2004 Silverado Hybrid Truck Questions

[HotRodV6]

Ok, im in the market for a new truck, and me and the wife have been looking at 03-06 chevy or GMC trucks, either reg cab or ext cab doesnt really matter, as long as it has a V8, auto, PW, PDL, PM and tilt and cruise.

Well while searching we came across a 2004 Chevy Silverado Ext cab with the 5.3L Hybrid setup, it says Hybrid on the door, it also is an LS trim but has auto climate control. Only has 13K miles and they are asking 15,900 for it.

I just wanted to see if anybody has messed with or had any experience with these hybrid trucks, i didnt think they came out with them until the 05 or 06 MY but i guess not, this one was made in 04/04 so looks to be late in the 04 MY.

Anyways, just looking for some feedback.


Thanks

[DamnYankee]

No experience with the hybrids, but my '03 is available for $15,500 if you're interested...http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/sale-parts-vehicles/13511-2003-silverado-z71-loaded-sale-truck-trader.html

[txarkitekt]

These trucks are GM's beginning attempt to a hybrid truck. It is almost like a marketing guinea pig thrown out there to see the public's response. They were only produced in few numbers, so finding parts and having outside mechanics work on them could be an issue. They could be considered a collector's item down the road... From what I have heard/read, it is a decently reliable setup, but it doesn't really go into true hybrid drive until loping long down the freeway. It switches from hybrid to gas even at the slightest touch of the throttle. You might see a 8%-10% improvement in gas mileage over a stock 5.3L setup. It is worthy of a test drive though. Check it out and see if you can notice any drivetrain hum or switching between gas/hybrid...

[stumpy]

We had one at work. They are not a true hybrid setup. It does tho have electrical outlets, and can be used as a generator. The battery cell is under the rear seat and not big like regular hybrids. And you will only get 1-2 mpg better than regular truck. So really its not worth it if your thinking it will get you better mileage. But for kicks of having electrical outlets, and what not its alright.

[HotRodV6]

Yeah from what i read they stopped making them in 06, and only made about 3000 trucks overall. Alot of complaints about the switching back and forth, seems at a stop light the engine will shut off, and then when you hit the gas to go again it fires up the engine and will chirp the tires, and on a hill you have to two foot it so you dont roll back into the car behind you, and you only get about 10% better milage, so im thinking ill pass on that, would be cool, but might cause alot of headaches down the road.

[HotRodV6]

Me and the Wife found an 03 Silverado ext cab with the 5.3 56K miles 2wd factory hitch, buckets, power driver seat, Bose sterio its a two tone charcoal grey with the silver birch on the very bottom, aluminum wheels grey cloth, they want 14,895 for it. We drove it last night and it feels nice and tight runs and shifts good, no posi, 3.42 gear.

Id like to get an 05 to get the factory efans, but from what ive read its a pretty easy swap.

[DamnYankee]

I'd go $15,000 on mine if you're interested. Sounds like the one you mentioned. It has more miles but mine is fully loaded - leather interior, every available option, 3.73 gears....