Thank you all for your responses. I am still kicking around ideas!

So a 25 year old truck? Think he wants something to drive. Not a project.
I got a2022 but it’s a 1500. Lot of gadgets on it but all are useful at times. Got the 5.3 24-26 are having issues in the 6.2 liter. But not all. Trailering is great with all the cameras and lane change popping up on console when you give turn signal

I bought a 2021 Chevy Silverado (1500 Trail Boss) kind of like you, I wanted to buy something nice and use it to haul toys and for hunting/ trapping. If had listened to everyone who told me not to buy a Chevy, I would have never spent the money. To date no issues. I looked at used ones, but the price tags were too high and at the end, I wasn`t sure what I was buying. The good used trucks are hard to find.

My neighbour is a Dodge fan, He bought a brand new 2026 (dually) with a Cummins. Problems after problems including electronic issues.

I am driving a 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty (work truck) with steel cab, steel tray and loaded with tools and equipment. I was never a fan and will likely never purchase a Ford but I must say they are holding pretty good right now and we have bought about 20 of them so time will tell. As previous said, all trucks have their issues.

Good luck with your purchase.

Unfortunately vehicles aren’t designed to go over 200000 miles anymore.
I’m looking for a truck too. Probably setting on a 2020 Lariat but it’s got the little V6 turbo. Only about 40000 miles for $33000cad so about $24000USD.
I’ll keep the ole 2012 Sierra for trapping though. I can’t put a newer or nice truck through some of the stuff I get into.

Here's a link to a fellow on line that tracks most truck problems with public information.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheCarGuyOnline/videos

The GMC transmission problems can be solved by replacing the valve body with an aftermarket one from Next Gen Drivetrain. The owner of Next Gen has done many interviews explaining the problem with the GMC transmissions.

GMC simply buys a license from Allison to use the name. They are not Allison transmissions.

The GMC/Chevy 6.2L motors are a major problem, hundreds of thousands of GMC trucks fall under the recall.

I believe most of the issues started around 2019.

Hey, who doesn't like a new truck!
but they have become unaffordable, and a good used one, here, isn't much cheaper.

I'll limp along with my 2014 low milage Ram as long as I can, Heck, all I use it for anymore is back and forth to the dock, picking up bait, and delivering to the fish store....I dread the thought of getting a new one , especially at my age.
If only someone built a basic, no frills truck you don't need an IT diploma to operate.

If you gave me a free New truck it would be up for sale the next day. No way do I want a new truck.
I see guys driving around in their 80K trucks and shake my head at their decision.

I'll take an old one, for say 10-15 grand, spend another 10-15 grand at the most to go thru it, upgrade some stuff and It would be good for another 20 years with min. maintenance that would be easily done by me if I choose.
Simple, cheap and easy to fix and keep on the road. I can do this stuff myself and save a ton of money. I'm fortunate I have more options than those that can't or won't. No way does a new truck pencil out economically for the average Joe.

New trucks have way too much tech and lack of choice on options. Do some research on the cost of tech and cost to fix. $5000 to replace the taillights on Ford truck, $800 to fix a broken door handle (just the part cost for a diy) on GM trucks.
I could go on and on but I'm sure many of you know these things. I shudder at the cost to keep one on the road for 20 years. Just what the manufactures love, cost a lot to buy and fix so you have to buy new every 5-10 yrs.

Manufactures and dealers for years have pushed loaded vehicles and Americans have lapped it up. Gotta one up the Jones.

I'll buy new when I can get one with a small 8 or straight 6, manual trans, no power anything other than steering and brakes, a bench seat and no A/C. No fancy tailgates, no touch screens, no modules controlling every aspect of what the vehicle does.

Before you ask, I don't drive a pickup any more, don't need one or want one. Last one I had was about a 2000 (don't even remember the year as it was so forgettable) GMC heavy 3/4 ton I bought new, plain as possible, no options at all and 2wd. Did the job I asked of it.
Cost less than $20K. Even then it had more junk on it than I wanted.

My take...I drove Dodge 4x4 Rams for over twenty-five years. Looked hard locally for a replacement Ram recently and prices were crazy. I spotted a Chevy 1/2 ton used 2024 pretty basic truck 4x4, drove it, liked it and bit the bullet. Tranny problems soon arrived....under 20 K miles. First gear CLUNKED when going into gear and coming out. Took it to dealer and had them fix it. I had to drop it off and asked how long he said wasn't sure as he has three other trucks on the lift right now...with the same tranny issue. Huh?
Be careful.

Thanks, I am going to look into those valve bodies for the 6 speed.

Happy Retirement, Gary!

This is exactly where im at with it as well. Its cheaper to dump money into fixing a nice old truck and it will be more reliable.