1996 Chevrolet Truck Z71 5.7 Litre
Summary:
Very reliable work horse
Faults:
The majority of repairs done to my Z71 would be considered normal wear and tear. It is on it's 3rd set of tires, has had the shocks replaced once, and the brakes replaced twice. The oil is changed every 3000 miles. The repairs that have occurred that have not been wear and tear is the winshield wiper motor was replaced, which I was later reimbursed for on a recall, a new fuel pump that cost about $350 to replace because of where it is located, Intake manifold gasket which cost $170, and bearings for the rear end which started to make a whining noise around 100K miles and cost about $700. Most recently I had to get the front lower ball joints replaced at a cost of $180 because they had to be pressed in.
General Comments:
All in all this has been a great truck. I have had an Intergra, a Legend, and now own an Accord along with the Z71. It has out lasted all 3 Hondas, and with the exception of gas, has cost less to run. The beauty of this model compared to the new ones is it's siplicity. Any backyard mechanic can do most of the repairs. On top of that it is an offroad beast and has pulled more than it's share of SUV's and Jeeps out of the mud. On road it rides a little rough, but can cruise down the highway at 80mph with ease. It is just a great all around general purpose truck. It goes off road, on road, towes, and is extremely reliable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st March, 2004
30th Jun 2005, 02:28
For all the Z71 fans.
I have a 1996 Z71 turbo diesel …that’s right every time I pull into a gas station
You should take a look at people faces
Its loud as hell when idle
But all components are extra heavy duty
Like having a ¾ ton on a ½ ton frame
Now pulling no prob. Reliability …..after 205k I do need to replace the injector pump
But do to not having the time
I drove the truck 30k + after the service needed to be done.
Its still give me around 18 mils for the gallon and kind of week (going to replace that pump)
Except of tires oil and light bulbs I had 0 expense …..forgot brakes.
I Ruther have this 1 then the new GM.
GM in my opinion should have a Detroit 671 shoved into the new truck body
And then go to a pulling competition against the rest.
I’m an Israeli that just love American trucks (only Chevy)
I will never buy a ford again had 3 of the F and what a bad luck I had
Chevy is the king.