buying new truck...need advice

Hi, Im looking to buy a new truck and since I'm on a limited budget i was thinking i will have to buy a used truck. However, today i found a new 04 silverado 4x4 with a 4.3 v6, 5 speed regular cab short bed for 18k. I was wondering what everyone thinks of the v6 with 3.73 gears. I don't need it to do any really heavy duty work, mostly as a daily driver with some offroad and towing a boat. Also since I plan on keeping it for a while, is a vortec v8 a direct swap.

Hi, Im looking to buy a new truck and since I'm on a limited budget i was thinking i will have to buy a used truck. However, today i found a new 04 silverado 4x4 with a 4.3 v6, 5 speed regular cab short bed for 18k. I was wondering what everyone thinks of the v6 with 3.73 gears. I don't need it to do any really heavy duty work, mostly as a daily driver with some offroad and towing a boat. Also since I plan on keeping it for a while, is a vortec v8 a direct swap.


A local dealer in Maine. I think you can get a better deal!


2004 Chevy Silverado Ext Cab!

Comes with Automatic, 200 HP, Air Conditioning, 4-Door, 4-Wheel Disc ABS, Tow/Haul Mode, Dual Air Bags and Much More!

Only $16,995*

One thing he left out though was 4x4. I would try to find an ext. cab though if I were you. If you go with the regular cab I think you will regret it. Just my two cents. Good luck

Any input on the 4.3 liter v6 with 3.73 gears though? And is changing it to a v8 in the future a drop in swap??

The 4.3 with .373 will be pretty strong, especially with a 5-spd. But if you are thinking of swapping to a V-8 down the road, I'd just go ahead and try to get one with a V-8 now. I don't know what the cost is for the 4.8, but it would be alot cheaper then buying one down the road. As for the direct swap, I have no idea. I woudl guess you'd have to get new motor mounts and a new computer though. And you woudl have to buy a complete V-8 engine (intake, coils, and all). So I would suggest, if its possible that it is, to go ahead and try and get a V-8 now.

:iagree:
I agree with ChevyTrucks92 go with the V-8, there are plenty of upgrades and you will love the extra power. I love having the extra space with the extended Cab all my riding gear fits nicely under the rear seat. I think if you buy the 4.3 you will regret it down the road.
-Jimmy

I think that you will save money and headaches in the future if you just get the 5.3 now. I got the 5.3 option and it F*@#ING Rocks. I'll never get a truck with a V6. Take the hit now and you'll love it I guarentee it!!

I looked on chevrolet.com, and the Vortec 4800 (285 hp/295 lbs-tq) is a $945 option and the 5300 (295 hp/330 lbs-tq) is a $1050 option. And regardless of the engine, I'd get the aluminum wheels too ($200 option), they will look better, and last longer. That is if you get a new truck. For the same money that you are going to pay for a base truck you could get a 3 or 4 year old nicely equipped one (extended cab, 5.3, auto, Z-71, LS packageing), so just keep that in mind. And as long as its been maintained, it will be as good as a brand new one.

I have the 4.3 v6 with a 5spd. You really need to consider what you want to do with it. I mainly use mine as a commuter then use it to pick up building supplies and haul debris on the weekends while I remodel my house. Since I also have a minivan for the family car, I would not give up my 8' bed for the extended cab. 200 bucks for a cover and I've got all the storage I need, although not secure. The beauty is that I get up to 22-23 mpg. I recently hauled the large uhaul trailer full of furniture on a 400 mile trip. Had to shift into 4th on some larger hills but never had to pull into the slow lane. Still got 18/19 mpg. I would certainly love a v8 but for my purpose I've never been disappointed with the v6. Next time I would get the 4x4. On the few occasions when I did need it, I wanted to kick myself for not having it. I would also buy it new. I got mine used with 60k for $9k and it was definitely someones work truck. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.
Hope this helps.

Buy new...and get the v8...in fact you might be surprised at what you can find if you look hard enough. I got an 03 silverado Ext. Cab, 4x4, leather, bose, etc, etc, etc (even Quadrasteer) last fall for 27k. It was a 42k sticker.