I am looking at a 2003 GMC Z71 4x4 SLE with 177,000 miles. I think it has the 5.3 Vortex. The truck is loaded with leather, heated seats (both front) 4 door, the rear doors are the suicide dors, heated rear window, power everything. Spray in bed liner, crome bed rails, full length crome step bar. Paint is in great shape with only one smal ding from a door. New rotors and pads on all four. So, here's my question, not knowing the previous owner's maint. history on truck, how much longer should this engine last and should I be towing 8,000 lbs with it? The used car lot wants $8688. Anyone have any sugestions? Thanks for your help/info.

 

They last anywhere between 80,000- 300,000+ depending on how it was taken care off. If the oil was not change as it should have been it could be at the end of its life.

 

I drove my 2000 to 233,000 miles. Replaced, A/C compressor, fuel pump and fan clutch.
Of course brakes, tires, belts. It was Z-71 fully loaded, traded 3 years ago and got $ 6,500.00.

 

Had a astro with a 4.3 vortec and it had believe it or not 497,862 when I sold it and its still running to this day he says it hit 650,000 and he's still going

 

My 97 1500 5.7 vortec went 280,000 before the number 6 rod bearing gave up on me. I threw in a new Gopher motor and it's at 330,000+ now. I'm in concrete construction, my truck is rode hard and put away wet alot. YMMV