Going to buy a chevy finally. What's the best year model silverado in a 1500 (gas) or 2500 (diesel) to buy? I'm thinking a 97 or 98 350 (bullet proof engine and tranny?) or an 02 duramax. Are the 2000 model 1500's any good with the 5.3L vortec? Just want a really reliable truck and avoid the lemon years.

Thanks!

 

1989 silverado reg. cab long bed. with a 350/5-speed/3.73 gears. that is the best.
But if your looking for newer... My buddys parents have a 97 2500 Silverado 350/4l80e/4.10s. we have beat that thing to death, and it still runs strong with 225,000miles.

 

i'v had no problems with my 95 except for normal maintaince change spark plugs wires all of that...and mine is a none vortec..doesnt get half bad mileage..

 

for $19,000 you can buy the truck in my sig, I'll even throw new rims and tires on.

 

is yours was 4wd..i'd trade u straight up

 

Me and just about all my friends have a 2000-2002 silverado all with the 5.3 except on (4.8) but they have been very reliable. Most of em have over 175000 miles on them except mine

 

Thanks! Yep, only experience I have with chevy's is my brothers truck, 95 silverado 1500 2wd with 275K miles and all he has replaced is the water pump, belts, still running smooth as when we bought it at 60K.

Some of the searches I've done seem like tranny problems on the 05-09 models? Maybe hit or miss with those.

Definitely would rather have the 4 doors and better gas on a 2000 or newer model, but it's hard to beat a 350 with an allison.

Any better years to consider with the 4X4 / Z71?

Thanks for the advice!

 

alot depends on what you want out of truck. my 04 sierra (yes, gmc. sssshhhhhhh) has the duramax, 225k miles. regular maintanance keeps this rig going strong. never a problem. hd model, crew cab, i pull 21-26 on highway, no mods. 15-19 towing 5k pounds. BUT my 94 silverado left me with 200k plus, running like it was new, still going strong (new owner lives one block behind me), my 97 z71 was sold with over 300k, still running strong. new owner fried the tranny proving that the vortec is in fact stronger than the tbi motor. ($2000 lesson) otherwise, it's a champ. even had a 76 shortbox 4x4, with 4 spd stick, 350 had over 600k, without rebuild. it's true.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qriNbVCIsow that video kinda says it all LOL

 

the "fire" truck. my fave. seriously tho, any rig that can pretty much burn, the start up and be driven away....like a rock.