should I buy a 2000 Sierra with 4.8L

[HuntinTruck]

I have a 1998 Sierra 2x4 with the 350 engine, and considering buying a little newer truck, 2000 Sierra 4X4 with the 4.8L engine. Several people tell me that the 2000 4X4 will get as good as, or better gas mileage than my 98 2X4 model. However, I know nothing about the trucks since the change over in 1999, and I am concerned about the reliability of the smaller 4.8L engine and tranny. I don't pull much, but I stack the miles on, which is why I buy older used trucks. the 98 Sierra is just now broke-in with 160,000 miles on it, but I think the newer truck drives a little better, and may get better mileage, plus the 4x4 which I would like to have, but really don't need. Can I expect 200,000 miles from this 2000 model truck with no major repairs, as I have gotten from my older GMC's. Your experience and thoughts appreciated.

[sbz]

I have a 99' 4.8 silverado. I have no major problems with it for 6 years. The only thing that I have to changed was the bushings. Even my brake pads are in good shape.

As far as gas milage goes, all I know is that it's better than my friends 98' 5.7 2 door Tahoe.

Hope this helps.

[chevyguy]

Biggest defect that I know of is the intake manifold upper plenum gasket goes and antifreeze leaks into the motor. Needs to be checked frequently, Just check the oil often so when it goes you can repair it before it causes a problem

[will4831]

My uncle has a 2000 truck with that engine. it is 4x4. He has never had a problem with it. i know he gets better mileage than my '96's 5.7 I'll see what he gets for mpg. The 4x4 is really handy though.

[gmtech]

The 2000 4x4 should be a great truck we at the dealer have had no major issues with them. The older 5.7 R engines had the intake gasket coolant leak concerns but the new body style 4.8/5.3/6.0 engines have been good except for some intake issues leaking vacuum causing a misfire at start up usualy higher milage 70k on up and its a cheaper repair. Had some water pump issues gaskets or bad pump but other than that they have been a great truck. I have a 2001 5.3 4x4 extended cab and get a whooping 13mpg around town and towing and 18mpg on a trip if I'm good which is right about what the sticker says they get. Oh yeh as far as transmissions they are as good as long as they are serviced regularly 30k or so and a trans cooler is a must for longevity.

[GMCracer]

I have a 2000 GMC with the 5.3 and i love it, ive been for a ride in a 4.8 there not that much of a diffrence really i think the gas miles is better with the 4.8 then the 5.3 in all.. but that your choice

[chevyguy]

I have changed 2 intake gaskets on 2 differernt 4.8 motors for leaks so far. But they were both over 100k miles