Been really thinking of getting a manual transmission (likely v6) SWB regular cab truck (I'm indifferent on 2wd vs 4wd - likely wouldn't use 4wd). Want something to drive on the weekend and miss having a manual transmission.

I'm no expert on cars, but would enjoy doing minor mechanical fixes / maintenance - this would not be a DD but could be a backup if another vehicle is down. Thoughts / opinions on these trucks. Mistake I would be making?

Something like this just maybe closer to Houston
https://www.autotrader.com/marketplace/buy/chevrolet/silverado-1500-regular-cab/2002/1GCEC14W62Z117937?listingId=704980592

Might be the best trucks GM ever made. Go for it.

Good truck for your scenario, but wouldn't be my pick for a manual vehicle. Decent probability to be stolen in the Houston area, especially a single cab short bed.

I had a brand new 2005 extended cab that I still hate young and dumb 25 year old me for trading off after only 2 years. That was a fantastic truck.

My dad has a 2000 model Chevy 5.3 with 300k on it and still going strong. No major repairs, factory trans. Interior holding up well too. I have a 2003 2500HD that's a dang good truck too. They don't make them like that anymore

I know the joke is manuals are millennial anti theft devices. I wonder how true that is.

'03ag said:

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I know the joke is manuals are millennial anti theft devices. I wonder how true that is.

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Probably keep a joyriding teen away, but a real thief would double clutch that B all the way out to the Fifth Ward while smoking a blunt.

Those were great trucks. If you hold onto it for 15+ years there is almost zero chance you'll regret it, imho.

Great trucks, great engines, cold AC, and decent transmissions. I have an 04 regular cab stepside and 05 2500. Both are great. The most annoying thing on these are the AC blend door motors which fail easily and make noises when they fail.

The few problems they had were easily fixable

Stepper motors in dash clusters tent to go out. Easy fix

Some of the flex fuel engines had modules that malfunction. Aftermarket bypasses are plug and play

And you can access all your fluid pans for easy maintenance, especially atf.

mm98 said:

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The few problems they had were easily fixable

Stepper motors in dash clusters tent to go out. Easy fix

Some of the flex fuel engines had modules that malfunction. Aftermarket bypasses are plug and play

And you can access all your fluid pans for easy maintenance, especially atf.

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Forgot about the instrument cluster stepper motors. There are companies that rebuild the clusters with new motors and LED lighting. Plus they can upgrade your Chevy cluster to the Escalade cluster.

My dad's 02 has about 65,000 miles. Still going strong

Had an 06 Z71 that I still kick myself for trading in 2014. 175k miles and the only issue was the fuel gauge going out. But I had my first good job and decided that I deserved a new truck. Got a 2014 1500 that was a total piece of junk. I'd drive that 06 today if I could