2001 1500 4300 V6 Question

shawnmd · January 15, 2009

I'm looking at buying a 2001 GMC 1500 4300 V6 2wd reg cab with 166,000KM or 102,920 miles. Its in real good condition and was well taken care of. I am wondering how many miles these motors and auto trannies are good for? They are asking $4500 cdn. or $3610 us. Also, what should I look out for? I have been told that these chev trannies usually have dark transmission fluid.

superjim · January 15, 2009

I had three 1999 4.3's.

Put around 150,000 on two of them, and over 200,000 on the trird one, with no engine or trans trouble.

I have a 2006 4.3 now. It has almost 60,000 on it. No trouble so far.

Hobb3s · January 15, 2009

The trans is probably the weekest point on that drivetrain, and it's not like the trans is that weak. The 4.3 will take some heavy abuse and can last a long long time as long as you're taking care of it.

Bmart · January 18, 2009

well i have a 2001 sierra 1500 with a 4.3... i have 125,000 km's on it and no trouble so far. i paid double what you mentioned though (hopefully that means mine is better!).

pennzoil29 · January 18, 2009

The trans is probably the weekest point on that drivetrain, and it's not like the trans is that weak. The 4.3 will take some heavy abuse and can last a long long time as long as you're taking care of it.

ColoradoSkiCountry · January 18, 2009

the 4.3 is a GREAT engine! everyway as reliable as the 350/5.7 which it is pretty much, with 2 cylinders cut off. Thing is though, if you can find a 4.8L or even a 5.3L, go for it, the fuel economy is sometimes better with the 4.8 & 5.3 then it is with the 4.3 and you'll be happy you did!

rogerf · January 19, 2009

I'm looking at buying a 2001 GMC 1500 4300 V6 2wd reg cab with 166,000KM or 102,920 miles. Its in real good condition and was well taken care of. I am wondering how many miles these motors and auto trannies are good for? They are asking $4500 cdn. or $3610 us. Also, what should I look out for? I have been told that these chev trannies usually have dark transmission fluid.

My '97 1500WT had 110K miles on it when I sold it to a co-worker a couple years ago and is still going strong. Tranny fluid looked like tar when changed at 100K miles. Change the fluid a couple of times and this will go away. The big thing on 4.3L's is looking for major leaks. Upper heater hose is also attached to the engine with a push-together style fitting that will leak some coolant. If it runs and shifts OK, would not be too concerned with the mileage.

shawnmd · January 29, 2009

Well, I done did it. Not this truck, but I bought a 2002 GMC 1500 SL reg cab V6 auto 2wd with 160,000 KM. The truck was well taken care of with a purchase price of $5000. Nice truck.

Nick The Great · January 29, 2009

Well, I done did it. Not this truck, but I bought a 2002 GMC 1500 SL reg cab V6 auto 2wd with 160,000 KM. The truck was well taken care of with a purchase price of $5000. Nice truck.

Nice. Now post pics!

My 99 1500 had the V6 in it. My sister drives it now, but it was a helluva truck. I towed a 5000 lb trailer all summer long one year with it without trouble. I used it when I moved to pull the big Uhaul trailer. No prob

It started to drink a little antifreeze and the trans 'clunked' when going into Reverse, but other than that, no problems. Enjoy!

sfriesen · January 29, 2009

The 4.3 V6 is a reliable engine, friend of mine has a '98 with about 250K Km. The problem is that it is somewhat underpowered, especially in a 4x4 configuration. It takes a bit to get up to speed, and is a real pig on gas. If you have to pull naything, you might as well look for the 4.8L or the 5.3L V8s, which offer much more power. You might save in the long run on gas, but the power makes a huge difference. But who am I to judge what you need!

mr_bots · January 29, 2009

Well, I done did it. Not this truck, but I bought a 2002 GMC 1500 SL reg cab V6 auto 2wd with 160,000 KM. The truck was well taken care of with a purchase price of $5000. Nice truck.

Congrats on the new truck! That V6 is dirt reliable and easy to find parts for. I doubt you'll have much trouble with the tranny since the V6 isn't going to be putting as much torque on it as the V8s. Now you just need to post some pics!