2000 Chevrolet Silverado LS Z71 5.3 from North America
Summary:
I will buy another just like it
Faults:
The switch controlling the transfer case went out around 80,000 miles. I was a reasonably cheap repair if I hadn't messed with it. I ended up burning up the encoder motor for the transfer case and had to pay $600 for a new one. I have discovered that they are everywhere on the Internet for $150, and you can easily put it on yourself.
It does sit low, and I have been stuck several times due to limited ground clearance. The jack will not fit under the front end if you have a flat front tire. You should buy a cheap floor jack to keep in the truck.
It is a royal pain to clean the mud out from underneath.
The latch on the center console has a mind of its own.
$400-$500 a month on gas (honest)
3rd door would be much much nicer if it were on the drivers side.
General Comments:
This is a great truck:
Great performance at 130,000 miles.
130,000 miles and dry as a bone around every seal.
130,000 miles and still has a high resale value.
Auburn University chicks dig Z71's.
130,000 miles and burns no oil.
Less than normal squeaks and rattles.
Been through many many many mud holes and the only thing broken was my ego.
130,000 miles and still spins mud grips in 4 hi with no problem.
Interior, paint and wheels still look like brand new.
I let my mud grips get dipped out on the front and had them rotated to the back. At 130,000 miles, the truck still had plenty of power to spin them smooth.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th September, 2003
3rd Apr 2005, 04:00
So...how many miles did you say you had on that Z71? (kidding) I've only got 70K on mine. The only thing that bugs me is the fact that the yoke clanks when taking off from a start. I guess there is a $200 nickel-plated replacement for it if the noise bugs you, but I feel like Chevy should foot the bill for that, since 90% of the 2000-2003 Z71s share the same problem. Actually, more like 100% in my book (4 out of 4 trucks). Oh well, I'm happy with everything else.
1st Jun 2005, 20:58
I have a 99 Silverado and I had to put a rear end in it at 75000. The carrier broke in half. I am now having problems with my four wheel drive. Found the encoder motor case cracked and the plastic housing around the motor filled up with water. Does any one know were I can get a transfer case shift motor (encoder motor).
31st May 2004, 02:57
I also have a 2000 Z71 Silverado. But it squeaks and clunks a lot more than it should at 57,000 miles and also I have had a few problems with the lowering mechanism for the spare tire. But other than that I have had no problems what so ever with the truck and I am very happy with it. But I do agree with you that the jack for the truck sucks and the gas mileage is horrible.