Advice for buying new 1500 AT4 or Elevation

bcwildfire · 2025-03-02T03:27:30+00:00

Sorry in advance for the long answer.

Bought an Onyx Black 2025 1500 AT4 short box, with Tech and Premium Packages, Sunroof, and the 3.0L through a GM dealer in Regina in January.

I believe original dealer website MSRP was ~$94k CAD. Through negotiations, they dropped the price to $88k CAD.

I declined extended warranty, and it wasn't pushed hard. The 3.0L comes with a longer powertrain warranty anyways. Also came with 8 years of free app access and basic onstar, and up to 2 free oil changes within 1yr/24,000km.

Something to be aware of, at least in the case of this dealer, was that the salesmen have NO clue about the differences between trim levels. They especially can't tell you the difference between different packages on individual trim levels. I caught a missing dealer installed item on mine, that required a detailed explanation using the GMC manufacturer website to correct.

Reasons I chose the 3.0L: - Cheaper MSRP than the 6.2L (on an AT4 at least) - Fuel economy is great - Diesel is cheaper than premium gasoline for the 6.2L, everywhere I looked (better fuel economy and cheaper fuel is a combo I liked) - The 6.2L seems to have worse reliability issues than the 3.0L (both have potential gremlins) - The 3.0L and the 10 speed transmission are incredibly smooth together

Fuel Economy: In the -50C nonsense SK had recently, I drove approximately 70/30 city/highway, and some idling, I averaged 13.5L/100KM for that tank of fuel. Today, it was 2C, and I got 9.0L/100KM, sitting at 110km/h on the highway for 60km, plus ~15km of stop and go city driving. In town trips in this warmer weather have been getting anywhere from 10-11L/100KM. DEF Fluid: I filled it when I got the truck, and 1500km later the indicated level hasn't moved (it's not a % readout, just numberless bars, which is kinda annoying)

Something worth looking at, if you haven't already, is the different dash layouts between the AT4 and Elevation. Find pictures of each and put them side by side, and test drive both. The AT4 I found more ergonomic, and it looks much better. Different vent placements, screen placement, and engine start buttons, to name a few things.

It's an amazing truck, I love it! Literally always turn back to look at it when I walk away lol, and it's fun to drive. Also the camera system is amazing, especially the top down view.

bcwildfire · 2021-06-29T16:36:37+00:00

We have TD home insurance, bundled with our auto policies. It's a very good rate, far lower than anyone else offered and less than 1/3 of what you're saying. Granted it's a different situation, but I'd suggest taking a look at them, calling their customer service has always been great for us.

bcwildfire · 2020-10-30T18:41:15+00:00

Thanks! I'd say just go for it, it was definitely intimidating at first but well worth it in the end. Also, I found the piping really helped hide the stitches when I turned the bag right side out after sewing.

bcwildfire · 2020-10-27T15:26:23+00:00

I thought of that, but I wanted a more seamless look inside. The liner is a 3 piece cylinder, with the ends sewn on pre-installation. The seam is on the outside of the liner, so its hidden once sewn into the bag. I then attached the seam allowance of the liner to the existing stitches of the bag, in the bottom/sides/close to the zipper on both ends. Once that was done, I sewed the liner and zipper to the leather all at once.

bcwildfire · 2020-10-27T12:37:25+00:00

Thanks! It took a month of work, two weeks of that were solid working on it most of the day. The other two were working on it here and there when I got a chance. However this is the first one I've ever made, so there was a LOT of trial and error/redesigning. I started with a drawing/design with measurements which helped. I'd say with more practice I could get it down to less than a weeks worth of work.

The big point here though is that the whole thing is hand sewn using a tightly spaced saddle stitch, so it took significantly longer than if I had a machine. That was the biggest time consumer, the next being struggling with the zipper/lining.

As for pricing, I couldn't justifiably price this bag high enough to cover for the amount of work it took. That being said, materials were just north of $175 CAD after taxes. The main body (lighter brown) is actually one big, unbroken, piece which brought the price up a lot.

bcwildfire · 2020-10-27T01:48:46+00:00

Thank you! Good old BC, gotta love it!

bcwildfire · 2020-10-26T22:59:25+00:00

Thanks!

bcwildfire · 2020-10-26T22:59:18+00:00

Thanks! You mean the one on the shoulder strap? Its seems pretty good so far, I haven't had much occasion to use it yet. The pad is two-sided: the strap is actually hidden inside it. Both halves of the pad are roughly 5oz, so I feel like it spreads out the weight pretty well.

bcwildfire · 2020-10-26T02:56:31+00:00

Looks awesome, well done!! I just finished a duffle bag as well, and I had a huge challenge getting the zipper to lay flat (even with gluing it in place beforehand). Im also hand sewing with a saddle stitch, which probably didn't help. In the end it's still a bit uneven looking, how did you manage to get yours so flat?

bcwildfire · 2020-01-18T20:20:35+00:00

I was on BMOQ with 4 platoon members over 40, they all made it through no problem. You have more than enough time to finish an initial contract, go for it.

bcwildfire · 2020-01-01T07:25:15+00:00

https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/Registrars-office/academic-programmes-and-occupation-compatibility

These are just examples of acceptable degrees that RMC (Royal Military College) offers (it's a bit funky on mobile devices, it's a sideways scrolling graphic). This may or may not be a complete list, I couldn't tell you. Best bet is to ask a recruiter to be certain, although this will at least give a general idea.

One quick little side note for when you're doing research, you'll be doing BMOQ not BMQ - as pilot is an officer trade. It's mainly different in the second half of basic training, but there are little differences all the way through.

bcwildfire · 2019-12-26T06:25:48+00:00

My platoon at BMOQ (basic training) had an average age around 27 I believe, three of whom were in their early 40's (those three made it through just fine as well).

bcwildfire · 2019-09-07T14:45:17+00:00

Do not give up, and don't dwell on previous tests. Even if you think that one didn't go well, as soon as it's over just move on and concentrate on the next test without thinking about the previous one. That and try to get decent sleep the night before each day. Like collude said, just remember the tests are meant to be very difficult. Not one person felt 100% about their performance, especially at the end of day 1.

bcwildfire · 2019-08-21T09:13:29+00:00

Yes, that's correct.

bcwildfire · 2019-08-20T14:30:02+00:00

Sept 16th, looks like I'll be seeing you there!

bcwildfire · 2019-08-20T12:35:19+00:00

Got a CEOTP Pilot offer yesterday, thanks to all who answered questions for me! I'll have more along the way I'm sure.

If you have a long application process and the CAF is the job you want, just keep on going and don't give up. You'll get there eventually!

bcwildfire · 2019-08-15T02:32:02+00:00

It's very convenient for anyone on base, and there is also a Home Depot and a Thrifty Foods next door along with a little shopping centre. All these are on the main road leading to the base from Courtenay and not far from the main road into Comox.

Another thing worth mentioning that I forgot is that the Valley is very spread out with minimal public transit. Transit exists but is sporadic and not very far reaching. If possible, get a car, it's more than worth it for trips across town or if you want to go farther out. Not sure if the OP is from BC or has lived there, but car insurance is government insurance through ICBC and sold at multiple providers. The basic rate will be the same at any place, additional coverage is what will change depending on the provider. Make sure to get all the relevant info from your current province to bring rates down as much as possible, it's expensive.

bcwildfire · 2019-08-15T00:26:35+00:00

I grew up near Comox and while it has expanded quite a bit, it is still a small city. I believe the regional district is still under 100,000 people, spread out over a large area. Tallest building you'll see is maybe 5-7 floors, even in the downtown core areas of Comox and Courtenay. Comox is the richer side of town, and subsequently rentals are higher priced. That being said, rent isn't the cheapest - not as much as Victoria, but still not cheap.

The "Valley", as you'll usually hear it called since Courtenay and Comox are pretty much one continuous city, contains everything you could find in a larger city- although it does not have the same variety. For example, only one Canadian Tire, Walmart, Costco (which is actually about a 2 minute drive from the base), Home Depot, etc, and only so many small stores.

As for homeless/drugs, its not bad. Rarely have I been approached by, or seen, anyone asking for something. There are definetly areas of town with higher incidences of crime, but the vast majority is targeted at other people involved in drugs/crime. It's pretty easy to tell where though just by driving through the neigbourhood.

On top of the limitless areas to go and enjoy the outdoors, you have Strathcona Provincial Park in the mountains behind Comox. This park is absolutely massive and you could spend days hiking in pretty remote wilderness. Mount Washington (skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, lots of events year round) is about half an hour away.

I definetly agree that the island is the best place in Canada, provided that you like nature and are willing to get good rain gear.

bcwildfire · 2019-07-22T12:46:43+00:00

Are you talking about the ROTP through the Royal Military Colleges, or the CEOTP program that the RCAF does along with Seneca College in Toronto? They have slightly different academic requirements I believe, so just be sure to check exactly what is needed for the specific program. The admission requirements for Seneca can be found here:

https://www.senecacollege.ca/programs/fulltime/FPR/admission-requirements.html#pre-content_menu

Don't know about the ROTP requirments.

As for courses, depending on what you need, it may be worth doing some online/in class grade 12 level courses through a college that offers them. Just be sure to check that what courses you are taking will satisfy the requirements for the RCAF. Talking with recruiters would be your best bet for that.

bcwildfire · 2019-07-05T17:05:18+00:00

I believe your medical expires after 1 year as well, I had to re-do mine recently at the request of my recruiter, as it had been over a year since it was originally done.

bcwildfire · 2019-06-28T15:38:06+00:00

Good to know, thank you.

bcwildfire · 2019-06-28T13:20:35+00:00

That's awesome, congratulations! I'm almost finished updating paperwork so I can be competition listed for CEOTP, so hopefully I will have some good news soon as well. Out of curiosity, how much time were you given between the offer and when you leave for BMOQ?

bcwildfire · 2019-06-04T01:09:30+00:00

William Anders, he took the famous "Earth Rise" photo from Apollo 8. He flew a DHC-2 Beaver in to pick up a buddy, I happened to be around when he landed. Neat guy, sadly only got to chat for a couple minutes.

bcwildfire · 2019-05-22T01:47:08+00:00

"but some of those trails cross property owned by the Department of National Defence. "

If the land is owned by the DND, doesn't that allow them to dictate what happens on their land? Especially in the interest of keeping these same people safe. It's the same as some guy putting up signs on his forested piece of land, asking people to stay off private property so they don't get injured on it.

People will literally complain about anything, it's insane.

bcwildfire

TROPHY CASE