What’s Up in the Forums: Silverado Owners Share Experiences
Before you buy your next truck, here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly you need to know about the Silverado.
Modern technology is a wonderful thing. Before you buy just about anything these days, you probably jump online and look for feedback. Whether it be ratings, reviews, or just plain gripes. There’s a wealth of information at our fingertips regarding just about anything. And whether you’re buying a coffee pot or a Silverado, using the real world experiences of others can save you a big headache down the road.
We’re here to tell you that there are a large group of experienced Chevy owners just waiting to share their knowledge with you here at Chevrolet Forum. This thread provides a perfect example of that. A new member who goes by speedracer2016 headed to the forums with a simple request. And that was to find out the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences others have had with their Silverado pickups.
“Hello all. I am NEW and the reason I joined was because I am thinking of becoming a Silverado owner. What better way to find out about the vehicle (before I buy) than to ask those that own or did own one and their experiences. I am looking at a 2005 1500 Ext Cab 4wd Z71 with the 5.3L motor. So, any areas of major problems?
IF the truck sells before I get this information, any years and models that I should stay away from? Knowing what you know now would you buy it again or would you buy something else. Bottom line, I am just trying to make sure I have all the facts about this truck before I go and buy it and then find out I should NOT have. ANY and ALL experiences, warnings and hints greatly appreciated. THANKS..”
Without hesitation, hicksvilleshick chimes in with some useful advice, making some good points about Chevrolet’s simplicity and the availability of parts.
“I’ve been a Chevy guy most of my life so I’m sold on them. Parts are cheaper and is engineered in a way that makes sense to me.
That being said, manifold gaskets, exhaust studs, transfer cases pump hole, transmissions can be weak if not maintained, and the push buttons for the 4×4 can be flaky. Oh, and abs modules tend to crap out. None are horribly expensive if you do them yourself. The transfer case wear hole being the worst.
The g80 differential that almost always comes with the z71 sometimes explodes if abused. My z71-ish didn’t come with the g80, so no locker for me but hopefully no sudden explosion either. I just recently got a 00 and love it. The 5.3’s are solid and there are plenty of goodies and running options for them. Aftermarket support for Chevy is world’s ahead of everyone else in my opinion.”
Like most vehicles, buying the right combo is better than buying the wrong one and wishing you hadn’t. Which is the premise behind tech2‘s useful advice.
“4.8 is underpowered, 5.3 is a good motor and it’s before all the afm stuff that started in 2007. They do have 1500 HD models that have the 2500 chassis, suspension, 6.0L engine and 4l80E trans. IMO get a 2500 series of that generation 1999-2006 but stay on the later end of the run 05-06 due to age.”
99 3 door offers up some proof that proper maintenance will keep you on the road for a long time.
“The pickup now is well over 234,000 miles and still running great. It handles the 10′ camper very well which I used over this past weekend. I’ve had the 4 wheel drive selector buttons replaced because the original switch shorted out. And had new tires put on it that were heavy duty enough to handle the weight of the camper better than the ones I had on it. It still doesn’t use any oil to speak of and still starts at -20 degrees.”
And Sean Martin makes the simple and obvious case of why he prefers Chevys over anything else.
“I have a 2000 5.3l 1500 now. I have had Chevy and Ford trucks all my life I’m 43 now…both make good trucks..Chevys are infinitely easier to work on…and cheaper to repair…both hold up well if maintained. My 5.3 gets my 1500 up to speed a lot quicker than the 5.4 Triton in my old F-150 or Expedition. It’s more a matter of taste. But if upgrades are on your future, Chevy has better and cheaper aftermarket support.”
All of which is valuable information for the prospective Silverado buyer. You can find much more good stuff like this, or even submit your own question to our experts by becoming a Chevrolet Forum member today. It’s quick, easy, and most importantly, free! Just head over here, sign up, and you’ll be in Chevy heaven in no time.
