I'm looking to add a truck to my lineup of vehicles. I had vans capable of towing trailers before, and carrying large loads of stuff (91 g25, 96 Astro AWD), but I need a truck to move forward with house remodel plans and some other life decisions.

I haven't had any experience with any newer trucks, good bad or indifferent. I'd like to stick to the GM family, since I can figure out a lot of things on my own, and whatever truck I buy is gonna be old enough that I'm going to be doing most of the work to it. I can't afford anything remotely new.

The truck I'm looking at is a 2000 GMC Sierra, 1500. Has original window sticker and some service records in the glovebox, so I can see all the options, and it looks like it was taken care of. Minor surface rust on the rear frame, but its upstate NY, and we use salt like its going out of style in the winter. Ive seen 3 year old trucks with as much rust in the back. Body is in great shape, save for a few minor bubbles here and there. No evidence of being repainted or and bondo anywhere.

Its a dark hunter green, 4wd, extended cab, 8' bed, automatic with the 5.3L, factory tow package, including the hitch, wiring, tow/haul, 3.73 gear ratios, 6 lug hubs, in cab electronic brake controller, and comes with a color matched fiberglass locking cap with side vent windows. Aluminum running boards and aftermarket alloys.

Interior is dark slate grey cloth, very well taken care of (and I nitpick about interiors).

Its at a small indy dealer that I've dealt with before. So I did get a chance to take it on a good road test. Tires definitely need replacing, there really isn't enough tread to make it through a winter up here. But they are worn evenly, no uneven patterns on any corner. Needs to be balanced though.
Has 120k on it. Doesn't pull as hard as I expected. Possibly just needs a tune up and some basic maintenance, but then I don't know what to expect from a 5.3L. Goes down the road really nice. No rattles or squeaks. Rides much better than some F150s I've been in, but it still rides like a truck. Brakes work well with no chatter. Exhaust looks new, headlights are clear as day, has bug deflector and window vents on the side, so no major rock chips in the hood, though the springs are really weak to hold it up. Newer battery. Engine could use some TLC and cleaning. But, its better to see it like it is, than all dressed up and cleaned up, and not know what hides underneath. Doesn't leak any fluids.
Seems to do ok with 4wd. Didn't really get a chance to push it any, got it in 4 hi and went down some farm roads and came back. Doesn't have a G80 though, so that kinda worries me. But, its something I could add down the road. It fits me well. I could take it around the lot without any problems seeing were I was backing. I like the lower hood line to see out the front, and the views even with the cap on were pretty good.

It would be a loan, but only for 2 years. I wouldn't go any longer than that on a older truck, despite the condition it runs, drives, and looks to be in. This dealer tends to not over clean or cover things up, I know the owners, they don't take time to clean everything up to pad the sale or cover up any flaws, You see what you get, dirty scratched up, rusty, whatever. I bought my LeSabre through them, on a 2 year loan, so I've had experience with them.

Short term, I think its a nice truck. It will be paid off in 2 years (or less, just like I did the Buick).
But, I want to know what the collective minds of GM Forum think? I've tried to look around, but I haven't seen much info or any reviews.
I would still have the Buick in case anything happens, plus I would also drive the Buick on nicer winter days to keep gas bills in check. Wish I could afford a nicer truck, but its just not in the cards for at least another couple years.
Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? Red flags, things to look at, check on, test? Any insight would be appreciated.

it sounds like a good truck, low miles, 3.73 is probably the best ratio for that engine. alot of people dont replace the shocks when they are worn out, but they are cheap for aftermarket ones. the only thing i might not like is if its got a trailer brake controller they definitely towed over 3k with it. who knows how much or how little. you dont necessarily want one with the g80 either, most people dont take care of and drive with them properly. a good aftermarket limited slip is better anyway.

I have an 00 Silverado 4x4 8' bed with extended cab (3 door), including the tow pack etc. Currently at 140K miles Original abuser, I mean owner.

I like this truck a lot. The gearing etc is what'* holding back the feel of being fast. A 97 5.7 P/U that I had would have decimated this thing in a race. However they built them right for pulling etc.

I bent my driveshafts pulling a fork lift out of the grass. Yeah..low gear and yanking can be bad. oops

Overall I've had very few issues at all. Braking is great as long as you use premium products. Factory stuff had life left in it at 100K miles. 4 wheel disc is a big plus.

I tow car'* on dollies etc and it has no trouble at all. I should have gotten many tichets for towing cars faster than the speed limit.

I have to disagree with Jwfirebird. My 04 has the G80, and so do all the work trucks we own.

The G80 is the best thing you can have, in my opinion. I've seen 2WDs with G80s that are more capable in the muck and/or snow than a 4WDs with an open-diff or a standard limited slip.

Locker > Limited slip because the limited slip will still slip.

its good to have, if you use it right. dont spin your tires fast, gun it, put bigger tires, etc. and you have to change the fluid and put the right fluid in. The average truck drivers do the opposite of all those, so you dont want one that has not been beat and not taken care of. my yukon has it and bigger tires and the truck looks like he didnt do anything but change the engine oil, so it didnt surprise me when he said he just spent 2k rebuilding the whole rear.

I totally understand what you're saying.
If it had G80, but was abused, then its a liability and a weak point.
If it didn't have G80, but was abused, you are much better off starting with a fresh unit and taking care of it.

I know, my 87 Regal has G80, my old 73 Electra had a posi, my G25 was the only RWD vehicle that didn't have a G80. My Astro AWD even had it. That van went like stink through anything I through at it. The AWD and G80 saved my butt a few times. None of mine ever had to be rebuilt. I always took pretty good care of them. To add to the G80 with 2WD is sometimes better, my Regal (the 87 RWD) with 4 Blizzaks on it in winter would be the one still going down the road and up the hills where the regular 4WD trucks would be sliding all over. It really does make a difference.
But, if I can add one later, and get a good truck for now, I think its a fair trade off. As long as I put some good tires on it, I should be ok until I get my tax returns next year, and can get a new unit in there that hasn't been abused.

Though, I do want to go a bit higher with it. I'm not talking a huge radical lift, but the 1500 sits kinda low, and I just want to get a bit more ground clearance under it for when the snow really piles up here, and I need to get out without spending hours shoveling my way out or waiting on the neighbors to get the snowblower out.

Thanks for your opinions, guys. It sounds like its a decent truck, and I wouldn't be buying a hunk of trouble if I got it. Always like hearing straight from people that own similar ones, and really use them, and have nothing to gain or lose by giving an honest opinion.

i dont have any problems getting out, you dont need a lift. just the right tires and the rear dif has to be locker or lim slip. the bfg atko 265/75/16 will allow it to push snow if it needs to.

My truck has 285/70-R17s, which is bigger than stock. Almost a 33 inch tire.

Dunno when they were put on, but I'm not too worried about it. I know for a fact my truck WILL be getting a 6 inch lift and then some 35'* under it. I'll also re-gear it for the added tire taking the strain off the rear, unless 3.73s don't need to be changed.

I know how to drive a truck though so I don't see my G80 giving me a problem, only solutions.