Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and sometimes, those challenges force us into surprising and unconventional solutions. That’s exactly what happened to Norman Caraballo, who, just a week before Christmas, found himself jobless and scrambling for a way to keep up with his Silverado payments. His solution? Driving for Uber with his brand-new Chevrolet Silverado.
"I lost my job a week before Christmas and, since it's been tough finding a job lately, I've been driving my new Chevy Silverado for Uber to make the monthly payments until I get a new job. Whenever I pick up a passenger, they always ask why I'm using a V8 for Uber, until I explain it's actually a 4-cylinder, lot of space and awesome in gas MPG," Norman shared in a post on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 open Facebook group.
The Unexpected Question Norman Always Gets About His Uber Silverado
Most passengers assume that Norman’s Silverado is guzzling gas at an alarming rate, wondering why anyone would choose a full-size pickup for rideshare work. But the surprising reality is that his truck is equipped with Chevrolet’s 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, also known as the TurboMax. This engine is designed for light-duty pickup trucks and offers a combination of power and efficiency that many wouldn't expect from a Silverado.
Dan Curtis, another group member, expressed some skepticism: "Norman, you are the first person I ever heard that's pleased his Silverado goes in 4 cyl. Wait till it don’t go back into V8."
If you're considering a Silverado, it's worth knowing that Chevy has made major strides in engine technology. Some drivers have experienced transmission issues in their Silverados, which makes Norman’s situation even more interesting: how well will his truck hold up under the constant stop-and-go of Uber driving?
Other Silverado Owners Share Their Experiences
Norman isn't alone in making unconventional use of his Silverado. Kenroy McDonald commented, "Do what you have to do to make it work, brother. I do pressure washing and haul a trailer with my 4 CYL Chevrolet Silverado and I love it."
And when another group member asked about the performance of the 4-cylinder engine, William Christopher shared his perspective: "I've had a Hemi (Ram 1500) for the last 6 years, I just got a Silverado with the 4-cylinder engine in it, it's a nice truck, I have no issues, I'll be doing 75-80 mph and not even know it. The only thing I'm not happy with is the sound of it. The truck needs a different exhaust."
For those wondering whether the Silverado's transmission can handle Uber driving long-term, it's a valid concern. Transmission repairs can be costly, and some Silverado owners report issues surfacing after about 100,000 miles.
The Potential Downsides of Uber Driving in a Silverado
While the idea of using a Silverado for Uber might sound like a unique perspective on making ends meet, not everyone is convinced it's a good long-term strategy. Dagoperto Pena pointed out a significant weakness of this approach: "This is a fast way to accelerate wear and tear on your truck and not even be remotely worth it. Tires alone are $1300."
It’s true, Silverado maintenance costs can add up quickly, and driving for Uber means putting thousands of extra miles on a truck that isn’t exactly designed for rideshare work. Norman might be better off considering an EV Silverado, which offers lower fuel costs and reduced wear on key components.
What Norman (and Other Uber Drivers) Should Watch For
If Norman plans to continue using his Silverado for Uber, he’ll need to stay ahead of potential maintenance issues. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV promises more range and efficiency, but for now, he has to make his gas-powered truck work.
Some Silverado owners have reported strange surging and intermittent issues at higher mileage, so Norman should keep an eye on his truck’s performance over time.
Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, Norman is making the best of an unexpected event. He's proving that despite facing many difficulties, there are ways to keep going and stay financially afloat. But is using a Silverado for Uber really the best move?
What do you think? Would you ever consider using a full-size pickup for Uber or other gig work? If you own a Silverado, how has it held up over time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Image reference: The 1st image is from Norman's Facebook profile, while the 2nd image is a screenshot from his Silverado with an Uber sign on it, which he shared in the open group.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
Comments
You didn't post a MPG figure…
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You didn't post a MPG figure, so I looked it up for a Silverado 4 cylinder TurboMax. How is 18mph "awesome in mpg"?
The heartbeat of America is…
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The heartbeat of America is on life support. I bought a brand new Chevy Silverado back in 2015, changed the oil every 3,000 miles and took immaculate care of it. The engine blew leaving a restaurant one night going 35 mph. It turns out that the AFT system caused lifter failure and the mechanic told me that it's very common in the 5.3 l v8. Other problems with the Silverados are the transmissions going out at less than 70,000 miles and the air conditioner system going out which is a 15-hour job and cost over $2,000. Chevy Silverados in my opinion are complete pieces of junk and I don't recommend anybody buy one. Still waiting for the class action suit against gm!
I have a 2015 Silverado with…
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I have a 2015 Silverado with a 4.3 V6 and I've been using it for Uber work for 2 years now. I get the same question as Norman all the time. The best part is is the fuel efficiency of this truck is amazing. And the power of that motor is nothing to smerk at either. Yes they did come with a mountain of issues but stay on top of the maintenance and it seems to be fine. Just as an added FYI I live and Uber in East Tennessee. So you can imagine the mountain range I'm in all the time
It's not really anyone's…
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It's not really anyone's business but Norman's what his vehicle's MPG is. He's the one ultimately paying for it. If the Silverado's getting his customers there, that's all that matters. If I had to do a job like Uber, you'd better believe I'd be driving the biggest, most comfortable and powerful vehicle I could get for it. You don’t get to question your Uber driver about their MPG. People's thinking these days is so screwed.