Chevy’s Silverado is twice as likely as the average vehicle to reach 200,000 miles. Many owners, however, have reported owning Silverados with over 300,000 miles on the odometer. Realistically, expect to get 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Key Points
- The reputable Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can reportedly reach 250,000 miles without any critical problems, so long as it is looked after properly.
- The average Chevrolet Silverado truck owner can realistically expect to get 150,000 to 200,000 miles out of the vehicle.
- Regular maintenance and following the manufacturer’s suggested service schedule can stretch the Silverado’s life span to 300,000 miles.
- The average annual repair costs for Chevy truck model years between 2009 and 2016 equal $650 to $700.
- A Chevrolet Silverado’s 200,000 miles is equal to about 10 to 20 years of use for the pickup truck.
- Chevy Silverado is twice as likely as the average vehicle to reach 200,000 miles, beating out the F-150 and Ram 1500.
How Long will a Chevrolet Silverado Last? Reliable Reports Suggest 200,000 Miles, but Many Owners have been Able to Stretch it Over 300,000
Over the years, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has proven to be a reliable, long-lasting half-ton truck. Even models as old as 2011 still offer a lot of bang for the buck with potent engine options.
Various auto sites praise the Silverado as a dependable truck that can last about 200,000 to 250,000 miles, which is over 20 years.
However, many owners have reported owning Silverados with more than 300,000 miles on the odometer with proper maintenance.
But even if you put a Silverado through a lot of abuse, you may still end up getting around 150,000 miles (or about 10 years) before having to repair or replace critical parts.
Chevy Silverado is Twice as Likely as the Average Vehicle to Reach 200,000 Miles, Beating Out the F-150 and Ram 1500
According to the research done by the automotive website iSeeCars, the Chevy Silverado is more than twice as likely as the average vehicle to reach 200,000 miles. iSeeCars claims that while one percent of cars reach over 200,000 miles on average, the number for Silverados sits at 2.1%.
That’s not much of a surprise. Trucks are expected to last longer than everyday commuter cars. What’s interesting is that the Silverado beats the Ford F-150 (2.0%) and the Ram 1500 (1.2%) in iSeeCars’ report, and it ranks as the longest-lasting American pickup truck.
Used Silverados Still Offer Excellent Reliability and Lower Cost of Ownership Compared to Rivals, with Annual Repair Costs Averaging Around $700
Opting for an older model Chevy truck shouldn’t make you worry about reliability, so long as you choose a less problematic model year. The 2009 Silverado, for instance, can range from $13,688 to $24,369, comes with fewer complaints than previous years, and has no serious mechanical problems.
The 2009 Silverado can last over 250,000 miles while keeping the annual cost of ownership at $658, according to Repair Pal. This is about $100 lower than the F-150 and the Ram’s estimated yearly repair costs.
Silverado models from 2011 to 2014 offer excellent qualities while keeping the annual maintenance cost low.
The 2014 Silverado might be more expensive than its rivals, but it comes with newer technology that helps you forget the truck is nearly 10 years old.
Some newer Silverados are pricier to maintain annually compared to rivals, though they’re still safe and reliable trucks. The 2016 model, for instance, would cost you $761 to maintain, according to Repair Pal.
Helping a Silverado Reach 200,000 Miles is Possible with Chevrolet’s Suggested Maintenance Schedule
Realistically, there’s no guarantee that a used Silverado with 150,000 miles would last another 50,000 without drilling a hole in your pocket. However, there are certain things you can do to make sure your Chevy truck lasts as long as possible.
Following Chevrolet’s suggested maintenance schedule is crucial to ensure your Silverado truck survives beyond 200,000 miles. Critical services include:
- Every 22,500 miles: Replace passenger compartment air filter
- Every 45,000 miles: Replace engine air cleaner filter, change automatic transmission fluid, change brake fluid, replace clutch fluid, and inspect the evaporative control system
- At 97,500 miles: Replace spark plugs and inspect spark plug wires
- Every 150,000 miles: Drain and fill engine cooling system, and inspect engine accessory drive belt
Realistically, Expect to Get 150,000 to 200,000 Miles with a Silverado, but Exceptional Maintenance can Add Another 50,000 to 100,000 Miles
The Silverado is one of the most dependable American pickup trucks available. According to J.D. Power, the Silverado scores exceptional in quality and reliability.
Reports from various reputable auto websites say the Silverado can reach 200,000 miles, which is about 10 to 20 years of use for a pickup truck.
However, a Silverado’s lifespan can reach up to 300,000 miles. There have been owners’ reports to prove it.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty truck with a lot of towing capacity that lasts you a long time, the Silverados featuring Duramax diesel engines are among the best options out there.
Photos: Chevrolet