Traded my '99 Z71 for a '03 Z71

2003Z71 · January 24, 2003

I just got my new truck two days ago and I just wanted to let everyone know how far the Chevy Truck has come in just the last couple of years.

First I have to say that the 99 Z71 reg cab was an awesome truck and I hated to get rid of it. It still ran like it was new and it was still tight and solid. The reason I traded it in was because I wanted the extended cab for more room. If I had an extended cab I would not have sold it. Plus I got an incredible deal. My new truck listed for $33,100 and by the time I was done the price was $25,500 plus 2.9% financing for 5 years. Couldn't pass it up.

I must say that the new truck is so much smoother, quieter, better ride and handling. Fit and finish of the interior is about the same. The power is there from the 5.3L. My truck came with the Bridgestone Duelers which makes the package look more aggressive than the crappy looking Firestones that comes with most of the trucks. However, the tires do make more noise.

For all of you who do not like the front end, you'll get used to it. I personally like it alot. It gives the truck a little more attitude. It looks alot better in person than in pictures.

If you think that your 99-02 is a good truck now, you are right. But the new '03 is even better.

BTW, my father has the same truck I do in an '02 model and is less than a year old. I drove his '02 today and the '03 feels like a different truck for the better.

BlueRado · January 24, 2003

Welcome aboard 2003Z71!! Glad to have another fellow '03 owner here!

It's interesting your comments regarding the differences between the '99 and '03 as my experience is absolutely identical. Seems they've made a big leap from the '02 to '03. Although my '99 was also a great truck, it had lots of rattles, etc, pretty much right from the beginning.

Are your Duelers the H/L or A/T? My H/Ls are a little noisey, but I get great wear, handling, and wet weather water channeling.

I agree on the front clip looks too. This site is tops, and lots of support - I think you'll like it. :thumb:

P.S. - This thread might get moved to the newbie/introductions area, BTW.

bowtiebob · January 25, 2003

Hey there 2003Z71,

Congrats on the new truck and welcome to the site. Do you have any pictures to post of it yet??

99silveradoz71 · January 25, 2003

Welcome, sounds like you made a nice upgrade for yourself.

2003Z71 · January 25, 2003

BlueRado,

Thanks for the warm welcome. I don't know how I missed this site for the last couple of years. I stumbled upon it on the Corvette Forum as I am Always on there. I have a 99 FRC Vette as well.

My I think my tires are the A/T's. They have the more aggressive tread pattern.

I just got the Rhino Liner sprayed on the bed today. I had the rhino liner on my '99 and it was a great investment.

I kept my Hard shell tonneau cover as well that I will put on this weekend. My '99 was Pewter and I loved the color so much that I had to get it again.

I have no pics yet but as soon as I get some I will post them.

sduquette · January 25, 2003

after driving around a '02 sierra denali for a few days, I was glad to get my '03 HD back. the feedback from the steering was terrible, and my truck seemed quite a bit quieter. I really did like that 4 wheel steering though.

Shaners · January 25, 2003

Congrats on the new ride, and welcome to the forum!!!

HillHound · January 25, 2003

Congrats on the new truck!

The new interior/dash is a great improvement. I like the steering wheel controls and the digital climate controls alot. The dash looks alot more modern than the old one. Also I think the new tailgate edge protector looks better with the serrations along the lower edge-adds a little bit more aggresive look to it.

Don't know if noticed the new tires on the 03s, but anything is better than the Firestones my '01 had. Those were the worst set of tires I've ever owned in just about all regards.

lrymal · January 25, 2003

I just got my new truck two days ago and I just wanted to let everyone know how far the Chevy Truck has come in just the last couple of years.

I picked up one of these as well on December 27th. It is light pewter. an extended cab, Z71, 5.3. Wish I had the Quadrasteer but the $$$ math didn't work out with my budget.

This is an amazing truck. Very refined on its manners and after a rough day at work, relaxing to drive. As I was comparing vehicles at my dealer (they had several 02s still in stock), this 03 just "felt better". Hard to explain.

The Firestone AT Wilderness tires have surprised me also. I was prepared to scrap them for the Dueler tires but these seem to be at least adequate and unless they show some bad manners, I'm going to keep them for a while.

For the most part, there are not many modifications I feel that I have a compelling need to do on this truck. Usually, I modify the heck out of a new vehicle. This is a fine truck. I really am enjoying it.

timk49 · January 26, 2003

Glad to hear obout your new truck. I know how you feel when you talk about the difference in the feel of the truck compared to your old one. I replaced my 95 1500 4x4 Silverado with an 03 2500HD 4x4. I loved my old truck but this one beats it in almost every way. I hear ya on the tires mine came equipped with Firestone 245's. They have been ok but I will replace them as soon as they wear down a bit. Nothing like that new truck smell.

lrymal · January 26, 2003

...Nothing like that new truck smell.

Yeah, no kidding. My new truck smell is sadly fading.

k1500chevy97 · January 26, 2003

slap some 285's on that thing

lrymal · January 26, 2003

slap some 285's on that thing

I do intend replacing these Wilderness tires in the future. That certainly would be an idea. And, from what I've been reading on the list, the dealer can adjust the speedometer for the different tire size, right?