Talk to me about 2000+ Silverado's
 

So I'm thinking of selling my S10 to upgrade to a Chevy Silverado. I'll obviously be looking for something within the same price range, condition, year, and all that jazz which I think is doable. Is there anything I should know about this particular generation that I should look for. I'm not really in it for the 4wd just a bigger truck with a little more grunt then my weak 4cyl S10. Fuel consumption isn't a concern so I'd like to go with a V8.

My friend bought a used 03 with a 5.3, pretty peppy truck... Cant say he's had any problems with it.

4.8 or 5.3 in the 1/2 tons, all peppy, and much different driving than the Dime. I like them. I was driving a 4.8 1/2 ton shortbed regular cab and that thing moved out pretty good. Much better than I figured. I like them, and don't think there are any major recalls or anything to watch out for.

edit: Why not the 99s? It's the first year of that generation...

Solid trucks no doubt, but I dunno why you need a truck outside of towing.

IMO, RCSB 5.3 HO 2WD G80 rear and with Z85 suspension package. I found one about 2 years ago on a dealer lot about this time as it was Red Tag sale time. Regularly 30k, they had this thing under 22k. 17 inch 5 spokes on it too...it was hawt. Leather buckets in it with XM radio. Was a true sports truck waiting to happen.

As for repairs, cant say I have seen a lot of problems with them. My brother's 05 Avi was awesome, but thats a little different then a Silvy.

my dad has an 02 which i think youve seen alex...reg cab, short box, 4.8L v8. its pretty quick for what it is. just under 100k miles and nothing but oil changes and regular maintenance so far

A majority of the time I need a truck to haul my bike around. I foresee track days with the bike as well as taking it on vacations with me. I just need some more caljones from something other then my weak 2.2lt 4cyl. Also back seats are a plus.

Would a 4.8 be sufficient enough to tow the Camaro though? Will the trans hold up too?

If you plan on towing a lot you might consider a 2500

How much do you plan on towing? 1/2 tons with the 4.8 can definitely tow your car. I think it's all the same trans in the 1/2 tons? If you don't tow anything heavier than the Z, I wouldn't get a 3/4 ton. You'd get a huge hit in mileage all the time. 1/2 tons half plenty of towing capacity for 5k lbs.

Yes, if you plan on getting a trailer and hauling the Camaro around you should definitely spring for a 2500 / 6.0L.

If you just want to be able to pull it around once in a while then a 1500 / 5.3 would be just fine. The 4.8 would be able to tow it as well, but it would be more of a struggle.

- Justin

i love the older generation chevy trucks, we have a 02 2500 avy with the 8.1 in it and it rides and tows like a dream.

Well it wouldn't be a dedicated towing vehicle, mostly for emergencies it would be convenient to pick up my car if something were to happen. So if it struggles thats ok with me.

My price range is sub 8,000. I think I can get $6,500 if I'm luck for the S10. I payed $8,000 for it in Nov. of 07.

2000 Silvy Info
http://www.media.holden.com.au/ca/gm...Silverado.html

GVWR (min/max) (6100 / 6400 lb.)

my friends dad leant him money to buy a new 05 silverado base model... my friend went to the dealer and ordered the posi rear package.... which meant he had to get the V8, and didnt mention that to his dad lol. annnyywwaaayy he loves it, its dark gray metallic, reg cab short box 2wd, even came with chrome rims:)

BTW, Rob and deadtrend Tim both have 4.8 1/2 ton Silvy's

Mine is a 1500 5.3 and I trailer my car all the time. A 1500 is more than enough. What are you looking to spend?

:wink:

i would definitely go for the 5.3 1500. they are all awesome trucks. i can't think of anything major either.

I never have a problem towing with my 4.8 Silvy

Z71 FTW!!!!

yep thats what i gots. 03 2500HD 4x4 great for towing. other then being a gas guzzler iv'e had no problems with it, 12 mpg..10 mpg towing my car!

why would anyone need a 2500? i tow with a trailblazer

Long distance/heavy trailer maybe? Does your TB have an electric brake hookup?

I put one in my truck. You pretty much have to if you want your brakes to last with 2 axle trailers.

My camper weighs around 3500 lbs. and I just put it into tow/haul mode. Only thing is when in overdrive any slight hill will make the engine downshift so a 5.3 will probably be better to go with towing.

But the newer 4.8s got the vortec max so im not sure if they got any more power out of them.

i dont have much experience with silvy's but as for towing... ive towed many cars.. tow dolly, open trailers and 24' enclosed even. With my denali, (99 OBS) even towing a empty open car trailer was noticeable of the truck, in regards to acceleration handling and braking. I would never have attempted anything more than an open loaded aluminum car hauler. I would not have felt safe. However, any larger towing, i did with my dodge ram, 2500 cummins diesel, even going up hills you could barely feel the strain and even handling was almost normal. we used antisway bars with the 24' and it felt like an empty open trailer. i towed a blown sbc 1940 Willys to nj from CT with no worries. Even at higher speeds, a trailer behind the ram felt MUCH better. Ive towed some stuff at 95mph(yea not safe, i know but i did). Id never do that with my Denali either.

Now granted, this doesnt have much to do with the silvys, bt i just wanted to share that in some cases, TQ and chassis/suspension does make a big difference. For the ocasional towing of you car on an open trailer, a 4.8 should be good. I plan on getting a 20' enclosed someday for my SS so hence why i'll always keep my dodge ram.

I love the 5.3L that's in my Sierra. Great low end torque. Gas mileage isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
When I was looking at trucks a few months ago, I looked at both Sierras and Silverado's. The thing that lead me to the Sierra over Silverado was the interior. Its just so nice.