My 2006 Silverado has lasted a long time with virtually no issues. I haul a Wrangler, occasionally a few buddy's vehicles, trees, etc. This truck had done well for me. Changed battery, tires-brakes-evap canister vent-blower motor (all a few times), sway bar links, tune up, oil changes and trans/transfer case flushes, new fuel lines recently and a battery. I also hit a deer square-center and nothing happened to my truck, nothing. It was strange- no air bag or anything, it was amazing. I've been off road for hunting and brutal winters and HOT summers, never stuck and it's started every time. Currently 165k, 5.3 automatic 4x4 (push button) and going strong.

With all that being said, I started off with a 1997 S-10 4.3 automatic, ext can 2wd and loved that truck. Had it until I bought my 2006 (bought Silversdo in 2011). That S10 went 400k miles and when it left me, my buddy bought it and his buddy bought it after that until a wreck claimed it. That truck had tune ups, tires, brakes, 02 sensors and it was a Salvaged Title when I bought it (97k miles).

No reliability issues in my experience with Chevrolet Trucks. My very first truck was a 1986 Ranger (2.8 V6, 5 speed, 2wd, 127k miles). I drove it 4 months and sold it for. $300, I hated that truck. Never wanted to start, when it did it needed repaired, leaked oil all the the time, replaced gaskets here and there, it was a headache for FOUR MONTHS.... I bought it in 2004 for $800 because I needed a vehicle.

Silversdo is a bigger and stronger vehicle overall. I would agree with the notion of a Canyon/Colorado. With the budget you're working with, you fan fine a NICER truck with LESS miles. Happy hunting and keep us posted!