This my new 5.3 gripwitmer's 2008 Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab 5.3 Restore Project

 

8000 for a motor replacement, that's not bad at all, had a transmission in a 2500 rebuilt 7000. Nice looking truck.

 

The Vortec 5.3's in the GMT800's ('99-'07 classic) are great engines and don't have AFM, but they're not as powerful. GMT900's ('07.5-'13) are really good, have a little more power, but have AFM and the related issues. The Ecotec 5.3's ('14 to now) are much more powerful and get much better MPG. BUT... they have the potential AFM and DFM problems. Overall, AFM/DFM problems are a very small percentage of all the trucks on the road, but there is that risk. The only way to eliminate it is to replace the internal engine parts with non-AFM versions and get a tune.
But if I was in the market for a new 1500, I'd go with the 3.0.

 

I did have a 04, it was a great truck, but was limited on what it could do, bought a light weight camper and it had a hard time pulling it. Ended up upgrading to diesel. I am, after seeing prices, looking at newer 2021 to 2023 3.0. It's hard, because going used on any vehicle is a gamble, just like going to plan b is a huge gamble, considering most of these trucks are either 250k mileage range, or if newer they are pushing the 30k range and up, where I would be getting closer to the 3.0 depending on mileage of the vehicle. With gassers it depends on the motor, if you have to replace it, it could be up to 10k maybe more if you have any mods done to it, and also depending on who does the work. Transmission, I am assuming around 5k and up..

 

What red said!

Have several gms in my family, technically mine is sold I guess. The '14 & '18 do a lot of towing for their job/business so the transmissions were inevitable.

2009 silverado 1500 5.3/6sp 197k miles no engine/trans issues. (sold)
2014 silverado 1500 5.3/6sp 250k miles no engine issues, has had transmission done at 200k and ac compressor.
2018 silverado 1500 5.3/8sp 230k miles no engine issues, has had transmission done around 200k as well
2020 silverado 1500 5.3/10sp 70k miles no engine/trans issues.
2021 silverado 1500 3.0/10sp 45k miles no engine/trans issues.

So while AFM and DFM can cause problems its a small percentage like mentioned and you just hope you are lucky. The 09 & 14 have a diablew tune so maybe that helps some but its not full proof. It would run you around 4k to have a shop do the delete if you wanted to go ahead and nip that in the bud.

 

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crewcab,4D,purchase at 114,000 miles,in 2022.Truck original owner purchase at Henry Brown GMC in Gilbert,Az.Truck service on schedule at dealership prior to purchased as used truck.Continue scheduled service at that dealership.Fishing trip to Idaho Motor blew @155,000,unbeliveable .Mountain Home GMC dealership did one “Outstanding job” replacement engine I found online,shipped to Idaho dealership.Have 2014 Chevy company truck 1500 serviced on schedule truck engine 330,000 miles then trade in for new truck.One truck Great one truck engine a dud.Iam a lifetime Chevy GM man👀.Next auto a Mercedes Benz 👀

 

+2 for what Gary, @RedSLEd said. Sums it up very well.

 

If its my money, id only buy 99-07 trucks. preferably 99-02 with cable throttle.

 

99-02

 

It may have been serviced on schedule, but you don't know if it was abused or overheated, etc. It sucks that it 'blew', but you take your chances when you buy a used vehicle.

 

1997, I had a 97 Silverado Ex cab, it is currently being driven by my 18 year Grandson, and has 450k on the clock. Has never had any major repairs other than the intake gasket replaced, they had a issue with that for a few years. But other than that she runs like a top, my Grandson drives it to and from College everyday, 50 miles round trip.

 

I was wondering what years are better when looking at used 5.3's. I realize I could google it and get a rough idea, but here, you can get peoples real world experience and potential fixes or ones to avoid because of the engine/transmission or other changes that had problems.

Right now I am looking into the 3.0, but with the prices I might have to go with plan b for while or longer and get a third vehicle. Because overall it could end up being way cheaper.

What I have found the 2008 through the 2013. I had a 2008 Extended cab and I loved that truck. Best truck I’ve ever had. And I’m on number four.

 

Oh yeah, the '08 is the best