Used Chevy Silverado 2500

A black 2017 used Chevy Silverado 2500 Z71 is parked in front of shipping containers at night.

Chevrolet introduced truck drivers to the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD in time for the 1999 model year. The HD stands for heavy-duty, and the idea was to give buyers a truck that could carry more cargo and tow heavier trailers than the Silverado 1500. The first generation Silverado 2500 HD could do this without much difficulty, able to tow up to 11,200 lbs, as compared to the 9,500 lbs that the Silverado 1500 could handle. The bigger engines and heavier bodies have always been the key to the Silverado 2500 HD, giving it the strength and power to handle heavy-duty work. If you are looking for this kind of performance in your truck and don't want to break your bank by getting one, you should look into getting a used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. This will give you a great value as a used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD will already have taken the depreciation hit suffered by all new cars.

A blue and a white 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 are driving on a highway towing construction equipment and shown from the front.

Used Chevy 2500 HD Overview

There have been a total of four generations so far in the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD pickup truck. That first-generation truck was on the road until 2007, when Chevrolet decided to debut the second Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. While first-generation models represent excellent value on the used market, the second-generation trucks offer significantly improved interior quality, more modern features, and upgraded engine options.

The second-generation Chevy Silverado 2500 HD gives drivers two engine options. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V-8 that produces up to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, depending on the model year. This is already more power than is available with the top engines on the first-generation Silverado 2500 HD. However, there is also an optional 6.6-liter diesel V-8 that will give you even more power to tow and haul with better fuel economy than the gas engine. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, although the Duramax gets a tougher Allison unit.

Not content with the success of the second-generation model, Chevrolet updated the Silverado 2500 HD in time for the 2015 model year. This third generation again saw improvements to both comfort and performance, adding upgraded infotainment systems and better interior materials on top of more powerful engines. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine like in the second generation. However, the upgraded 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 was given decidedly more strength than the second generation Silverado 2500 HD. As a result, you will see a decided performance difference between the two generations when it comes to the trucks with the optional diesel engine.

Chevrolet rolled out the fourth-generation Silverado 2500 HD in time for the 2020 model year. This generation is still in production today, although it can be difficult to find a version on the used market. The standard engine in this generation is a 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine with direct injection and variable valve timing to improve engine efficiency. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine remains the 6.6-liter Duramax V-8, but it now has an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission to give maximum control. As you can see, Chevrolet meant business when it introduced the fourth-generation Silverado 2500 HD as the strongest, most capable version ever.

A More Detailed Engine Overview for the Silverado 2500

The Silverado 2500 has always been outfitted with a heavy-duty lineup of powertrain selections over the course of multiple generations. The engine lineup over the years has consisted of a powerful gasoline V8 and a Duramax turbo-diesel. During the first generation, this included an 8.1-liter Vortec 8100 V8 and a 6.6-liter Duramax V8. The Vortec topped out at 340 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, while the Duramax offered 360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

During the second generation, the Vortec was brought down to a 6.0-liter V8, but the overall horsepower increased up to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for the heavy-duty series. The Duramax maintained its 6.6-liter displacement but received a boost for the second generation in total power output, topping out at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque for the Silverado HD. This gave the Silverado 2500 series a nice edge over the competition during this time, and those who needed a powerful three-quarter-ton truck found a highly efficient one in the Silverado 2500.

The 6.0-liter Vortec 6000 V8 was classified as the L96, which – while having a smaller displacement than the Vortec 8100 – offered more advanced tech for the 2500 HD to take advantage of. Some of the improvements included camshaft phasing with variable valve timing, E85 flex-fuel capabilities, and electronic throttle control, among many other features. This gave the Vortec 6000 V8 plenty of gusto for handling heavy-duty tasks while also employing fuel-saving and eco-conscious measures that made the Silverado 2500 a much more efficient truck on the road.

During the third generation, General Motors swapped the 6.6-liter LML Duramax V8 for the 6.6-liter L5P Duramax V8, offering more horsepower and torque for the heavy-duty lineup of Silverado pickup trucks. The L5P Duramax V8 had an increase to 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. The benefit of the L5P Duramax over the LML Duramax was the ability to generate more power at lower revolutions, meaning whether you buy a new or used Silverado 2500 HD, you're able to get more towing and hauling done with less workload on the engine. Another benefit of the L5P Duramax, which has been used during the third and fourth generations of the Silverado, is that it delivers more power with fewer vibrations, thanks to a 38% reduction in engine noise at idle. This means that you get more work done with less noise, making it a win-win situation for anyone who drives a Silverado 2500 HD with an L5P turbocharged Duramax V8.

A black 2017 used Chevy Silverado 2500 is shown from the side towing a black enclosed trailer.

How Has the 2500 HD Changed Over the Years?

When it was originally introduced in 2000, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD was meant primarily for utilitarian purposes. The goal was to build a more powerful truck on the Silverado 1500 platform. Chevrolet succeeded, but this was not enough, so this is why the Silverado 2500 HD has been improved over the years to the point where it is ideal whether you are looking to use it as a family vehicle, a work truck, or just a great pickup for fun.

With enough room to fit a family of up to five members, a crew cab Silverado is a great all-around truck. However, the early Silverado 2500 HD trucks lacked most of the safety features we now take for granted, with only driver and passenger airbags offered as standard. This changed as features like child door locks, traction control, stability control, and additional airbags were added during the truck's second generation. The current fourth-generation model has a standard rear vision camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and a hitch guidance feature. Further, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert are offered as options. These safety features are key to many family drivers.

The other thing that has evolved over the years is the creature comforts in the truck. Whether it is leather seats or a fully equipped Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a multi-speaker stereo system, a used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD offers many features that are ideal for making it your everyday truck. This can be seen in how the luxury trim on the first and second-generation Silverado 2500 HD is the LTZ, while the third and fourth generations offer a High Country trim that is the ultimate in luxury.

If your interest in a Used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is more geared to commercial purposes, you should also be impressed with how the truck has evolved over its four generations. If you want maximum towing and payload capacity, then the Silverado 2500 HD will give you what you desire. The second generation of this truck can tow up to 13,000 lbs, the third generation can handle up to 15,400 lbs, and the fourth generation has boosted that number to an incredible 17,370 lbs with the standard gas engine. The optional diesel engine on the fourth-generation model can tow up to 18,510 lbs, making it the real champion of the lineup.

A used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is also a great choice for fun if you love off-roading. The version to look for here is the Z71. Whether you are buying a second, third, or fourth-generation Silverado 2500 HD, the Z71 version comes with an off-road suspension and other special features that make these trucks stand apart from the base models out on the trail.
That is one thing that Chevrolet can be commended for. By offering three different cab styles, a choice of two engines and drivetrains, and multiple trims, Chevy made the Silverado 2500 HD a versatile truck. It can be used as a family vehicle with the crew cab and the creature comforts of the LTZ and High Country trims, a work truck with a regular cab and utilitarian WT or LT trims, or as an off-road combatant with the Z71 package.

Financing Options for Your Silverado 2500

Financing for a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is available no matter which model year, trim variation, or feature set you go with when it's time to make the purchase from Parkway Chevrolet. We offer a wide variety of different options and available means to finance the Silverado 2500 HD that best suits your lifestyle and your financial situation. Before you commit to a purchase, you can utilize the opportunities in our finance department to apply for financing and secure an auto loan that works for you.

We offer four simple steps in order to get pre-approved for an auto loan for a used Silverado 2500 heavy-duty pickup. This includes all the essential information regarding your name, email, and phone number, followed by all of the basic address, financial, and credit information necessary for getting approved for a loan. Once the information is set, we can then begin working on securing a loan with annual percentage rates that will help you get the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD that you have your sights set on.

For those of you worried about lower credit scores or have missed payments in the past, we can still help you secure the loan you need so that you can get your hands on the three-quarter-ton truck you’ve been saving up for. Even if your credit score isn't perfect, we can work with auto lenders nationwide to find deals and financing options that work for you. Even if you have bad credit or have been turned down in the past when attempting to acquire a loan, we can still work with you and lenders to overcome those roadblocks in order to serve your best interests.

But what about those of you with no credit or bankruptcy or those of you who have dealt with repossession due to missed payments? Well, a damaged credit score is definitely grounds for making it difficult to secure a loan to purchase a vehicle with lending support. However, our financial experts can still work with you to find loan programs that can bypass some of the heartaches and roadblocks associated with those who have bad credit, no credit, or have suffered from bankruptcy. With our second chance financing available for those looking to purchase a used Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, we can work with lenders to help you turn around a bad credit situation so you can secure financing for the heavy-duty pickup you need.

In addition to all of this, our financial experts ensure that turnarounds are quick, service is efficient, and approvals are expedient. We offer competitive rates in Texas while granting quick approvals you just won't find from many other Chevy dealers. What's more, we also provide customers with available extended warranty and coverage programs for your Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, so in case anything happens, you're not left up a creek without a paddle. The Chevrolet Protection Plan helps to ensure that your purchase is protected and comes with a number of benefits, such as rental car coverage in case of breakdowns, trip interruption, towing, and road service, as well as contingencies in case of being locked out or losing your keys.

A mechanic is shown standing in a repair shop giving a thumbs up.

Important Maintenance

Maintaining your Silverado 2500 is an important part of keeping it in your possession for many years in working condition. It requires checkups at regular service intervals and needs to be maintained to the best of its mechanical integrity so that you can get the most out of the heavy-duty pickup. This means that you need to have the 2500 HD scheduled for regular service at the indicated intervals in the owner's manual. What sort of maintenance do you need for the 2500 HD? Well, there are several kinds.

The basics include getting the battery charged, the brakes checked, and the tires rotated as indicated. If you use the Silverado 2500 HD in a lot of strenuous conditions that include hauling or trailering heavy loads in worksites, quarries, or off-road environments, you may need to get the vehicle inspected or serviced more frequently than if you only occasionally engage in towing, hauling, plowing or trailering. If you regularly put your heavy-duty pickup trucks through the work-grinder, then you may need to regularly have the powertrain inspected to ensure that the engine and transmission are holding up to the kind of work you're putting it through.

Lots of heavy loads and bed usage for cargo payloads may also require regularly scheduled service for the suspension system, including springs, shock replacements, and frequent alignment adjustments. It's important to make sure that the vehicle maintains its stability and smooth handling, especially if you're doing a lot of trailering. If the proper adjustments are made frequently, it could cause serious problems on the road if the vehicle suffers from bad steering alignment or misaligned wheels.

Regularly driving a used Silverado 2500 HD in harsh conditions may also result in a few noticeable changes in performance or potential increased vibrations. If you notice any of these things taking place, it's important to schedule to have your Silverado 2500 HD serviced at our center by our certified technicians, so we can inspect the truck, survey the problem, and have maintenance done as soon as possible. This way, you can get back out on the road and use your Silverado as it was intended. We also have a parts department where you can quickly, easily, and conveniently order the parts you need to replace components suffering from wear and tear, or if you want, our technicians can order the part and install it for you in one smooth transaction.