I want a reliable truck I can use, and I was looking into a 2002 Chevy Silverado. To be honest, I’m not sure which trim to go for. Do I specifically go for the 5.3L? Or should I look into something like a 2005 Silverado? I don’t do any towing, just plan to go hunting and fishing, and I commute about 450 miles a month. I’d rather not have something break down on me. Trying to keep it under $12k. Thanks in advance!
Honestly, any truck with the 4.3L V6 or the 4.8/5.3/6.0/8.1 engines are good options. The 4.3L will be better for fuel efficiency. The 4.8L tends to be a good option for high-mileage trucks (230,000 and up). The LM7 5.3L is a tank but prone to leaking main seals and issues with the 4L60 transmission. The LQ4/LQ9 6.0L is solid but suffers on gas mileage. The 8.1L is a stout motor if you want something just short of a Duramax. Expect prices around $3-5k for the 4.3L trucks and $5-8k for the 4.8/5.3L trucks. The 6.0L will run around $8-10k, and the 8.1L can range from $10-17k.
@Val
This dude knows trucks.
@Val
Close the comments, this is the best answer.
Can’t go wrong with a GMT800. I have 4 of them. Get one that hasn’t been molested.
Jo said:
99-06 5.3L all day. My ‘05 Sierra has the L33 motor, it’s fantastic. The frame will rot in half before the motor gives out.
Kinda stupid question, but is there any difference other than cosmetic between the Chevy Silverado and the Sierra? They both have the same 5.3 and same transmission, right?
Slightly different trim options but mechanically the same for your purposes. Transmissions are either the 4L60 or 4L80 in the 3/4 - 1 ton trucks.