99-03 Silverado/Sierra or 97-03 F150

[eplanajr]

So I am torn a bit. I'm selling the wife's Volvo and getting me a pickup for errands, hauling stuff around. (She's driving the 4runner more and more) I am looking to get an inexpensive (sub $5k) truck with 4x4 and xcab, and it seem to be domestic trucks fitting the bill on craigslist.

I don't care for dodge, but I'm cool with gm/Ford. Anything I should look for?

 

[KCcarguy]

If you're not willing to look at a old T100 or something, I'd go with the Chevy. It's hard to beat that GM V8. Those Early 2000's Chevy trucks have a good word-of-mouth reputation for reliability. I know several people who have Silverados, Tahoes, and Suburbans from that generation that are still going strong.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Silverado, Etc.


I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 that runs very strong. The 5.3L V8 is a 'must have' in one of these trucks. Mine has 110k and performs like new.

 

[eplanajr]

Cool. Thanks for the responses. I like the T100's actually, but they are pretty hard to find here in Seattle and they are made of gold I think...

I asked about the GM & Ford because they are pretty common. I think I may just go with the GM.

 

[ddnww]

im both a ford and a chevy fan, but I will put it like this to you.

my dad works for the mines, they buy dozens of trucks at a time. they stopped buying chevy's and only buy fords now. The chevy trucks couldn't handle the abuse of the road conditions, hauling etc etc past 50k.. they literally just fell apart . Only the fords were able to withstand the daily abuse without any major mechanical failure.. ive also heard this from a friend who works as a fleet mechanic. this is real life experience from trusted friends and family who are not biased toward one brand or another. Matter of fact, my dad prefers chevy.

oh, and last but not least, I have another friend who hauls cattle for a living. he loves ford his brother loves chevy. my friend owns about 10 ford trucks. Same thing, the chevy has to downshift on big hill climbs on the highway, mechanical failure etc.. the brother recently switched to Ford.

 

[WillK]

Weak point on the GM's are the transmissions (4L60e sucks) and locking rear differential (G80) otherwise, they're pretty solid vehicles.


And if you're into modding for power/speed, tons of aftermarket support.

 

[LittleCaesar]

For your purposes, the Chevy far and away. It is more of a driving truck than Ford. The only thing is that Chevys can rust must quicker in those years than Fords.

As WillK pointed out correctly, the 4L60e is just not put well together. The good thing is that 90% of tranny shops build at least ten a year I would imagine and the upgraded parts make it in all much better than stock.

With some TLC you should be able to get 250k miles out of a 4.8 or 5.3 Chevy, no problem.

 

[BeaterToyota]

I have an '01 Chevy 2500HD with the 6.0 and it's decent. It was priced right, and I bought it to use just as a tow rig (I have a car for a DD). It's okay for what I need it for, but it just seems really cheaply made.

If I was looking at 1/2 ton trucks for everyday use I'd buy an F150 over a Chevy 1500. I think you're right to avoid Dodge altogether.