GM to Re-purchase my Crew Cab

[Socaldave]

Well after 2 1/2 years, 35, 000 miles, 19 Repair Orders, and 49 total days in the shop, I pursued arbitration with the BBB on my 02 Crew Cab. Got word last week that the arbitrator ruled in my favor. He went back to what he considered the first major repair/problem which was for that balance shaft growling/rattle. I first took it in for this at 1602 miles and it took 5 visits to the dealer before they installed the retro-fit tensioner kit.

Since then many more issues, the latest being a bearing type growl which seems to come from the right front. They replaced front hub bearings twice, then tried to say it was tire noise from tire wear. I brought in my wifes Blazer, with new tires, and we switched wheels. Took it on a test drive and the noise was still there, so I proved them wrong about tire noise/wear! Next they replaced the front half-shaft assembly. No luck. Then they tore into the Differential and replaced some shaft bearings. None of this fixed the noise. It sounds like a truck with tires that have a very agressive tread. When slowing down especially, you hear and feel a sort of vibration and a "Woo-woo-woo-woo" noise.

Long story short, I have to pay for 1602 miles worth of useage which come to about $272.00. I get all my money back, including tax and license fees, less the $272.00. Woo hoo!!!! $22,300.00 cash back in my pocket.......

Now what to get. I really do not like the feel of the Colorado. Seats are hard and uncomfortable, it feels underpowered, and I am hesitant to go GM again.....

The new 05 Nissan Frontier with the NISMO off-road package is nice. I have looked at one locally but have not test drove it yet (been to rainy!). I like the look as well, and the seating is comfortable. 265 horsepower V6......

The Tacoma TRD is a good truck as well, but I think the styling is not so good this year. Both trucks are about $28000.00 equipped like I want.

The other option is a used 2004 Tacoma TRD. Could save about $8000.00 if I went for a used one. Either way I want another 4x4 midsized truck. This time I will go with the extra cab instead of the 4 door.

GM is scheduled to take my truck, and give me my money, later this week. What to do..........any suggestions out there?

Dave

[barch97]

How much to buy your truck back from GM? I mean you know exactly what's wrong with it. That should make negociating a price pretty easy.

[a2b]

ya i would go toyota all the way!!!!

[kf6kmx]

Now what to get. I really do not like the feel of the Colorado. Seats are hard and uncomfortable, it feels underpowered, and I am hesitant to go GM again.....

Yeah, the salesman that I bought my '03 CC from new, every time he sees me anywhere wants to sell me a Colorado.. I just keep telling him "i want to tow an rv trailer.. the colorado towas over 800lbs LESS'..

Anyway, a friend is in the same boat, GM is taking back his Avalanche due to major instrumentation, airbag, and 4x4 system issues.. He's been looking at the Jeep (no idea which model, Cherokee I guess) in an SUV, but in trucks he said he was looking at the Toyota, the new redeisgned Dakota, and the Nissan..

[jeff024]

I love my s-10 but if it wasnt the s-10 I would have gotten a toyota CC , I have owned toyotas and they run forever.

[barch97]

I agree about the toyotas and I really like the new double cab long bed.

[AZS10Crew]

I'd go for the Toyota too. Nice trucks.

[kf6kmx]

I love my s-10 but if it wasnt the s-10 I would have gotten a toyota CC , I have owned toyotas and they run forever.

My dad had a '76 Toyota 'hi-lux' 2wd he bought brand new.. (standard cab, 2wd, 2.0r 4cyl engine, 4speed).. That thing WOULDNT die.. By the time he got rid of it in the early 90's (had to get rid of it when they started making you smog cars every two years here in this part of CA, the smog pump and cat had been off it since '78!) it was leaking oil from the front AND back main seals, the points would slam shut and kill the engine (took about 2 minutes to regap and get it going again, that would last about 500miles and it would do it again), and it had been hit 3 times in parking lots, twice in the same parking lot (Orchard Supply Hardware), EVERY time in the drivers side door (was on its third door), had over 250,000miles, way over if I remember right, and was still going strong.. We hated to get rid of it..
He has had a '78 Dodge, '93 F150, and now his '03 S10 Excab, and NONE have been as good or lasted like that '76 Toy.. In fact his '03 S10 just broke its 2nd or 3rd 3rd-door handle It broke once, the dealer fixed it, and within weeks it broke again.. You open the drivers door, just START to pull the handle and it is snapping inside the door before it even feels like there is any strain from the door latch on it!