2004 vs 2005 SIERRA 1500 K-cab 4x4?

TomHarvey · 05-10-2008, 04:33 PM

I'm finally forced to 'retire' my 1990 1500 4x4 through a concatenation of nightmarish consequences the total repair cost of which threatens to cost more than a brand new truck. So....

The dealer has only two 1500 Sierras on his lot which are possible options for me:

a 2005 4x4 K-cab Z71 Short-box with 102,000km; with the 4.3L engine
a 2004 4x4 K-cab SLE Short-box with 59,000 klicks on it; with the 5.2L engine

He's asking $1500 more for the 2004, probably because of the very low mileage on it. I am tempted to buy this one instead of the newer 2005, because it 'feels' better--good vibes, if you get me--while the 2005 truck left me relatively cold.

But my main concerns is low maintenance costs and reliability. This is a combination work truck and family vehicle for me; I can't afford two sets of wheels.

Questions I have for anyone out there with answers:

Are there any known service/component issues with either of these vehicles?
Both vehicles are eligible for GMPP extended warranty purchase at this time; one year/12000km costs just under a thou; four years/48000km costs 2500 bucks. Recommendation?
The '04 has four-wheel disc brakes while the '05 has rear drums/front discs. Comments?
Finally--I have an almost new set of 16" steel wheels and four 2-year-old 265 R70.16 Wrangler A/T's on the old 1990 truck. Both the newer trucks are outfitted with 17" rims and tires doing their last year of service now. I've been told it is possible the six-hole 16" rims I have on the old truck may fit the new trucks too. Comments? Problems? Dangers?

chevyguy · 05-10-2008, 08:14 PM

4.3 is a better engine.

Mpflugy · 05-13-2008, 08:40 PM

the 4.3 is good engine but when it ocmes to pulling power ive noticed it leaves room to be desired. You also have to look at the differnce in insurance too is it worth bumping up to a v8, depending on where you live it could be a substainal differnce.

jason2444 · 05-15-2008, 08:55 PM

Got to go with the miles. $1500 is a small price to pay for 50,000 less miles

jbelder · 05-18-2008, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyguy

4.3 is a better engine.

The 5.3 L is by far a better engine as for horsepower and torque. I would go with the 04.

05-10-2008, 04:33 PM	#1
TomHarvey Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1	2004 vs 2005 SIERRA 1500 K-cab 4x4? I'm finally forced to 'retire' my 1990 1500 4x4 through a concatenation of nightmarish consequences the total repair cost of which threatens to cost more than a brand new truck. So.... The dealer has only two 1500 Sierras on his lot which are possible options for me: a 2005 4x4 K-cab Z71 Short-box with 102,000km; with the 4.3L engine a 2004 4x4 K-cab SLE Short-box with 59,000 klicks on it; with the 5.2L engine He's asking $1500 more for the 2004, probably because of the very low mileage on it. I am tempted to buy this one instead of the newer 2005, because it 'feels' better--good vibes, if you get me--while the 2005 truck left me relatively cold. But my main concerns is low maintenance costs and reliability. This is a combination work truck and family vehicle for me; I can't afford two sets of wheels. Questions I have for anyone out there with answers: Are there any known service/component issues with either of these vehicles? Both vehicles are eligible for GMPP extended warranty purchase at this time; one year/12000km costs just under a thou; four years/48000km costs 2500 bucks. Recommendation? The '04 has four-wheel disc brakes while the '05 has rear drums/front discs. Comments? Finally--I have an almost new set of 16" steel wheels and four 2-year-old 265 R70.16 Wrangler A/T's on the old 1990 truck. Both the newer trucks are outfitted with 17" rims and tires doing their last year of service now. I've been told it is possible the six-hole 16" rims I have on the old truck may fit the new trucks too. Comments? Problems? Dangers?

05-10-2008, 08:14 PM	#2
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,370	4.3 is a better engine. __________________ Friends dont let friends use body lifts USMC 92-96 USCG 98 to present

05-15-2008, 08:55 PM	#4
jason2444 Full Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15	Got to go with the miles. $1500 is a small price to pay for 50,000 less miles __________________ I never leave home without my AFe cold air intake.

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05-13-2008, 08:40 PM	#3
Mpflugy Full Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hunterdon County, NJ Posts: 14	the 4.3 is good engine but when it ocmes to pulling power ive noticed it leaves room to be desired. You also have to look at the differnce in insurance too is it worth bumping up to a v8, depending on where you live it could be a substainal differnce.