Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

2000 GMC Sierra

1…45679

Comments

  • devnuldevnul Member Posts: 2
    No, not slamming it to the ground to make a low-rider. I'm interested in replacing my Ford Ranger, which I often use to haul motorcycles, with a Silverado. Probably 4x4 since I live in the mountains and it gets pretty slippery. However the high lift height of the bed that most 4x4s have makes loading bikes harder.

    The new Silverados I see around have a butt-high
    attitude when unloaded. I also read in some magazine road test that there's 2" spacers between the rear axle and springs. Has anyone removed these or installed shorter ones? Are there other options for reducing the bed height without affecting suspension travel? I realize that I'll lose ground clearance but I'm not planning any serious off-roading in a $30k truck.
  • jauto98jauto98 Member Posts: 77
    Hey people... just finished reading all the posts here and am amazed at how many people love there GMC Sierra. I am a big fan of GM and GMC and own a 1997 GMC Sonoma. In the future, I am planning to get a GMC Sierra, but am not sure what engine to get, the 4.3 V6 or the 4.8 V8. I, being on a budget and don't really haul stuff in my truck, would like to know if it is better to get the larger engine or not. I figure, with the 4.3, i would get a K&N filter and a flowmaster (just for the growl, hehhehe) and hopefully that would give me enough power. Fuel mileage and insurance is also a factor. The truck i was planning on getting would be the 2wd reg. cab SL or SLE trim with an automatic. Any thoughts on this..... any comments would be great... thanks...
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    You might check out the June 2000 issue of Motor Trend's Truck Trend magazine. They have a full test of a GMC Sierra reg cab 2wd 4.8.
  • lincoln5lincoln5 Member Posts: 40
    I have a '99 Sierra LB wiht the 4.8. It is in my opinion more than enough engine for most people. I suspect the V6 may be plenty for you considering how you are going to use it, but I would drive one to see. My 85 S10 had a small V6 and it was a real gem. That is what I sold when I bought the 99.
  • gmcsierragmcsierra Member Posts: 40
    I bought a 2wd sle 5.3 auto with std cab and stepside and 3.42 gears. Getting solid 17.5-18.5 mpg. Driving mostly stop and go and 45-55 mph back roads. Have friends with the 4.3 and 4.8, all wish they had gotten the 5.3 .. The mpg difference isn't enough to justify going with the smaller motor. My buddy's 4.8 is averaging 17-18 with a similar setup (he drives a little faster) and another friend opted for a longbed work truck with the 4.3 auto. Surprisingly he's getting about 15-16mpg, but he has to drive it harder since he got the smaller motor. My 2 cents, but get the biggest you can if not for resale value down the road.
  • jauto98jauto98 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks for all the comments. I really would like to get the 4.8, with all the power and torque, but man, a scary thing happened to me one day that makes me reluctant to go for the biggest engine i could afford. It was a rainy day and i was driving on a pretty busy street. Well, i saw a 1997 chevy silverado extened cab 4x4, probably with the 5.7 about to enter the busy street. Well, the person fished tailed (almost lost control) out and almost hit my sonoma, luckily i knew what would happen so i used the turning lane to avoid being hit. I figured, with all that power, the person was probably use to flooring his truck, i know i would. Anyway, all i care is that i get a truck that i really enjoy driving, unlike my sonoma that sometimes lacks power when i need it. Don't get me wrong or anything, i like that truck, but my dad wants it. Hey, does anyone have the reg. cab short wheel base, how does it ride, is it easy to drive... anyway, thanks and GO GMC!!!
  • white6white6 Member Posts: 588
    GMC Sierra SLE. It rides okay on most roads, but it can get pretty harsh on pitted roads. The shorter wheelbase has a pretty noticeable effect on ride. Handling is superb for a truck. The steering is light-years ahead of my previous truck, a '96 Silverado reg cab, sb. The brakes have a much more firm pedal, there's not 3 inches of dead travel like my previous truck. BTW, my truck has the 5.3/Auto/3.42 gear, and I average 17.5 to 18.5 in everyday mixed driving (40% city, 60% highway). Hope this helps.
  • ovalleyovalley Member Posts: 135
    I had a '99 LS reg cab with smooth ridge suspension. I felt this was way to soft for a truck. I would recommend the firmer suspension. Relatively inexpensive, but you will also need upgraded tires. Be sure to test drive both, especially at highway speed. Also had the 4.8L with 3.42 locking rear. Plenty of power and got about 18.5 to 19.5 MPG.

    I now have a ext cab with 5.3L. Runs a little stronger, better low end torque, but a heavier truck.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    I have a '99 regular cab, long bed. I have driven lots of long beds and short beds. Basically, it comes down to this. The short bed easily out-handles the long bed, is more maneuverable. The long bed is simply more practical for carrying cargo, and has more range too with the 34 gallon tank. If I wanted ride, I would get the short bed. I wanted to carry more stuff, more gasoline, so I got the long bed. You can't go wrong with either one if you decide what factors are most important.
  • jauto98jauto98 Member Posts: 77
    Thanks white6, seems like you really enjoy you're truck. It is remarkable that a pretty large V8 displacement can get such great gas mileage. It seems to be almost as close as my sonoma, which i am averaging about 20-21 mpg in mix driving. Too bad the competition can't match the power and mileage of the great vortec engines. Say, did anyone read the article in the June issue of truck trend about Lingenfelter putting in a modified corvette engine in a silverado 2500 and going 0-60 in less than 5 secs... remarkable!!!! Wish I had that much money to purchase such a truck.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    better check for squeaks in the front coils too
  • swolfe3swolfe3 Member Posts: 17
    I got my new 2000 Sierra SLT x-cab a little over a week ago. I was cleaning up the inside this past weekend and notice that it appears that the seat surfaces on the rear seats are vinyl not leather. Does anyone else here have leather? If so are your rear seats leather or vinyl? Seems to me they should be leather.
  • dbhulldbhull Member Posts: 150
    I would do without a lot of luxury items to have the biggest V8 engine available as well as items like the tow pkg, etc.

    Luxury items are nice, but when you go to sell it, etc, what will give you the most resale value is the powertrain.
  • gnippergnipper Member Posts: 120
    The rear seats are vinyl - stated as such in most literature and I think the window sticker says it as well - described as "leather like" if I remember right. You would think for the price of the leather, the back seat would be too, but they aren't. And if you look at the front seats - buckets, I don't think they are 100%, there are sections that are vinyl as well.
  • rcoosrcoos Member Posts: 167
    Only the seating surface is leather on the bench or bucket front. The back seat is vinyl.

    The Ford Larait is the same.
    rcoos
  • tallgrasstallgrass Member Posts: 4
    I have a '00 1500 sierra and had the same problem as my 99 had. Empty, the rear end sounded like it was loose. I concluded it was spring slap and took it to my dealer. There is a pad they place over the end of each leaf to prevent slapping each other. They claim since they are making the ride of a truck more like cars, the springs are softer causing the slap. It is an easy fix, under warranty and does the job.
  • nrd525nrd525 Member Posts: 109
    Hi,I'm picking up my new 2000 Sierra 1500 4x4 SLE
    4Dr.Ext.Cab tonight,Onyx Black W/Graphite,5.3,3.73,Z71,265 tires..It has the cellphone hookup.What is the rating,amp wise on it,it seems very cryptic in the option descriptions I've read.I read one post where it said it was just some wires under the dash.Is that correct,it's to mute the stereo when the phone rings?If thats it,why did they bother?
    I needed the power connection listed (30 amp) that supposedly is available,but I looked at a ton of Chevy's and GMC's,and never saw one with it on the sticker.I looked at so many,I got all screwed up in the head due to "clones" at every dealer.Take my truck,there were 3 more 2 Identical except for one option,like tires or rear ratio,one had bench seats(horrible,IMO).
    Ordering was not really an option,I needed to get rid of the old car NOW.The dealer looked for one with it,and came up empty.Does anyone on here have it??And,more importantly,can it be added on?Or would just going to a car stereo place,and having them run the power to where I want it,under the back seat(the radio has a remote head)?
    thanks,
    BDK
  • vitalwingsvitalwings Member Posts: 1
    I'm in the process of buying a 2000 Sierra SLE, 2 WD, regular cab with short box. The vehicle will be used primarily for highway/city commuting and occasional weekend handyman hauling and camping trips (no trailer). I need some advice as to what engine size to choose. How will the standard six cylinder engine perform for highway touring (70+ MPH) and acceleration? Anybody have any suggestions or recommendations.
  • bigredfan1bigredfan1 Member Posts: 3
    I'm thinking about purchasing a GMC K1500 Sierra SLE, 4x4 Ext Cab 5.7 liter engine w/ 18k miles. Asking price 20798. Test drove it and everything appears in good condition. My mechanic will be giving it the "once over" tomorrow. After reviewing the postings on the problems GMC trucks are having, I'm getting paranoid about what seems to be a deal that is too good to be true. The dealer states the truck was purchased from a GMAC Corporate lease? whatever that means, and he states he is not able to get a maintenance record for the truck. He states that there has been no warranty work done on it and swears the truck is in good condition. Any ideas on how I can see if the truck has had major repairs? Should I be suspicious or is this just a good deal? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
  • bigredfan1bigredfan1 Member Posts: 3
    I'm thinking about purchasing a GMC K1500 Sierra SLE, 4x4 Ext Cab 5.7 liter engine w/ 18k miles. Asking price 20798. Test drove it and everything appears in good condition. My mechanic will be giving it the "once over" tomorrow. After reviewing the postings on the problems GMC trucks are having, I'm getting paranoid about what seems to be a deal that is too good to be true. The dealer states the truck was purchased from a GMAC Corporate lease? whatever that means, and he states he is not able to get a maintenance record for the truck. He states that there has been no warranty work done on it and swears the truck is in good condition. Any ideas on how I can see if the truck has had major repairs? Should I be suspicious or is this just a good deal? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
  • tucsonjwttucsonjwt Member Posts: 265
    V8s. I have had my V6, longbed, reg. cab, 2WD 2000 base Silverado for 6 months and 4,000 miles. My use is the same as yours. I have plenty of acceleration both in town and on the expressway. A V8 would be much faster, but I don't need the speed. I think you will get about 2-3+ more miles per gallon than the previous 5.3 poster, but only if you drive carefully and don't haul/tow heavy loads(this is the way I drive.) As previously noted, $1495 + less spent on gas over several years could add up, especially if gas prices stay high. I like driving 600+ miles on the 34 gallon tank with still some left - all city driving. Also, I think the V6 feels lighter in the front end than the V8s and a bit more nimble in steering - just my impression, but you need to drive it.
    Nothing against the V8s(I still own a 454), just more than I need in a daily driver.
    I would look at the base Sierra SL with options you really want. This is the truck I would buy instead of the base Silverado if I had it to do over again. You should be able to get one at or near invoice, since everybody wants the 4DR ext. cab now. The SL and SLE are the same truck except for doo dads, some of which I don't really want.
    Each to his (or her) own.
  • barbour1barbour1 Member Posts: 17
    My 2000 v6 has all the power that I need.I have never hauled a heavy load nor pulled anything with it but for ordinary driving it hustles right down the road.
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    I have a '00 Silverado Ext. Cab 4dr 2wd, going to lower it 2" in front, 4" in the rear using Hotchkiss components (after the 65-70mph vibration is rectified) Has anyone lowered their 2wd, and what if any problems did you have-driveline vibes or anything. I don't foresee any major problems with this minor drop, had a '94 Sierra with a 3-5 drop with no problems year-round in Wisconsin. Has anyone put a billet grille in a new Silverado? If so, what brand was used and ease of installing? Will it withstand road salt?

    Thanks for any info
  • bigredfan1bigredfan1 Member Posts: 3
    Thank you for the info. Evidently someone else was less worried the maintenance history than I, before I could have my mechanic give it the "once over", the truck was sold to a friend of the sales manager.
  • truckchictruckchic Member Posts: 105
    Ok, I'm not trying to criticize you or anything...just a burning question I've had for a long time...need to clarify it........(forgive if I type it in harshly, not meant that way)

    Why oh Why would you buy a truck and LOWER it???? I just never never understood this concept. Can you help me understand?
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    Why would I want to lower the truck? Because for one I don't go off-road, it creates better handling-as I stated I will drop it 2" front,4" in the rear, so it won't be scraping the ground. And in Wisconsin, especially where I live, everyone has a 4x4, and for most it's unnecessary. I drive the truck year-round, pull a snowmobile trailer occasionally. Never got stuck with my previous ride- a '94 GMC x-cab with a 3/5 drop, so shouldn't be a problem with this new truck. What type of truck do you have? I've owned a few 4x4s before and really didn't use it-more of a maintenance item, my '90 GMC had a problem with leaking front axle seals, and i don't complain about 20 plus mpg with my new truck.
  • bdr1184bdr1184 Member Posts: 1
    I bought my 2000 SLE K1500 Extended cab from Malone Motors in Bartlesville Oklahoma. I put the order in to the dealer in late October last year, and he told me that they probably couldn't get an order allocation until sometime in December. Well, the order was placed with the factory in the first week of January, and the truck was at the dealer on Jan 16th. The best part of the deal was that I did the whole thing over the phone, and paid INVOICE!! This dealer only sells at invoice because of his volume. I saved almost $4000 over sticker and it was probably the easiest auto deal I've ever done. Also, mine was one of the very first, if not the first, four door out of the factory. If you want more info on the dealer, let me know.
  • truckchictruckchic Member Posts: 105
    How did you find that dealer which only sells invoice? Is there some place to look for dealers in my area that does that? I'm in IL, so cgoing to the dealer you went ot is is alittle out of the question.
  • twrtwr Member Posts: 3
    bdr1184

    Is there an 800 number to call the dealer or an email address?
  • warrenw48warrenw48 Member Posts: 21
    There is another dealer that sells for 200.00 below certified invoice and then gives you any rebates. There site also shows you the invoice. I do not work for them or even live in the same state, I am just an admirer of their business plan and I will buy my next vehicle from them guarunteed !!!!! www.southerngm.com
  • vahendvahend Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 GMC 1500 Ext Cab ordered at $250 over invoice from a central VA dealer. Dealer told me in May that my 2000 truck will be late arriving, but it will be a 2001 model. I just received my order number this week. Can anybody tell me now how much longer the wait will be after getting the order number. Also, has anyone seen a 2001 model GMC Sierra SLT? Any changes?? This is the first vehicle I have ever ordered, so any info you have will be a great help. Thanks
  • mrurlmrurl Member Posts: 116
    You can forget about Southern GM. They are broke, and GM will not ship any more vehicles to them. All they have left to sell are the vehicles on the lot.

    Got this from the GMBuyPower manager at my local dealership.

    Peter
  • mrurlmrurl Member Posts: 116
    ...last Thursday and bought an '00 Sierra. Picked it up Friday afternoon. Here's what I got:
    1500 SLE Xcab SB 3 door, Fire Red with Graphite cloth, 5.3L, 3.73 locker, HD suspension, heavy towing pkg w/trans cooler (it's there, I looked), high back buckets, fog lamps.

    Here's what I did not get: launch shudder, driveline noise at 40 mph, shakes at 65-70 mph, wind noise from rear windows. I took it for an extended shakedown cruise on Saturday - smooth as sily all the way to 80 mph.

    I love this truck! Anyone worried about all the problems you are reading about on this board - I know I was - there are good ones coming in. Final assembly in Ft. Wayne. Shipped to Dealer 11/99. Originally shipped to an Autonation dealer in IL, swapped to a dealer here in Memphis. Had 400 miles when I got it.

    Can't hardly work - I just wanna drive!

    Peter
  • gnippergnipper Member Posts: 120
    I started reading your post and thought you were joking. But realize you are serious. Honestly I didn't know that a tire would do that. I'm in the same boat you are - I miss my truck. I live in Dallas, but travel usually every week - 5 days a week, I can't wait to get home and drive it. I have to admit - I'm one of the luckiest people though, I rent from National in Oakland during the week and they've gotten to know me - they save me a Chevy Silverado 4X4 - 5.3L engine every week. So I'm not too far from my own, but its just not mine.

    Enjoy that truck on the weekend. And honestly - I'll have to see this weekend if I notice anything weird with my tires - BF Goodrich's - 285/75R16's.

    Greg
  • mrurlmrurl Member Posts: 116
    Well, I finally found something to complain about. The "Low Fuel" warning came up last night, so I filled up. I could only get 20.5 gallons in it, beaning there was 5.5 gal in the tank when the indicator came on.

    Does anyone know if the dealer can reprogram this?

    Peter
  • gmcsierragmcsierra Member Posts: 40
    Greg,

    Depends on the tire on the flat spots. Have another car with BFG's on it and it sits for that long or longer and it's not as noticable, but the tires are much smaller and the car weighs alot less.

    I usually go to Enterprise and they usually have a F150 waiting on me. Makes the weekend all that more enjoyable when I get in my truck! Ford is allright, but the interior is just not as comfortable to me.


    Peter,

    I haven't let mine get that low on fuel yet because I hate paying so much for gas. I know I'm paying the same, but it hurts less a little at a time. Does it sound a bell or something other than the message center light coming on? If it keeps setting a chime off, I can see what you mean. Of course if you are driving at night that glowing light can be pretty distractive too.


    gmc sierra
  • mrurlmrurl Member Posts: 116
    The only thing that comes on is the Message Center warning saying "Low Fuel". It's annoying seeing it out of the corner of your eye while driving.

    I'm the opposite of you. I hate having to fill up and want to go as far between fillups as possible. My goal is to get gas when I'm down to <1 gal in the tank.

    Peter
  • gnippergnipper Member Posts: 120
    mrurl - I agree with you, wish it would wait a couple of more gallons before coming on - mine comes on at about an 1/8 of a tank. The light, while an excellent warning (because you can't miss it) becomes annoying at the same time because it comes on so early in my opinion. If I lived in a desolate place and it was many miles to the next gas station it would be OK.

    Greg
  • nrd525nrd525 Member Posts: 109
    I bought a 77 Dodge Power Wagon,and it came from the factory with "Desert Dog" tires.The name fit the tires and the truck.Almost from day one,I had problems with these horrible tires.When it was under 60 degrees,the "plop-plop-plop"was really loud for a few minutes until they warmed up.Soon,it was wearing odd patterens in the front tires,and then the rear ones started too.I checked the alignment myself,it was almost perfect.What it was the tires were way out of round,and I had to have them trued every three months.I was so happy when they were almost worn out(they only lasted about 24K)someone sliced them one night at work.I just shrugged my shoulders,go in,and drove it across the street to the tire store.My new tires were a dream come true!Too bad the other problems the truck had weren't solved as easily,or as cheaply.Just the drop in noise alone was worth it.
  • tedo1tedo1 Member Posts: 2
    From what I can see SouthernGm (http://autos-at-cost.com/gmc2000.html) is doing extremely well and have a steady influx of vehicles coming. I suspect that your local GMBuypower guy was less than truthful... Flat out liar is also likely.

    When I contacted Southern about a vehicle I found that they have orders through next November for the Yukons... Kinda tough for a dealership with high volume and standing orders to go broke...

    No, I do not work for SouthernGM nor live nearby... But I am thinking of purchasing through them... I checked the shipping charges to Virginia and I would still save if I purchased from them and shipped here. I am trying to give my local dealer a chance (He'll sell to me at 1% over invoice)... Trouble is he has over a dozen trucks and all of them are not what I want... And SLT EXT 4WD in Indigo Blue.
  • chaspchasp Member Posts: 7
    I am considering a Silverado LS, 4door,SB. I would like to know if the GMC Sierra SLE, 4door, SB is any different? Any help would be much appreciated.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    grill...and about $300.00. GMC costing more than the Silverado.
  • truckchictruckchic Member Posts: 105
    I thought GMC has more standards which would be options on the silverado.......
  • ovalleyovalley Member Posts: 135
    tow hooks on the front end of 2wd thrown in.
  • rcoosrcoos Member Posts: 167
    It depends on which one you like the looks of better! I personally think the Silverado has a much better looking front, but that only my opinion.
  • rskrsk Member Posts: 38
    The Sierra and the Silverado. The grill, head lights, front fenders, front bumper, hood and on the SLE and SLT the top of the front bumper cover is painted. The bumper cover is black on all Silverados. It makes the Silverado LS and LT look unfinished in my opinion unless you have a black truck. Different moulding on the side of the trucks and the Sierra doesn't put the 1500 or 2500 emblem on the side of the truck. The base Sierra SL has a better seat (clothe) vs. base Silverado (Vinyl). On the 1500 the Sierra has three different types of aluminum wheels versus one and the lug nuts are covered. Other than that the trucks are the same. The Sierra is about $300.00 more.

    All though I have heard that the Silverados are factory seconds.

    Randy
  • tucsonjwttucsonjwt Member Posts: 265
    down arm rest and the Silverado does not. I believe that cloth seats are no cost on the Silverado. I wonder if the painted front bumpers pick up more stone chips than the black bumpers?
  • rcoosrcoos Member Posts: 167
    Hey buddy,

    if the Silerado's are factory seconds, why are the 5 Silerado's built to every Sierra????
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    a big mouth bass....
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Sierra and Silverado owners beg to differ... GM is moving the Sierra to the yuppy side, while the Silverado is becoming more of a working man's truck. To me, I would never consider a Sierra...well maybe a 3/4 or one ton dually...
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles