QuestionHello Dean:
I don't really know if this question would be appropriate to ask you as you work for a dealership yourself, but I'll ask anyway.
By the end of the year I want to buy a truck (GMC or sister truck at Chevy) with the Durmax Diesel engine and Allison transmission to pull my 5th wheel RV around the country. I'm looking at the 350 lines with DRW and full bed.
There are many places out on the 'net that offers to sell trucks. Have you found one or two that really seems to outshine the others?
Furthermore, are you aware of a really good company that offers extended coverage. I have heard that many of them are just rip offs.
Finally, would you recommend sticking with the GMC or getting one of the "sister" trucks at Chevy?
AnswerHi Donald - I will try and answer these questions as best I can.
Nice choice for a truck! This combo should be fantastic, especially that Allison!
Being that you have lots of time, myself, I would be using the net as a resource, and still shopping at dealerships. I have seen studies saying that selling over the net, actually increases a dealership's gross profit per vehicle, as it seems that some people will pay NOT to have to go into a dealership. This bothers me to some extent, being that I am someone who prides themself on repeat customers, and treating people the way I would want to be treated. But not all people feel the same way...
Myself, I would arm myself with the list of equipment that I want, (a list spec'ed out at a dealership, complete with option codes), then, using that list, go to a couple of companies that give you the invoice cost of the truck. Then, I would start my shopping at dealerships, and using the cost as part of my basis for buying.
Reason why price is only part of what I would use, is because with this truck, I would want to make sure the dealership can Service my needs. How many Technicians are long-term employees at that dealership? Are there GM courses up to date - ie, Duramax diesel (and the infamous 6.5l too - if you could fix that one, the Duiamax would be a piece of cake), and the Allison Transmission course. Any Master Technicians on the premises? That sort of thing.
It is great to get a good price on a truck, but if you cannot be taken care of and the truck won't run, you could have gotten the truck for nothing for all of the good it is doing you, sitting idle. So, in my books, looking after the customer is very important. Go into the back, and talk to the Techs, don't let the Sales person tell you that everything is good, do the Ronald Reagan with the Russians -"trust, but verify".
The only extended warranty company that I would use, is GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan). They are nationwide at ANY GM dealership, provide courtesy transportation, towing privileges (check the limits), and they always use NEW parts. Yes, some extended warranty companies want to use Used parts in your truck. Shop for the warranty at the same time you shop price on your truck. I did see a company on the web, saying they were cheaper than most selling GMPP, but sorry to say, I cannot tell you the address anymore. Do a search, and I am sure you will find it.
GMC vs. Chevy. Me, I like the GMC grille. Same truck, built one right after the other on the assembly line, just different badging. Don't let anyone tell you different, I was through the truck plant, and besides being VERY impressive, they are one after the other. Sometimes, there are different models that can be had at one and not the other (Chevy Avalanche and GMC Sierra C3, for instance), but otherwise, much the same truck.
I hope that this helps, but if you have anything further, please feel free to drop me a line.
Automotively yours,
Dean
