28th Jun 2008, 13:41

Anyone looking at new ones? I bought a 2004 Silverado, sold at 80,000 miles, just brakes, tires and filter changes, and now have a 2008 Silverado. I tow heavily and do not keep trucks that long.

8th Jul 2008, 23:29

I have a 97 Z71 and it is the best vehicle I have ever had. I think that Chevys are excellent and Fords blow.

30th Jul 2008, 22:33

I bought my 97 Chevy Z71 new, and had no problems with it.

24th Sep 2008, 21:42

I purchased my 1997 Z71 Silverado in 2004 with 59.000 miles. I paid $13.700 for it. My fuel pump, transmission and intake gaskets all failed between 72,000-74,000. Now at 111,000 the wipers work on occasion. I won't buy another Chevy unless they agree to a 10yr/100,000 mile warranty with no charge. I just don't believe in paying 30k for a truck that still to this day can't prove it's reliability.

4th Oct 2008, 21:33

Hola!!

I recently purchased a 1997 Silverado 4x4 ext cab... with CHECK THIS OUT... 252,000 miles on the odometer... the dealer was as honest as anyone I have ever met. He gave me every detail about this Pickup truck that he could give me, since I was traveling considerable distance to view it... and yes when I arrived, it was as expected...

We agreed on a price.. and I drove to Autozone... 2 cans of carb injector cleaner later, I was on my way.. to a gas station..Yep! My first surprise... $82.15 to fill up with REGULAR!!... The great news is after arriving, and yes I blasted the road a few times, I achieved 19 mpg average... NEEDLESS to say, I'm very curious at this moment..

To date 10/01/08... I've invested $1200 into my new hot rod; brakes, body work, seals, fluid changes with synthetic, lower left ball joint, upper left tie rod end, and front end alignment... This truck today is giving me 15.3 Mpg in town and 19.5 on the road at 75mph... So far so good... and until soon!

Respectfully to all

Delphino.

26th Nov 2008, 20:24

The Steering problem with the 97 and newer trucks is with a the EVO sensor on the lower steering column. Its about 100 bucks and dealer only I believe. The symtoms are sudden jerks or the wheel usually when going around a long bend. Its the sensor screwing up and changing the orifice size on the power steering to reduce the effort. Variable assist power steering started on the 97 trucks.

11th May 2009, 23:04

I'm sorry to hear that so many have had problems with their Chevy's. I have a '97 K1500 that was bought new and just turned over 248k miles. Still daily driven with no current problems other than no a/c. Transmission was rebuilt once many years ago, radiator, water pump, and fuel pump have all been replaced. Everything else has just been routine maintenance (brakes etc.). I love this truck and it will be a sad day when I have to let it go.

15th May 2009, 01:35

I own a 1997 Chevy 3500 crew cab (not a dually). I bought the truck in 2000 with 53000 miles. Problems I have had ignition switch (under the steering column) go out and replaced $700, water pump replaced.

As of date 5/14/2009 just had power booster replaced @ 118000 miles and A/C has been out for about 2 years now.

All in all I have to say this truck has been O.K. I have always bought Chevys, but I think my next purchase will be a Toyota due to pricing. Don't get me wrong, I love my Chevys, but in today's market you should get what you pay for.

8th Aug 2009, 20:21

I too have a 1997 CK2500 Silverado Pickup with 170,000.

I have replaced the alternator, fuel pump in the tank (wasn't too hard of a job), Eldelbrock shocks, rar O2 sensor, starter, radiator, intake coolant leak, brakes and rotors, battery twice, serpentine belt tensioner, belts, hoses, driver door electric window motor, driver inside door handle, hood release handle (plastic and breaks easily), now the CD player refuses to play.

Just got off of a 2000 mile trip and got around 16 mpg. The best that I have gotten in the past was around 19 to 20.5 mpg.

It has an MSD coil, MSD super wires, MSD 6A.

Other than that I have been pleased with this vehicle.

It is about time for new shocks.

10th Feb 2010, 21:58

I got my 97' Z71 1500 back in 2003. I have had minor trouble, but to me all my troubles were pretty normal.

One thing I can say about Toyota is that they will recall cars if problems arise.

I love this truck, and hope I get another 160k miles out of it.

17th Feb 2010, 12:09

My '97 Silverado 2500 extended cab has had some repairs over the 13 years I've owned it. My dealer has fixed it and done the repairs correctly. I love my truck and my dealer.

The only problem no one can solve is the brakes locking up if the truck has been sitting in the rain. I learned that if I backup quickly and slam on the brakes, then ride the brakes to heat and dry them, it will be okay.

Would I buy another? Certainly. If I didn't, I would have several friends and dog clubs upset with me if they couldn't depend on me to haul "stuff" around.

By the way, just rolled over to 98,000 miles. I think I have several more years before letting go of Bubba Blue. Oh yes, girls drive trucks too!

27th Feb 2010, 14:46

We purchased our 97 Silverado, 5.7 V8, 2wd, new. Until I found water pump to be going bad today, we have only had to replace the front rotors, brake pads, fuel filter, and serpentine belt. Have had transmission serviced and antifreeze replaced every 5 years. Truck now has about 85k, but no other problems. I know they don't build them like they used to, but after 13 years, I consider this a good truck to own.

19th May 2010, 11:06

I also own a 1997 Chevy Silverado. When I bought the truck it had 138,000 miles on it. So far I'm very pleased with the truck.

18th Jul 2010, 18:29

I have been raised around Chevy Silverados, and am a mechanic. I own 5 Silverados myself from 86 to 97. In my opinion they are the best trucks ever made. I will continue collecting them.

15th Aug 2010, 19:00

I purchased my 97 Silverado new, had 6 miles on it that day. Today it has 232,101 and counting; would have a lot more, but it sat in the back of the driveway from July 06 to September 08.

Had another vehicle I started driving to work, not due to any problems. Anyway, I put a trans in it at 165000 miles, two alternators and water pumps, radiator and lower intake gasket, which is need of another one.

Outside of a few very minor fixes, the engine is still running strong, and rides just as good as new.

Overall, the best truck to own, and I suggest it to everyone. Currently looking for another one for my honey to drive also. She loves my truck as much as I do!! Like a Rock!

-JRW.