1991 GMC Sierra Z71 SLX 350 TBI V8 from North America
Summary:
Indestructible and super reliable beast of a truck
Faults:
This beast just will not die, it always starts, gets the job done, and gets you to your destination. For an old truck with high mileage it is unbelievably reliable, low maintenance, and cheap to own/operate.
Since I bought it, I've replaced the tires with a set of 4 Michelins I got on Kijiji for $100. Drives a lot better now.
Put in a modern stereo deck with USB/Bluetooth etc... plus 2 new 6x9 speakers in behind the rear seats. Sounds great now!
Replaced the starter since the flywheel was stripped and was starting to make noise. Brand new starter was only $100.
Did regular oil changes every 6000k; also changed the differential oil and gasket.
The truck does have a cracked windshield, cab corner and fender rust, lots of scratches and peeling paint, but it gets the job done every day!
Also leaks a bit of oil in my driveway, but waddya expect from an old beater truck with 450+ k...
With these repairs included and the purchase price, the truck still cost me less than $1000 altogether, so it's a great bargain considering it's reliable too.
General Comments:
Such a great truck. Last of the real trucks. Mine is a single cab with 8 ft box, ordered with the Z71 offroad package, but manual windows and locks, and no A/C. Sliding rear window is a nice option. Vinyl bench seats are not the most comfortable, but still not too bad. I could replace them with buckets easily if I had the time and wanted to.
The truck drives quite nice on the highway too, suspension and steering still feel tight. 4x4 works great. 350 TBI has tons of power and doesn't sound tired despite all the mileage on it. I pull a utility trailer sometimes and the truck still has tons of power. I don't even like the newer trucks with silly 3.5 ft boxes, DVD players, navigation, leather and 20 cupholders. Will drive this old GMC until it dies, then buy another 88-98 Chevy/GMC afterwards! I've seen plenty with even more mileage than mine actually, and there are still tons of these trucks on the road for a reason. Highly recommend the 88-98 GM trucks if you can find one!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th June, 2017
28th Oct 2004, 07:57
I have a 91 GMC Sierra 4.3 5-speed; it has 193,000 miles on it. This trucks burns no oil, the only parts I had to replace was differential seal where drive shaft enters differential, and universals in rear drive shaft, (original u-joints). The 4-wheel drive work terrific, overall the truck is the best vehicle I've owned.
Jeff, Ohio.