I'm in the market of a new to me truck. I'm looking into the mid 2000's. I was curious what some common issues are on these rigs.

 

Assuming you mean Chevy/GMC, I would recommend that you get a Silverado extended cab (suicide doors) with the 6.5-foot bed. That is the best combo to have enough room to take five {or six with the fold-down center console} passengers AND a decent amount of room for cargo in the bed. The "crew cab" is more convenient for hauling people, but you sacrifice with only having a five-foot bed.

Engine choices would include a 4.3L V6, a 4.8L V8, a 5.3L V8 and - in some rare instances - a 6.0L V8. I have never seen an extended-cab with a V6, though.

My 2004 has the 5.3L V8 and it has PLENTY of power; although it doesn't do very well at the gas pump. Then again, if you want economy, buy a Civic, Sentra or Corolla.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance is the key. Take care of the truck and it shall take care of you.

 

Yep, Chevy or GMC 1/2 ton. Is there any common problems with these trucks, with engine or tranny?

 

Engines run great with proper maintenanc(oil changes, filter inspection, throttle body cleaning) you get the idea. Tranny runs decent, just don't beat on it and it'll last. Keep a tranny cooler on it as well as heat is the greatest enemy

 

Cool thanks! Just what I wanted to hear. I'm not hearing very good things on the F-150's of the same years.

 

I had to rebuild the tranny on my '03 1500 @ 87k. The electronic brake control module malfunctions in below zero weather, and you lose ABS. 3 different dealers said I would cause more problems messing with it, so leave it alone.
Speedometer had a recall on it, if it stopped registering your speed before 70k. After that you have to pay for it. My speedometer stopped working at 63 k and GM replaced it.
Emergency Brake Backing plates rust away at around 8 years.
Otherwise good truck. Just traded it in on a long bed extended cab All Star edition 2013, which has 9k in rebates, now.