Chevy Silverado Owner Says, “100K In I’ve Replaced the Top End, Transmission, and Now There’s Suspension Issues, I Drove a Cyberbeast and Now I’m Obsessed"

His 2016 Chevy Silverado hit him with over $10,000 in major repairs, and there are more repairs on the horizon. Now, after a Tesla Cybertruck demo, Daniel is convinced Cybertruck owners are "blessed," but he's questioning if the faster model is actually the best one for him.

Daniel Gutierrez shared his dilemma on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page:

"We did a demo drive with a Cyberbeast the other day and just wanted to say that whoever owns a Cybertruck is blessed. I really loved this experience, and now I’m obsessed, and I hope to get one someday once I am financially ready. I currently own a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 that we bought brand new and now just hit 100k."

"We've already had to replace the top end and cam because of a collapsed lifter ($5k) and the torque converter and transmission ($5k) since ownership, and now it's time to replace all the suspension components with other maintenance."

"I was comparing the Cyberbeast to the AWD and noticed the AWD has more payload and longer range. They both come with locking diffs, so I was wondering if the Cyberbeast is just faster and that's it? Once again, definitely think we would really love to get one of these trucks once the time is right and we're financially able."

The Cyberbeast is intoxicating.

That sense of awe after driving a Cyberbeast is something Tesla engineered by design—it's intoxicating. Daniel summed up the feeling perfectly: "blessed." This report is not comparing the Silverado to the Cybertruck. Daniel has already made up his mind to get a Cybertruck as soon as possible.

Escaping the Financial Drain

In the world of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Silverado trucks, Daniels' story illustrates the financial drain he wants to escape. The desire for a Cybertruck isn't just about speed; it's about reliability and lower expenses.

In making the jump to the Cyberbeast from the Silverado, what is the Total Cost of Ownership? Daniel is looking to replace a truck that requires continuous, high-cost servicing with a vehicle famous for its simplicity.

Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership bypasses engine oil changes, complex transmissions, spark plugs, belts, and most importantly, the catastrophic internal failures common to modern gas engines (like his lifter and transmission issues). The average EV's maintenance cost is dramatically lower than that of a comparable ICE pickup. So, now the question is, which model is the best for Daniel?

Daniel asks, Is the Cyberbeast just faster than the AWD model?

The short answer is yes, but the long answer involves looking at performance and utility. He is absolutely right that the AWD model has greater range and higher payload capacity—a good observation for a potential owner.

His comparison is accurate: the AWD is an absolute rocket at 4.1 seconds—faster than almost any other truck on the market—and the Cyberbeast is a bona fide supercar. That's the difference between "ridiculously fast" and "physically violent."

But the differences run deeper than just acceleration:

• Motor Count & Efficiency: The Cyberbeast uses a Tri-Motor setup. That third motor adds significant power, but also extra weight and slightly decreases efficiency. This is precisely why the AWD Dual-Motor model has the edge in both payload (less curb weight) and range (less power draw).
• Performance vs. Utility: The AWD is the utilitarian efficiency king, while the Cyberbeast is the raw, unrestricted power brute. The Cyberbeast has more raw power to play with, but the AWD is fundamentally a lighter and more efficient architecture.

Key Takeaways 

Unless Daniel plans on racing Porsches at every stoplight, the AWD is the sweet spot for utility and value. It still tows the full 11,000 lbs, carries an extra 1,000 pounds of cargo (a significant difference), and gives you an additional 20 miles of range.

He'll spend an additional $20,000 for the Beast for a faster 0−60 time, or he can take the AWD, save that $20k, enjoy greater utility, and still be driving one of the quickest and most capable trucks ever built.

In The End:

Daniels' 2016 Silverado now needs new suspension components. He shouldn't sink another few thousand dollars into non-refundable suspension work.

Every dollar he spends on the Silverado now is a dollar he can't put toward a down payment. He should use his current maintenance headache as motivation to accelerate the transition. Get an immediate trade-in value for his aging truck before paying for those repairs.

The Cybertruck AWD is arguably the superior truck for those who need utility, want maximum efficiency, and need to justify the cost through a lower TCO. It delivers 95% of the experience while giving better stats in the areas he pointed out: payload and range.

The choice comes down to priority: raw acceleration dominance or greater range and payload.

It's Your Turn

If you had to choose between the AWD's extra range and payload, or the Cyberbeast's 1.5-second faster 0−60 time, which utility versus performance trade-off wins your money, and why?

Don't miss this Tesla Cybertruck story! Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “It’s a Futuristic Chrome-Plated Dumpster Designed On an Apple II By a Stoned Elon Musk, But Requires Less Maintenance Than a Goldfish”

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Daniel Gutierrez