Is a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good deal?
Short answer: A used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 41.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 30.4% | 69.6% | $25,682 |
| 5 years | 41.7% | 58.3% | $21,527 |
| 7 years | 48.8% | 51.2% | $18,910 |
| 10 years | 62.8% | 37.2% | $13,734 |
Its class (full-size pickup) averages 37% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 1087 | Engine (372), Power Train (328), Service Brakes (194) |
| 2020 | 12 | 733 | Engine (245), Power Train (228), Service Brakes (113) |
| 2021 | 8 | 834 | Engine (381), Power Train (241), Electrical System (112) |
| 2022 | 6 | 636 | Engine (251), Power Train (184), Electrical System (137) |
| 2023 | 3 | 384 | Engine (150), Power Train (106), Electrical System (62) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 21V115000 (Tires): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Che…
- 19V889000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:abs Warning Light): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability…
- 19V888000 (Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an in…
- 20V792000 (Seat Belts): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500…
- 20V055000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an err…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $3,700–$5,850 per year in fuel for 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 versions (14–26 MPG combined across 18 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Spray-in bedliners, running boards, tonneau covers and lift or leveling kits priced well above parts cost
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Engine, Power Train, Electrical System. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price models like this with more room to negotiate.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good deal?
A used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 41.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 loses 41.7% of its value after five years (30.4% after three years, 62.8% after ten).
Does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (1087). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $3,700–$5,850 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models