Thinking what to buy...

ridgeline_dev · January 9, 2006

Hey guys...I'm new to the forum, and am thinking of buying a 2000-2003 Sierra 1500. I was initially thinking of a Ford SuperCrew, then drove a GMC and did a total 180.

I drove an '03 Sierra the other day with 94k on it, and I was really impressed. Everything was tight, and seemed to work like new. The higher miles scared me a little bit, so I thought I would look around for one a year or two older with less miles.

I have had a few GM trucks (94 Silverado, 98 Yukon) over the last few years, but know essentially nothing about these new trucks. So, I have a few questions for those who want to answer:

1. What problems have you found with certain years that I should know about?

2. You all with higher mileage trucks...how have they been holding up for you?

Thanks guys.

James

coop · January 9, 2006

as far as mileage, my 02 only has 49,7XX miles on it and it runs perfect...i do have a buddy and he has a '99. it has 191,XXX miles on it and still runs fine. my brother also has a 99 with 147,XXX miles and its runs fine also.

Elwood 2000 · January 9, 2006

I wouldn't worry too much about higher miles. These rigs run forever it seems like. Only little issues, like fuel sending units that fail before 100k and a small hand full of other small issues. Looking here will just about catch all of them.

Not sure exactly what you are looking for, but I am selling my 2000 Silverado. If you are interested, let me know. It is a great truck.

If not, welcome to the forum and these GM trucks are great rigs. This forum has a ton of great information!

Shaners · January 9, 2006

The most trouble prone years were '99 and very early '00. These trucks had a few issues with ABS, fuel sending units, rear brakes.

You also hear alot of people complaining about "Cold Start Knock". This is very common, but is considered normal by GM.

The 4.8L V8 is a very capable motor and moves the truck along just fine as long as you don't tow anything heavy. The 5.3L motor is needed if you are going to tow a bigger load. These motors love to rev and make their power up high in the RPM's so don't be afraid of winding it out.

I wouldn't be afraid of a higher milage truck as long as you have some maintenance history with it. You can check the hour meter and then figure out avg MPH's etc.., which will give you an idea how the truck was run. My truck has 5k miles on it and 200 hours, so I've only averaged 25 MPH. (Short trips and in town driving)

ridgeline_dev · January 9, 2006

Found one that might work 99 2500 6.0L 4x4

Click Here

Got the dealer at $11k with brand new tires included.

Let me know what you guys think.

James

Elwood 2000 · January 9, 2006

Are you set on a 2500 model? The fourth door on ext. cabs were not available until the 2000 model year. My truck has it and I honestly could not live without it.

The color is good, I am a little partial to red. Do you get to pick your tire or do you have to take what type and size they give you?

Is there a service history with the truck?

If it all checks out good, that is not a bad price.

RyanZ71 · January 9, 2006

Problems I have with my 99 Silverado:

-Fuel Guage not working right (common problem with the trucks, 99+)

-Slip Yoke Clunk (common problem with the trucks, 99+)

-Rear posi went out (Service Advisor stated they are starting to see more and

more of the GM trucks with the Posi going out)

-Fuel Pressure Regulator going out (common problem with the trucks, 99+)

-Water Pump leaking at gasket (I attribute it to somewhat normal wear and tear, and probably had a little help from the death cool/dex cool coolant)

-Steering wheel clunk (common problem with the trucks, 99+)

In MY OPINION if you go with a 1500 since that is all I have expierence with, both with my 99 Z71 and the companies 2001 Sierra 2WD that I drive, I would DEFINITLY avoid a 99/2000, and go with 2001+ model. Even then you can expect the Fuel Guage, slip yoke clunk (if you get a 4wd) and fuel pressure regulator problems, right around 100,000 miles, 80,000 for the fuel guage problems.

ridgeline_dev · January 10, 2006

The 2500 is starting to grow on me. I am moving to Colorado in about a month and to do some real estate development, and will no doubt be doing some towing...so a 3/4 ton would definitely help me there.

I will be sure to specify a tire size (dont want some pizza cutters). What brand/size tires would you guys recommend? I dont know exactly what is on there now, and I think the wheels are aftermarket...

ridnlow · January 10, 2006

I would only look at 02 + and this is coming from someone who owns a 99..

Why? All the reasons Ryan stated + the computers in the 99-00 trucks have problems with false Knock thus removing a lot of timing.. I had Nelson Performance tune me a 02 computer and my truck runs 100% better.. The 02 + truck run a whole lot better IMO..

Elwood 2000 · January 10, 2006

I have a Westers tune on my truck and it runs great as well, but before that, when it was stock, it was fine. Granted, mine is a very late 2000 production truck.

Those look like aftermarket wheels. I prefer BFGoodrich AT tires myself. Great traction in all conditions and excellent wear. I have 30k on mine right now and there is at least another 30k left in them. I have had them in the past and I love them.

I wouldn't go smaller than 265-75R-16 and try to get them to put on 285-75R16. Stock is 245's and they look very small on these trucks. I have 285's on mine in the pic. in my signature.

ridgeline_dev · January 13, 2006

Thanks for all your help guys.

That truck turned out to have a lot of issues...going to steer clear!

Back to the drawing board.

Z71Adrenaline · January 15, 2006

I've had in the past both a 2000 and a 2001 Z71 ext cab w/the 5.3L with very little problem out of either. The only issue I had was the wacky fuel gauge on the 2001. Both were mechanically sound. I'd still be driving the 2001 if I hadn't found another 2001 for a sleeper of a deal. I say go for it. Miles don't hurt the babies!

Crabhart5.3 · January 15, 2006

My dad's 01 5.3L ext cab was bought with 41k on it and in less than two years has had another 40k added. The only problem so far is the dubious "gas gauge from hell" you may or may not have heard about, aka a faulty sensor in the gas pump. Otherwise it's run great.

My truck isn't old enough to have any problems yet at 26k.

GM can build a truck, i'll tell you. The only worthwhile truck ford ever made was the lightning. Friend of mine has an 04 F-250 powerstroke that somehow had something go so horribly wrong with it that ford gave him a brand new engine. Then the turbo went out, blah blah blah.

fossil · January 25, 2006

Don't rule out the Toyota Tundra. They are nice rig although a pricier than a GM. Their build quality is a lot better too. My 05 GM is riddled with powertrain problems.

burgundyz71 · January 25, 2006

I'd never buy one but a friend of mine just got a Tundra Crew and it is a nice truck but they are small compared to the Silverados. It's his second Tundra and he just traded a 2003 2500HD in on it. We've taken his old Tundra to Maine on snowmobile trips and it pulled a 2 place sled trailer with no trouble at all. Personally though I would stick with the Silverado.