got stronger cargo boxes.

If towing is your main concern, the 2015 Silverado is probably the best option for you. The towing capacity remained unchanged, but the truck got an updated transmission. Higher trims could now have an eight-speed automatic transmission for more accurate shifts. The High Country or LTZ is more expensive, but you’ll be able to save at least $10,000 if you shop used.

Common repair problems

Both of these models are great years for the Chevy Silverado 1500, but it still has its fair share of issues. According to CarComplaints, the 2014 Silverado had the highest volume of complaints across all model years. It also has undergone 19 recalls.

The most common problem with the 2014 model is air conditioning problems. Many drivers reported that their A/C units started working infrequently before ultimately failing at 60,000 miles. In most cases, replacing the compressor fixed the problem. The average repair cost is around $950.

Some 2015 Chevy Silverado owners also had problems with the brand-new transmission. They would experience clunking or screeching noises when trying to shift between gears. Eventually, some of these transmissions would stop working properly altogether. Drivers had to pay over $2,000 for a new transmission without any compensation from Ford.

Is it better to buy a used Chevy Silverado?

Despite these issues, pickup trucks like the Silverado continue to last longer than ever. According to one study, certain Chevy trucks can last for 200,000 miles or more. The study also found that Chevy’s trucks fared slightly better than Ford trucks.

Getting a used truck is also a great investment. Many pickups have very low depreciation rates, so you won’t have a problem selling the vehicle when it’s time to upgrade. GM promises that its trucks only lose around 40% of their original value on the used market.

With regular maintenance, the average pickup truck can last for up to 10 years. A used Chevy Silverado may not have all the latest technology, but its performance definitely hasn’t decreased.