Buying a used Silverado/Sierra

waikelejake · July 6, 2017

I am in the market to buy a 2003-2007 Silverado/Sierra. I would like some pre-sale advise and some questions answered if you guys can help out.

1. Is more than 150k mileage a lot?

2. What are some common things to look for before buying?

3. 4.8l vs. 5.3l? Is one better than the other in terms of reliability?

4. Any known issues with this gen of silverado/sierra worth mentioning?

I have never purchased a vehicle with over 100k miles so I am a bit nervous. The last thing I want is to be spending a bunch of money on repairs and/or trips in and out of the shop. I guess it is also worth pointing out that I am trying not to spend over 13k and have about 2k set back for the dreaded repairs.

Thanks guys!

Colossus · July 6, 2017

150,000 miles- your tranny is probably shot if it hasn't been rebuilt recently. Go with the 5.3L. The 4.8 is reliable but you'll thank us for recommending the 5.3L. The extra HP does make a difference, you will be happy trust me on that. Have a per-purchase inspection done by an independent repair facility that knows trucks. Do not buy the dealer BS about Pre-Approved and already having been inspected. After purchasing, flush and change ALL the fluids. regardless of what has been told to you that has already been done. They are good engines, should get you to 300,000 miles without major issues ONLY IF it has been properly maintained by the previous owner.

waikelejake · July 6, 2017

150,000 miles- your tranny is probably shot if it hasn't been rebuilt recently. Go with the 5.3L. The 4.8 is reliable but you'll thank us for recommending the 5.3L. The extra HP does make a difference, you will be happy trust me on that. Have a per-purchase inspection done by an independent repair facility that knows trucks. Do not buy the dealer BS about Pre-Approved and already having been inspected. After purchasing, flush and change ALL the fluids. regardless of what has been told to you that has already been done. They are good engines, should get you to 300,000 miles without major issues ONLY IF it has been properly maintained by the previous owner.

Thanks for the info. I did plan on doing a pre-purchase inspection just to make sure I am not getting a lemon.

dasimmon · July 6, 2017

150,000 miles- your tranny is probably shot if it hasn't been rebuilt recently. Go with the 5.3L. The 4.8 is reliable but you'll thank us for recommending the 5.3L. The extra HP does make a difference, you will be happy trust me on that. Have a per-purchase inspection done by an independent repair facility that knows trucks. Do not buy the dealer BS about Pre-Approved and already having been inspected. After purchasing, flush and change ALL the fluids. regardless of what has been told to you that has already been done. They are good engines, should get you to 300,000 miles without major issues ONLY IF it has been properly maintained by the previous owner.

+1

all good advice. good luck w ur purchase and let us know what u end up w!

waikelejake · July 6, 2017

Thanks man. Honestly, for being around 10 years old I still think this gen is still good looking. About how much would you guys pay someone for a pre-purchase inspection. I'm thinking around $100 but then again I've never done it.

dasimmon · July 6, 2017

Thanks man. Honestly, for being around 10 years old I still think this gen is still good looking. About how much would you guys pay someone for a pre-purchase inspection. I'm thinking around $100 but then again I've never done it.

my mechanic does it for like $125, just make sure u go to someone u trust and they do a thorough job

waikelejake · July 6, 2017

Ok cool. Yeah I just moved to Dallas about a year ago so I font really have a mechanic and I don't really know a ton of people around here but maybe I can do some research beforehand.

Arth · July 6, 2017

I have a 2006 Avalanche with 156k on the clock. Has it's minor issues but plenty of life left in the truck.

The 5.3 was the only option for the avalanche and is absolutely my engine of choice for it's time as far as reliability.

Ok cool. Yeah I just moved to Dallas about a year ago so I font really have a mechanic and I don't really know a ton of people around here but maybe I can do some research beforehand.

Dnt · July 6, 2017

10 years old 100k miles should be around 25 to 30% of the original MSRP Inspect it the best that you can and keep your fingers crossed and you will probably do pretty good. Most people that drive the older vehicles do have some repair tools and skills. If you have to take it to a repair shop for every little thing that happens you might find it cheaper just to keep a new one in the garage??