So its time to let my 2003 express 3500 go back to the dealer... and its time for me to find a new van. I put 250,000 miles on my 03 and had no problems whatsoever. So i had my eye on:

2009 or 2010 Chevrolet Express 3500 4.8L V8

Does anyone know any issues these vans are known for?

I went on edmunds and the reviews were attrocious!!!

My 03 was the best truck a guy could have and now im kind of sceptical of buying this one???

If anyone knows any issues with ENGINE, TRANNY, DRIVETRAIN or SUSPENSION please reply with any info that you know.

THANKS ALL!!!!!!

 

bump... ANYONE????

 

Its a good product; just as good as in 03. I'd buy the gm product over anything else by ford or chrysler. Jap cars are good but their trucks are an afterthought.

 

I've heard that the larger motor is a better choice. The smaller one has to work much harder to go the same speed and will not save you any gas because of this. With the 6.0L, you can get a programmer and tune it down to save gas. With the smaller motor, you can't do that because it's already working so hard.

I've been doing the research on this as I am going to use my tax refund to get an Express and sell my Astro this spring. It's been a great van, but it's 12 years old, and I need more van.

 

The only reason i am interested is the 6 speed trannsmission... Would that not compensate for the smaller engine? My 03 is a 6.0 and it destroys my wallet at gas stations!!

 

how much weight will the van be hauling?
your 6.0L and 4L80E trans were a great engine and trans. The 4L80E trans were strong and reliable; much better than the 4L60 used in the smaller engine packages. The new 6speed trans I'm not familiar with.

If you want the beefier trans you may need to get the 6L engine. If you hauling heavy trailers or big loads you may be better off with the big trans/eng package as it will also have a trans cooler and 4.11 rear end.

 

The van will be hauling 8 ladders, 4 jacks, 2 scaffolds and a break machine and absolutly no towing... So i will be hauling some heavy stuff but im still hooked on the 6 speed transmission.... Will that be a huge diffrence in mpg?

 

The larger engine allows for economy tuning with one of those programmers without sacrificing too much power. Yes, those go for $400 to $500, but it'll pay for itself in the first year, if not sooner.

 

which programmer would you guys recommend? One that is actually effective in gaining MPG?

 

BUMP.....Anyone know of any good ones?