As I stated in another thread, I'm going in today to determine if I want the SLE or SLT equipped truck...I just want to get some opinions on how useful or important certain items/options have worked out for you on your truck.

Can you let me know what you're glad you DID buy?

What do you wish you HAD bought?

How about an option you wish you did NOT get?

Basically, I'm trying to decide if I need/want the leather, memory seats, heated seats and a few other things I guess.

Is the BOSE system worth it?

Thanks for your input:help:

The heated seats are well worth it here. Maybe in SoCal its not such an issue.

Go for the SLT, you won't regret it.

get them all!

Bose system is worth it, it sounds awsome.

the heated leather, powere seats are a must. i have had the non-power and could not get confortable. cloth or leather is your option i guess but if you spill something on leather, you just wipe it off. only one thing i dont like about the leather is the back seat is not ALL leather like the fronts.

I would go with the LT/SLE package just for the resale value.

the only option that i don't really care for is the On-Star, dont use it and will not continue to have it functional after the free year is over.

XM is addictive!

wish i had gotten the Cab roof lights. now i will have to install them myself.

I liked the extendable mirrrors but didn't get them this time (not sure if they fold in or not which is why i didnt want them this time)

Just my .02

Hope this helps

The extending mirrors do fold in.

I did not get the XM Censored

Get all the options. Maybe not the snow plow :D

Before I bought my LT, I walked back and forth for like an hour between an LS and the LT I ended up buying. The salesman was very patient.

No regrets on the BOSE sound system.

I'm very glad I got the XM radio. I never thought I'd pay for radio. No commercials during the music is nice, but the number of choices is even better. BBC, FoxNews, weather, Houston traffic report...all are great to have on tap. I was a skeptic, but now i really like it.

OnStar is cool, but not sure how much I'll use it. I will definitely hook it up to use with my Verizon wireless account so I can use it as a hands free phone. It also got me a good insurance discount, since they classify it like a Lojak (Cat 5).

The seat heaters are nice in the cooler weather. I had them on an old BMW too, and these work just as well.

All in all, I'm happy I got the few extra toys. I spend alot of time in there.

Thanks for all the input.....

I didn't think about the resale angle. I guess because I plan on keeping this one awhile. I kept my Toyota 4Runner 7 years...most reliable vehicle I ever owned. I've had this Ford just short of 5 years....I plan on keeping this truck 10 years due to the engines "predicted" life span.

When I traded my 03 for my 05, it did not have the automatic climate control heater/AC controls and I have found that I miss not having to fool with fan or temp controls.
I personally like the security of having on-star with my wife and kids using the truck a lot and the hands free cell service is great.
my 02http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Get a stripped work truck. You'll never miss options you haven't had. Get it loaded and you're going to be stuck for life. I used to be totally content with a steering wheel, brakes that worked and a scratchy old AM radio. Made the mistake of constantly upgrading with each new vehicle and now can't make do without all the stuff. If you get the mid level SLE and add stuff to it you will eventually get the price up to that of the SLT and not have all the stuff the SLT has. So go maximum or minimum but nowhere in between.

GET ON STAR. Keep it up.

If your truck gets stolen, it will be paid for.

Unless you have a need for them do not get the power extending mirrors, the passenger side one sucks, it leaves you with a huge blind spot.

I agree with everyone else....


I have a sle GMC and it is pretty stripped. I got a decent price on it and love the rubber floor, and the rest of the truck, but I sure wish I spent a few more bucks a month for some of the better options. Some of the options that I would recommend are bose with the steering wheel controls, power seats for more adjustability, and climate control, and crew cab.

GET ON STAR. Keep it up.

If your truck gets stolen, it will be paid for.
If the thief is smart enough to get around the factory "anti-theft", don't you think he'd be smart enough to pull the onstar fuse...?

I looked at all options when I ordered my 02'. The ls/sle models are much cheaper than lt's. I would get the ls and then only add the options you want and not get stuck paying for stupid stuff like a rear window defroster. I dont know if they have changed, but on my truck I was forced in getting the tape player because I got the cd player up top, and the tape is in the center console. Do they still make tapes? The regular system is great, I dont know why you would ever need the Bose, except for the fact that you could say "yeah I got the Bose, how bout you?" Just my opinion, hope it helps. The ls model will have pw, pl, power seats, cd player, cruise control. What else do you need?

LT is the way to go. I love mine. On Star became Off Star - it's a good product but I'd rather have everyone in my house carrying a cell phone. Neither offers 100 percent guaranteed communication, but I can take the cell phone into the house, office or store, plus I can carry it on my motorcycle. My LT Crew had all options except cab marker lights, XM Radio, Rear Seat DVD, chrome side steps and 5th wheel wiring provision. I ended up adding the chrome side steps from GM Accessories (I like the one piece step pad instead of two individual step pads on the GM brand). What a great vehicle.

I LOOOOVE my LT. Those heated seats sure are nice on the cold mornings.

Also, the rear window defroster is a VERY nice thing to have up here in the midwest. I use it a ton, since I don't have a garage yet. I opted out of the sliding rear window (which I really wanted, too) in order to get the defroster.

Go with the LT. I had the LS (SLE) the first time and switched to the SLT this time. Difference in price is neglible and you have pretty much all u ever need. Also, Onstar is one of those things you never use but the one time you do, it makes it all worth it.

Even though I'd like to have it. I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra 3-4 grand for leather seats and a few more options I don't need. My little girl loves to sit next to me in the middle up front which wouldn't be possible on the SLT and I don't find the captains chairs any comfier. I had the captain's chairs in my '01 1500 LS and they're basically the same seat with a chinsey arm rest whereas now I have the big flip up storage/arm rest. Leather would be nice but I've had great luck with the cloth. If you go that route, definately get the power driver's seat and I also like the electronic climate control, just set it and leave it. Upgrade to the 6 speaker stereo (1 step below the Bose) and I think you'll be happy but if money is not an issue then go for the SLT.

If the thief is smart enough to get around the factory "anti-theft", don't you think he'd be smart enough to pull the onstar fuse...?

I guess this could be true.

My wife's boss got her car stolen, on star got it back with in hrs.

My point is, is someone is stupid enough to steal cars, he could be stupid enough not to pull a fuse.

Yea your right, a PRO will get your truck, he will get you truck no matter what if he wants it bad enough.

The only thing that kept me from getting the LT was the non-availability of a front bench style seat. The 40-20-40 split with the 6 way power adjustment is very comfortable. Personally, I needed a front seat that could accomodate three people if necessary for white water river trip shuttles. I went with cloth and installed the neoprene Okole seat covers from Cabelas. Turned out beautiful, functional and well protected. XM radio rocks, push button selectable 4X and so do the steering wheel controls!

Oh, and the center back rest for the 40-20-40 front seat folds down and makes for a very nice center console anyways. Good luck to ya!

As far as On Star goes. I had it on other vehicles and let it lapse. Got the Crew Cab
4WD and put a big Lance Camper on it and decided I might need it sometime as get I off the beaten path. Low and behold I backed up in the rain going down hill and the front wheels slid in a turn and backed right into a quagmire. Spent 3hrs trying to get unstuck to no avail. Pulled out the cell phone to call AAA "no service" ! Ah ohhhhhh.
Oh yeah, I've got onstar. Called them and bought some minutes and called AAA. Also started the truck and shut the door to find out it was locked with the engine running. Called Onstar and they unlocked it via satellite. Very Cool!

Redundant stereo controls, that is the only way to get the on board computer display and it is only $150.00 or so. Extending mirrors if you plan to tow at all.
DAN

The seats are much better(more comfortable) in the SLT, I thought the SLE seats would be ok, then I compared them side by side, XM rocks!! Dual automatic climate and ON star are the only things, I could do without. Everything else is worth it.

The only thing that kept me from getting the LT was the non-availability of a front bench style seat. The 40-20-40 split with the 6 way power adjustment is very comfortable. Personally, I needed a front seat that could accomodate three people if necessary for white water river trip shuttles. I went with cloth and installed the neoprene Okole seat covers from Cabelas. Turned out beautiful, functional and well protected. XM radio rocks, push button selectable 4X and so do the steering wheel controls!
I am happy with my ls. That was one of my main reasons for not wanting the lt too, that you can't get the bench with the fold down center seat in leather like you can the cloth ls seat. I saw on the gm site that you can get an ls with the 40-20-40 leather seat though, so why not make that an option on the LT, be able to choose 4-20-40 or center console?

Get it all - once you listen to Xm you will never go back. If you have kids get the TV, keeps em quiet on lomg runs. That’s if your gettin a CC. Bose great, like I said get em all.

Well, you can see that options are nice by the differing opinions and various reasons the guys got what they did. I have an LT with the whole shebang other that sun roof and DVD entertainment system. As for me, I wouldn't give up a thing.
1) ON-STAR....didn't want it and thought it was too expensive.....it is too expensive.....but I love it.
2) CAMPER MIRRORS....I love them....some of the guys don't like them because of the blind spot thing, but I don't have a problem with it. My neck swivels just fine. What I LIKE about them is that the passenger mirror is a flat mirror with no "objects may be closer than they appear" BS. You can actually back trailers with them and see your load as it was meant to be. There's an aftermarket clip on spot mirror that looks pretty good if the blind spot issue bothers you.
3) LEATHER SEATS.....I didn't want leather because I like good cloth better....still do....but I got them because of the 10 way adjustible on both sides. We're older so adjustable seats is a must. I'm always fiddling and re-adjusting them and I really like it. The seat memory is fine and fun, but it's not all that important. The seat heater is GREAT and even though I too live in So. Cal., they are really nice (esp for the arthritis.....I just know I'm gonna be driving in the summer with the Air conditioner going full blast and the seat heaters on :p: )
4) REDUNDANT STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS....Didn't think too much of them other than a fun thing....of course it's not an option with the LT....DO NOT GET A TRUCK WITHOUT THEM....if you decide on an LS.....spend the $125 and get the controls. Lots of good stuff here....2 trip odometers, A & B.... "fuel used" is accurate....You can set a bunch of options re: door locking and unlocking....lights & horn or either when locking & unlocking....gee I went blank on the rest of it.....JUST GET THIS OPTION....forget the MPG and fuel range left. They're not accurate, but the other stuff is really worth it.
5) DUAL HEATER CONTROLS......we really like them.....the wife is so far from me as to temp comfort it's impossible to compromise.....so she can have the cold air blowing while I have the heater on. NICE.....I'd hate to be in the back seat (Crew Cab) when all this air mixes, but it's really great up front. :ro) The automatic controls are nice, but if they weren't there I could function just fine.
6) ROOF LITES.....I wanted them for two reasons.....because I like them and also because they will anchor the snow on the roof from sliding on to the wind shield and tearing off the wipers ( A CC will hold a lot of snow)....but in Cal. you cannot get them on a 2500 and have to have them on a 3500. It's in the emissions regs (go figure).
7) Trailer package & camper package.....just get them whether or not you intend to tow or carry a camper....they're cheap and will help you sell the truck if you need to.
8) PASSENGER ASSIST STEPS.....I got the factory ones and like them just fine...lot of room for personal opinion here, so do whatever exites you. I like the "running board" type better than the factory "tube" type, but didn't want to be cleaning snow off the platform type.
9) SUN ROOF.....wanted one, but didn't get it because the guys here said they were not up to snuff. Might have chanced it if it were something else, but a leaking roof is NOT something I wanted to gamble on.
10) MX radio......didn't get it.....don't listen to radio that much and wasn't about to pay for the priveledge.....but the guys that do, seem to like it a lot.

GENERAL.....I bought fleet......I had priced an LS with all the options I wanted, then priced the identical LT.....the difference was $1700.....I got the LT. The only thing I would have done different was get the 3500 SRW. I didn't price one, but the guys here say they''re about the same price. Why.....because I was WAY into a top of the line truck already and should have taken that last step. Look close before you get a 2500. Am I dissapointed in the 2500?.....NO WAY.

GOOD LUCK & have fun

Even though I'd like to have it. I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra 3-4 grand for leather seats and a few more options I don't need. My little girl loves to sit next to me in the middle up front which wouldn't be possible on the SLT and I don't find the captains chairs any comfier. I had the captain's chairs in my '01 1500 LS and they're basically the same seat with a chinsey arm rest whereas now I have the big flip up storage/arm rest. Leather would be nice but I've had great luck with the cloth. If you go that route, definately get the power driver's seat and I also like the electronic climate control, just set it and leave it. Upgrade to the 6 speaker stereo (1 step below the Bose) and I think you'll be happy but if money is not an issue then go for the SLT.Dont mean to preach, but the front seat with only a lap belt is a dangerous place for a "little girl". I do not know if you have ever been in a wreck, but even a 40-50 mph crash is very violent to the passengers. My wife & kids (in the back seat with booster seats (for the 6yr old) and shoulder belts) T-boned a dodge Neon that flew out in front of them from behind a large van. They were doing about 40 in the HD Crew Cab and still had good bruises from the shoulder belts. I would not have wanted them in the middle-front with the air bags going off. At best, the middle passenger might only bounce their face off of the steering wheel. At 12, my daughter can now sit in the front with shoulder belt on.

Now if by "little girl" you meant your girl-friend or wife, then never mind, I won't preach...

Just see too many stories with sad endings on the local news...

Here's my $0.02:

I'm totally happy with my loaded LS. I like cloth seats, and the split bench is great for me. You get a good console but have the option to seat another person if you need to. My next truck (that's gonna be a long time) may be an LT... but don't think of the LS as a "stripped down compromise."

As far as options go:

GET THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS! They're only about an extra $150, and they do a lot. It's royal pain in the ass to add them afterwards, if it ever works out correctly.

GET FOG LIGHTS! They come in so handy in snow storms, etc.--even fog!

well, I'll chime in. I'm still looking and doing research (hence why I'm reading here :) )
I've go the kids and we did the heated leather in our Grand Cherokee. I WILL never go back to cloth. If you spill something (with Kids it's only a matter of time) it wipes off.
The heated seats ARE NICE!!! and being that the wife is way shorter than me I want the 2 position memory. In the Grand we didn't get that I WISH WE DID.

Like stated above in the end the LT is not much more than an LS. My reasoning is also I'm paying this much!!! I may as well get THE truck, Cause I ain't gonna be selling it for a LONG time.

I had been looking at the 2500, but now the 3500 SRW is out I do not know why you'd get the 2500 ( unless it's because of the short/long bed)