2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Used Car Review

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a genuinely capable used pickup truck, but it’s not without its problems. If you’re shopping for a workhorse that can haul, tow, and handle daily driving without drama, this silverado deserves a close look. Just go in with your eyes open.

This review is for buyers who want a straight answer: is the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 worth buying used? The short version is yes, for the right buyer at the right price. But there are specific things you need to check before you hand over any money.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: What You’re Actually Getting

The 2019 silverado was a full redesign year for Chevy. GM introduced a lighter, stiffer body with a mix of steel and aluminum panels, a completely new interior, and a broader lineup of trims than ever before. You’ll find everything from the base WT (Work Truck) all the way up to the High Country, with popular mid-range options like the LT, LTZ, and the off-road-focused Trail Boss sitting in between.

The most common used silverado you’ll find is the LT trim, and that’s not a bad thing. The LT hits a sweet spot of features and price that most buyers actually want. If you’re shopping crew cab configurations, the LT crew cab is probably the most plentiful option on the used market right now.

The Trail Boss is worth a mention if you want off-road capability. It comes with a factory lift, skid plates, and Rancho shocks, and it pairs exclusively with the 5.3L V8. The Trail Boss commands a premium over a standard LT, so make sure you actually need those off-road features before paying extra for them.

Engine choices include a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, a 4.3L V6, the 5.3L V8, and a 6.2L V8. The 5.3 is the most popular and, according to owner feedback, one of the more dependable options in the lineup. The 2.7L turbo four is newer technology and has been more divisive among owners.

Reliability & Common Issues

Let’s be direct: the 2019 silverado has some real reliability concerns that you need to know about before buying. RepairPal gives it a 3.5 out of 5 reliability score, placing it fifth out of 19 full-size trucks. That’s decent, but not class-leading.

Engine oil cooler line failures are a documented issue. The rubber flexible joint in the oil cooler line can develop leaks, sometimes severe ones. This isn’t a cheap fix if it’s been ignored, and it can lead to bigger engine damage if oil levels drop undetected.

There are also documented exhaust system problems, including issues with the muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, and heat shields. Some owners report rattles and leaks that show up earlier than you’d expect on a truck this age.

Infotainment glitches are surprisingly common. One Edmunds reviewer reported the screen going haywire literally on day two of ownership after shifting out of reverse. The Chevy MyLink system in the 2019 can be buggy, and software issues are a recurring complaint.

Most seriously, there are owner reports of engine failure at relatively low mileage. One review on Cars.com describes an engine failure at 82,000 miles despite regular maintenance. That’s not typical for a V8 truck, and it’s alarming enough to warrant careful pre-purchase scrutiny.

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado also has 10 documented recalls. You can check the full list on the NHTSA recalls database. Make sure any silverado you’re considering has had all open recalls addressed before you buy. Run a free VIN lookup to confirm recall completion and spot any red flags in the vehicle’s history.

GM’s 8-speed automatic transmission, which pairs with the 5.3L in many trims, has been polarizing. Most owners report no issues, but some describe shuddering or rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. This is something to specifically test during a test drive.

What to Inspect Before You Buy

A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is non-negotiable with any used pickup, and the 2019 silverado is no exception. Here’s what to pay specific attention to with this truck.

Check underneath for rust. The 2019 silverado uses a mixed-material body, but the frame is still steel. If the truck lived in a northern state where roads get salted, look carefully at the frame rails, brake lines, and exhaust components. Rust on the heat shields is common and often a sign of broader corrosion issues.

Look for oil leaks around the engine bay. Given the known oil cooler line issues, spend time under the hood checking for any signs of oil residue or staining near the cooler lines and fittings. A mechanic’s inspection will catch this more reliably than a visual check alone.

Test the 8-speed transmission thoroughly. Drive the truck in stop-and-go traffic. Accelerate from low speeds. If you feel any shuddering, hesitation, or jerky shifts, that’s a yellow flag worth investigating. A transmission fluid check (color and smell) is a simple starting point.

Test all infotainment functions. Connect a phone via Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Cycle through the backup camera, radio inputs, and navigation if equipped. Infotainment repairs on this generation can be expensive if the head unit needs replacing.

• Check all four wheel wells for rust and body panel condition, especially around the rear wheel arches
• Inspect the tailgate and bed liner for damage that might suggest heavy commercial use
• If it’s a Trail Boss, confirm the skid plates are intact and the suspension components aren’t worn from off-road use
• Ask for service records, particularly oil changes and any major repairs

If a seller won’t let you take it to an independent shop for an inspection, that tells you everything you need to know. Walk away.

Fair Price Range

What you pay for a used 2019 silverado depends heavily on trim level, mileage, configuration, and your local market. Generally speaking, here’s what you’ll typically see.

A base or WT trim pickup with higher mileage will typically come in at the lower end of the market. A mid-range LT crew cab in good condition with reasonable mileage usually sits comfortably in the mid-range used truck market. Step up to a Trail Boss, LTZ, or High Country, and you’ll often see a significant premium, especially on clean low-mileage examples.

Mileage matters a lot here. A 2019 silverado with under 60,000 miles commands noticeably more than one pushing 100,000. Given the engine concerns some owners have reported, buying a lower-mileage example with documented service history is worth paying more for.

Use our car loan calculator to figure out what monthly payments look like at different price points before you start negotiating. Knowing your number going in is a real advantage.

The 2019 chevy silverado has depreciated meaningfully since new, which is exactly why it’s an attractive used buy right now. You’re getting a redesigned, full-size pickup truck at a fraction of the original sticker price, and that’s a solid value proposition if you pick the right example.

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Worth Buying Used?

For most buyers shopping a full-size pickup, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a solid choice, but it rewards careful shoppers more than impulse buyers.

It’s best for someone who needs a capable daily driver or light work truck, wants a crew cab with real back seat room, and is buying from a seller who can show documented maintenance history. The LT and LTZ trims hit the best value sweet spot. If off-road capability matters to you, the Trail Boss is genuinely well-equipped from the factory and worth the premium over adding aftermarket parts later.

The 2019 silverado is probably not the right truck for you if you’re buying blind without any service records, if you need absolute reliability assurance for high-stakes work use, or if the seller can’t or won’t let you get an inspection done. The engine and oil cooler concerns are real enough that cutting corners on due diligence is a risk not worth taking.

The chevy silverado platform has earned its reputation over decades. The 2019 model year is a competent, well-rounded pickup when it’s been maintained properly. The key phrase is “maintained properly.” Verify that before you buy, and you’ll likely end up with a truck you’re happy with for years.

You can browse used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 listings to compare trims, configurations, and pricing in your area before you start reaching out to sellers.

Getting a pre-purchase inspection and running the VIN are the two steps that separate a great used truck purchase from an expensive mistake. Do both, and the 2019 Chevy Silverado gives you a lot of truck for the money.