Used Chevy Silverado 3500

A silver 2018 used Chevy Silverado 3500 and a blue Silverado 2500 are parked on gravel and towing trailers with construction equipment.

 

Explore the Chevy Silverado 3500 Models from 2010 to 2020

As the largest and most powerful truck in the Chevrolet lineup, a used Chevy Silverado 3500 is the perfect investment. Whether you plan on using it for business or pleasure, this heavy-duty pickup is quite impressive. It holds its own no matter which model year you choose, and it comes with amazing features that you won’t find on any competitors. Here at Parkway Chevrolet, our experts highly recommend a used Chevy Silverado 3500 for anyone who is seeking high performance at a lower price point.

Brand new Chevy Silverado 3500 trucks can get a little expensive, but buying used will save you money while still giving you the capability you need. Although the Silverado 3500 has been in production since 2000, we are only going to cover the last ten years in this handy guide. The reason behind this is to help you find the best bang for your buck. Older models simply don’t have the advanced features that more recent models have, and you're more likely going to find a model from the last ten years on the lot. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into learning about the used Chevy Silverado 3500.

A silver 2014 used Chevy Silverado 3500 is parked next to a stone cabin with mountains in the distance.

A Look at the 3500 HD

The last decade of used Chevy Silverado 3500 trucks can be defined by superior performance and massive towing capabilities. Due to this vehicle’s robust engine and incredible heavy-duty features, it quickly became the country’s favorite for hard tasks. For personal use, folks tend to use these trucks for pulling large RVs, trailers full of livestock, and other extra large/heavy attachments. For commercial use, these trucks are commonly seen at construction sites or with tradesmen. In general, these beasts last for a very long time, and it’s not hard to find one in great condition on the used market. We typically have a few on our lot here at Parkway Chevrolet.

Luxury Features to Look For

Don’t let the term heavy-duty fool you into thinking that a used Chevy Silverado 3500 is just a working truck. Many of these models do come with luxury features depending on the term level that you choose. Chevy has been good about staying on top of the trends in luxury, and the Silverado 3500 is no exception. Let’s look at some examples.

In the 2010 Silverado 3500 models, you can expect to find most of the luxury features on the LT and LTZ trims. The LT model comes with keyless entry, full power accessories, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The LTZ adds alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and remote engine start technology. It also comes with premium leather upholstery, wood trim, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Bose stereo system. If you happen to come across a 2010 model with a rearview camera, a navigation system, parking sensors, and a sunroof, grab it! Those are add-ons that can be harder to find.

Next, the 2011 used Chevy Silverado 3500 models that come with luxury features are the LT and LTZ trims again. For this production run, the LT models get a few extra luxury features, including an auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio, and OnStar telematics. Meanwhile, the LTZ trim gets the same features that are listed on the 2010 model.

Moving on to the 2012 used Chevy Silverado 3500 trucks, you will find the same luxury features on the LT and LTZ trim here. The same goes for the 2013 and 2014 models too. The key thing to remember is the base Work Truck trim only comes with the basics no matter which year you get, but upper-level trims can be decked with all kinds of features and add-ons.

If you come across a 2015 used Chevy Silverado, you may notice that a new top-tier trim has been added. The LT and LTZ will come with the same aforementioned luxuries, but the new High Country trim gets heated/ventilated seats along with front/rear parking sensors. The Driver Alert Package, which adds lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and a safety alert driver’s seat, may also be included in the High Country.

Looking at the 2016 models, you will find that a new infotainment system has been put in place. Known as the Chevy MyLink system, it is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen and functions with voice controls. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar telematics, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot are included along with satellite radio standard on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. This is a bonus for purchasing a newer used Chevy Silverado 3500. New luxury features added to this year’s High Country trim include a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a protective spray-in bedliner.

The same luxury features can be found in the 2017 and 2018 models. The only difference with the 2018 models is that the Chevy MyLink infotainment system becomes standard on all trims, including the Work Truck, and the models from the LT level and higher get a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The used Chevy Silverado 3500 models from 2019, 2020, and 2021 come with the same luxury features as well.

A black 2017 used Chevy Silverado 3500 is towing construction equipment at a gravel pit.

Performance Features

If you are thinking about buying a used Chevy Silverado 3500, luxury features aren’t the only thing on your mind. Performance is another crucial aspect to consider. Although the Silverado 3500 has always been powerful, there have been a few changes to the lineup over the years that improve the vehicle’s overall output. Remember to keep in mind that towing capacities vary from model to model, even in the same year, so always check your owner's manual to see the capability of that specific truck.

For 2010, the standard powertrain is focused around a 6.0-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. RWD or 4WD may be equipped, and the total output is 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. You might also find a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 motor that pushes out 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. This robust powertrain can tow up to 16,500 pounds with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel hookup.

Next, the 2011 and 2012 used Chevy Silverado 3500 trucks are fitted with the same engines. However, a few tweaks have been made to ramp up the diesel motor’s performance to 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. This year’s models can tow up to 17,000 pounds with a standard hitch and 21,000 pounds with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel.

Moving to the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 trucks, these models still keep the same engine offerings. However, with a few adjustments, the towing capacity is increased to 18,000 pounds with a standard hitch. For gooseneck/fifth-wheel attachments, the limit rises to 23,100 pounds.

For 2017, 2018, and 2019 models, the engines remain the same. However, the diesel undergoes a few more improvements to ramp up to the output to 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. This enhancement is mainly due to the new Allison 6-speed transmission. The maximum towing capacity for a gooseneck/fifth-wheel attachment is also increased to 23,300 pounds.

Next, the 2020 used Chevy Silverado 3500 models get a new standard engine. As a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline motor, it generates 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. The same turbo diesel engine is still offered, and the maximum gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing limit has increased to 35,500 pounds. So, no matter what used model of the 3500 you find, you are going to get a powerful engine that can tow a lot of weight.