High mileage 5.3 vortec?

[bassin_man]

Yes or no? Have a high mileage with 204,000 miles 2004 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 vortec coming up for sale. I’m u familiar with this engine. Is it still a reliable engine at that mileage? Not looking for a daily driver mainly a farm truck.

[Z520C]

Dude I have an 04 Silverado with 212,000 miles and I would hook to my z520 and go across the country Without hesitation

[DURASPANK]

If it's been maintained. I wouldn't be scared of it.

[Axkiker]

Yes or no? Have a high mileage with 204,000 miles 2004 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 vortec coming up for sale. I’m u familiar with this engine. Is it still a reliable engine at that mileage? Not looking for a daily driver mainly a farm truck.

I have an 06 with the 5.3. Its probably not as much about the engine as it is the rest of the truck. Bearings, bushings, break lines, brake systems, etc etc start to go after a certain point. A running engine is great until you dont have brakes to stop it.

[Z520C]

Those trucks are hard to find these days, I told a buddy if I knew a brand new one would be as reliable I’d buy one tomorrow. Bought it brand new in 04

[Bassnailer]

My 2006 Silverado with the 5.3 has nearly 350,000 miles on the original engine and transmission, and I drive it long distances without worry all the time. Mine is a daily driver and dependable as anything new. Brakes, bearings, and bushings are normal wear and tear items and should be replaced periodically, but these things are cheap and easy to do on these trucks. I wouldn't hesitate if the truck is in good condition and well maintained. The 2004 through 2006 are the years to get. Electric fans, more horsepower, drive by wire but no Displacement on Demand or finicky 6 speed transmission like in the 2007 and up models.

[mactlman]

rusty anything will be the problem but not the engine

[Les Young]

wrecking yards around here say they hardly ever sale one because they last so long. I had an 03 silverado with over 200,000 when it got totaled that i'd start anywhere in that i would have in a brand new one.

[Jason Hale]

My 07 has 305,000 on it and I pull my Triton all over with it. Drive it everyday

[Will Seyler]

Got an 08 with 244000. Drive it daily and tow all over the southeast on the weekends

[humanseine]

Have a 01 silverado with 5.3L that has 358k on it. Would drive it anywhere today.

[billnorman1]

My bought new 2007 engine has finally stopped using oil at 230,000 miles. I went to Walmart store brand synthetic at about 200,000 miles. I get better mileage now than I did when it was new, probably due to the weight of the loss of metal rusting and falling off.
It's pretty reliable otherwise.

[Arkyarcher]

I'm not so sure 200000 is high mileage any more with the advances in design and manufacture. Longevity is more about poutine maintenance and staying out of accidents.

[mohawkman]

Take this advice, please ... get all the brakelines replaced in that vehicle. They rust out and you will have no brakes that a hard stop red light or on the ramp. Happened to me.

Very serious GM issue in those years but the engine is incredibly long lasting

[Highcentered]

Highway miles no problem. Stop and go and frequent short trips I'd think twice. Just personal opinion. But with that many miles there's a good chance a lot of them were easy miles. Now with my truck it will be considered low mileage for its age when I trade it in here in about 5-6 years BUT that's mostly VERY short hops around West Little Rock with very few longer trips to blow it out. Feel sorry for whoever ends up with it after I'm done with it because cold starts are hell on an engine.

[Phisherman]

Had a 06 with that same engine in it. 200,000 just getting broke in. Someone wanted it, I didn't want to sell it with 296,000 on it. Not a single issue EVER with that engine. Nor drive train for that matter. In fact, the only thing I ever did to that truck was change the oil, MOBILE pure synthetic,brakes on I twice and a battery.

[jbassman87]

Sold my '05 GMC with around 212,000 miles. It never missed a beat.

[xcoach]

Just sold an 03 with 180,000, no motor issues. I put it out front of the local grocery store, it was sold in 30 minutes.

[drake322]

If the VLOM or delete has been done, I would go for it. If not, it is just a matter of time before it will need all lifters replaced. Just did this on my wife's 2008 Trailblazer to the tune of $2400. The program or the VLOM shuts down 4 of the cylinders and oil also. Do your research.

[Chiefsfan]

My 04 just turned 140,000. Only issues was my tranny shot craps around 70000. Replaced with a rebuild, and of course rocker panels and cab corners turned to swiss cheese. Had those replaced.