- Silverado models from 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017 stand out for their durability and low maintenance costs, with many owners pushing past 200,000 miles.
- Colorado ZR2 brings serious off-road capability at used prices, while LT trims work great for families who need weekend adventure gear.
- Service records matter more than mileage when buying pre-owned trucks, and matching towing capacity to your actual needs saves money on fuel and insurance.
Why Chevy Trucks Last
Drive through any Midwest town and you'll see Silverados from the early 2000s still hauling lumber and towing trailers. Many owners push their trucks past 200,000 miles with nothing more than oil changes, tire rotations, and the occasional brake job. A 2004 Silverado still shows up on used lots because it holds up, with models hitting 210,000 km that start every morning.
Buying used means someone else ate the depreciation hit. A three-year-old Silverado 1500 LT gives you leather seats, modern tech, and serious towing power for thousands less than new. Your monthly payment drops, insurance costs less, and you still get a truck that works as hard as you do.
Silverado Models Worth Buying
Back in 2015, Silverado 1500 got direct fuel injection that makes power without killing your gas budget. Pick between a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, or 6.2-liter V8 depending on what you need. All three handle daily driving and weekend projects.
Jumping to 2016, Silverado got better interior materials and an infotainment screen that actually works. Towing and payload stayed strong while comfort improved. If you want top safety ratings, look at 2017 models. Chevy earned perfect marks that year with only six recalls on record.
Need serious towing power? A 2015 Silverado 2500HD pulls up to 17,900 pounds. Pick between the 6.0-liter V8 that runs on gas or CNG, or step up to the 6.6-liter diesel V8 making 765 lb-ft of torque. That diesel pulls fifth-wheels without breaking a sweat.
Colorado for Tight Spaces
Colorado fits into parking spots where full-size trucks won't. You still get real truck capability without the bulk, and fuel costs drop. LT trims add upgraded tech and better seats while keeping prices reasonable for families.
Looking for off-road adventure? Z71 comes with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and tuned suspension ready for forest roads. ZR2 takes it further with locking differentials and a lifted stance. Buying either one used saves thousands while getting the same capability.
What Smart Buyers Check First
Maintenance history beats mileage every time. A 150,000-mile truck with documented oil changes beats a 50,000-mile mystery truck. Ask for receipts showing brake work, transmission service, and regular maintenance.
Match the truck to your real needs. Towing twice a year? You don't need a 2500HD burning diesel. Silverado 1500 LT or Colorado handles most jobs while saving money on fuel.
Frames rust in snowy climates, so peek under the bed and along the rails. Surface rust is normal, but holes mean trouble. Test four-wheel-drive systems in parking lots. Diesel models over 60,000 miles need coolant checks for signs of fuel or oil contamination.
Trim Levels That Work
Work Truck trim strips things down to basics, perfect for job sites. Custom adds style with bigger wheels without jumping too far in price. LT hits the sweet spot for most buyers with cloth seats, decent tech, and chrome accents.
RST brings sportier looks with blacked-out trim for drivers who want their truck to stand out. Stepping into LTZ gets you leather and upgraded sound. High Country sits at the top with ventilated seats and the fanciest interior Chevy offers.
Best Model Years to Target
In 2007, Silverado got stronger frames and better fuel economy. Two years later, 2009 brought the 6.2-liter V8 with more torque for towing. 2012 Silverado ranked first in its class with only four recalls and 236 complaints. If you find a 2013 Avalanche, jump on it. These trucks can hit 485,000 km with proper care.
Browse Used Chevy Trucks at S&H Auto Group
When you're ready to shop, we make the process simple. Our Elkhart, Osceola, and Goshen locations stock a wide range of used Chevrolet trucks, from work-ready Silverados to adventure-ready Colorados. Our team helps you compare options without pressure, and we back our inventory with inspections and detailed history reports.
We work with multiple lenders to find financing that fits your budget, even if your credit has seen better days. Stop by any of our locations to test drive what's on the lot. Whether you're hauling equipment for work or loading up the family for weekend trips, we help you find the right Chevy.