Z71; 2003 LT or 2005 LS?

alright, so i'm looking at a 2003 LT thats in great condition inside and out and has been very well taken care of; however, theres also a 2005 LS at the dealership for approx. the same price. so i wanna know what the differences in the two years are (I know the differences in the LT and LS models) and if there are any problems with either model that might swing the decision. basically i'm asking which truck you would go for. also, are there any questions or anything in particular i should look for on the 2003 (feel free to speak techinically, if required). thanks.

-Gareth

alright, so i'm looking at a 2003 LT thats in great condition inside and out and has been very well taken care of; however, theres also a 2005 LS at the dealership for approx. the same price. so i wanna know what the differences in the two years are (I know the differences in the LT and LS models) and if there are any problems with either model that might swing the decision. basically i'm asking which truck you would go for. also, are there any questions or anything in particular i should look for on the 2003 (feel free to speak techinically, if required). thanks.

-Gareth

My uncle just got a brand new red half ton Z71 with the 5.3 in them, and in the 2005's they have 310 hp, not bad for the 5.3 so it's a wise decision to go with the 2005, plus he's got a free month of XM. An interesting thing he pointed out was that in 2005 on the half ton's GM switched back to rear drum brakes because the found out that they were overbraking the rear. Isn't an LS better than an LT anyways? Not to mention you'll have a FULL warranty so if anything goes wrong your covered for a few years and plus, it's a Chevy Z71, either one that you get will be a damn fine truck!

whats the difference between Ls and LT??

I bought an LS mainly because I did not want leather seats. I think leather is standard on the LT. The LS is a "lesser" model than the LT

how about the engine sizes??

Greetings,

I'd go with the 05 LS over the used 03 LT. The deluxe cloth interior is both comfortable AND practical for a truck. Full warranty. Slightly better MPG if the same engines. Most importantly - you get to do the engine break-in yourself. Anytime I've done the engine break-in on a vehicle - it lengthens the longevity, increases my MPG and helps the general performance and sound of the vehicle.

Shortcoming to the plan - I like the all disc brakes

White Lightening

Greetings,

I'd go with the 05 LS over the used 03 LT. The deluxe cloth interior is both comfortable AND practical for a truck. Full warranty. Slightly better MPG if the same engines. Most importantly - you get to do the engine break-in yourself. Anytime I've done the engine break-in on a vehicle - it lengthens the longevity, increases my MPG and helps the general performance and sound of the vehicle.

Shortcoming to the plan - I like the all disc brakes

White Lightening

One last consideration to support the 05 choice - financing is better. ANY bank, credit union, or financing location will give you a better rate for a BRAND NEW - never driven never financed vehicle - and don't forget rebate possibilities.

White Lightening

Get the 05. Warrenty is nice to have at least for a while.

Remember that if you are looking at Z71's there is no longer a LS or LT trim. You get packages that add the options you want. You can get leather now without getting a completely loaded truck. I have a '05 crew cab 1500 Z71 with the safe and sound package. That gives me heated leather bucket seats, XM, Onstar,etc. I think that covered everything but my trailer towing package and my sunroof that were extra. I really like the new engine in the '05 over the one in my '04. It also seems to ride better. You're resale value will be higher later on also. Just my :2cents:

My uncle just got a brand new red half ton Z71 with the 5.3 in them, and in the 2005's they have 310 hp, not bad for the 5.3 so it's a wise decision to go with the 2005, plus he's got a free month of XM. An interesting thing he pointed out was that in 2005 on the half ton's GM switched back to rear drum brakes because the found out that they were overbraking the rear. Isn't an LS better than an LT anyways? Not to mention you'll have a FULL warranty so if anything goes wrong your covered for a few years and plus, it's a Chevy Z71, either one that you get will be a damn fine truck!

If I am not mistaken the 5.3 with 310 hp depends one which version you get. Iron Block or Aluminum. Alumnium block is the 310 hp. My apology if I am wrong. Just make sure before purchasing especially if you are counting on 310 hp and find out it isn't.

I wanted an LT, but I didn't want leather, On Star and Fog Lights. The dealer tried to find something to my liking, but in the end I special ordered an LS with everything I did want and nothing I didn't want. Basically I could go out and order LT emblems, take off the LS ones and swap them out with the LT ones. If anyone asks, I could just say I special ordered an LT with no leather, no On Star and no Fog Lights.