Chevrolet Silverado WT Ownership and the Case for Keeping Convertibles

Two very different kinds of enthusiasm come through in this week’s reader mail: a Mustang convertible that earned a memorable nickname, and a Chevrolet Silverado WT that has made one owner especially happy. One story points to how uncommon convertibles have become; the other shows why a practical, lower trim pickup can be the right fit even when other trucks also have their merits.

A Mustang with a Chili Peppers name

Austin Hamilton wrote after seeing Nathan at a truck show in Pasadena in 2024. Nathan was driving a red Mustang GT convertible and listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Austin remembered the resulting name: “Red Hot Chili Roadster.” The wordplay stuck, even if the technical description needs a small correction.

A roadster usually means a sporty two-seat car with an open roof. The Mazda MX-5 Miata fits that description. The Mustang has a back seat, though it may be a cramped place for passengers, so “convertible” is the more accurate term for Nathan’s car. The distinction reflects body style and seating layout; having a folding roof alone doesn’t make a car a roadster.

The larger question is whether convertibles are disappearing. U.S. sales have fallen sharply: S&P Global Mobility data cited here puts annual sales at roughly 70,000, compared with more than 300,000 in 2004. That leaves open-top cars with a small audience in a market that sells millions of vehicles. The figures suggest a shrinking niche, though they don’t mean the format has vanished.

There are still distinct options for buyers who want an open roof. The Miata remains a two-seat roadster, while the 2026 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible can be configured with a V8 and a standard six-speed manual. That combination asks buyers to accept the usual trade-offs of a convertible: less everyday practicality than a conventional coupe, along with open-air driving that’s part of the appeal. The source gives no pricing or other specifications for these models.

Nathan’s nickname may stretch the definition of “roadster,” but it captures the pleasure of a red convertible, a favorite band and a memorable drive. For prospective buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: the selection is smaller than it once was, yet the category still includes cars with very different approaches to open-air motoring.

50,000 miles in a Silverado WT

The second reader’s report is a useful reminder that a truck’s appeal doesn’t depend on a high trim level. Barsin_Low65 says their 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4x4 has covered 50,000 miles in less than two years. In 60 years of driving, and after owning 12 trucks, they say it’s the best they’ve had.

The owner reports good fuel economy, regular towing of more than 7,000 pounds, and no trouble handling farm equipment or a travel trailer. So far, tires have been the only replacement item. They also say a set of Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tires, chosen after a recommendation from TFL Studios, has worked well for more than 10,000 miles. That’s one owner’s experience, not a broader reliability record, but the combination of frequent towing and substantial mileage gives the account useful context.

Barsin_Low65’s question is why the coverage recommends other trucks when this Silverado has been such a success. The answer is that one owner’s priorities don’t represent every truck buyer’s. People compare pickups based on the jobs they need to do, the features they care about and the price they’re willing to pay. A model that suits farm work and regular trailer towing for one driver may not be the right match for another.

The WT trim also makes a practical point about pickup shopping. Higher trims can raise prices substantially, while a work-focused model may deliver what an owner needs without paying for features that aren’t a priority. Nathan calls pickup prices excessive and says choosing the WT makes sense. That’s a personal judgment, but it lines up with this owner’s account: they’re pleased with the truck’s day-to-day performance and have not needed to replace anything beyond the tires.

For shoppers, the useful details are the truck’s configuration, reported workload and mileage: a 2025 Silverado 1500 WT 4x4, more than 7,000 pounds of regular towing, farm equipment and travel trailer use, and 50,000 miles in under two years. Those facts offer a concrete ownership perspective, while leaving room for buyers to compare other trucks against their own needs. The owner’s satisfaction is a strong endorsement of this particular experience; the best choice still depends on the work each pickup will be asked to do.