2000 Chevy 2500 MPG

[livesimply5]

We are looking at 2 used chevy vans and wondering what realistic mpg is going to be on them. They are both used AT&T vans with 4.3L V6. One is a 2000 with 115K and the other is a 2001 with 72K and they are both 2500's. I'm guessing most of our miles will be highway as we like to move more often than stay put for weeks at a time. I've read online info ranging from 10 -19 but hoping someone can tell me what they are actually getting.

 

[akrvbob]

I have a 2001 G23500 with the 5.7 350, on the scale it weighs 8400 pounds. I consistently get 14-15 on the highway and can pretty well pull most hills unless they are extreme. I have a friend with a very heavily loaded Astro with the 4.3, he consistently gets 13-14. Little engines that are overloaded work too hard and get poorer MPG. And break down earlier, he just put in a Jasper to replace the 4.3.

If you hold out for the a newer Chevy with the 5.3 or 4.8, you'll get the best engine in a van you can buy. More power, more reliable, far better MPG. Best of all, unlike a Ford, it will NOT puke a spark plug.
Bob

 

[Almost There]

I have a 2002 GMC 2500 with the 5.7L engine and the fiberglass high top.

On my cross country trek back from AZ to Ontario I averaged 16 mpg over the trip. Most all my driving was at speeds around 55 with only a few miles at 60. I was actually impressed because I thought the hightop was going to eat in to my gas mileage.

BUT, I get much better gas mileage out of the same vehicle/engine than anyone else because of my driving habits. I've proven that years ago when I improved the gas mileage on the boyfriends' van by 20% as compared the his mileage, one of us outbound driving, the other doing the return trip - and NO, it was not a tailwind....

The 4.3, IMO, is under powered for the 3/4 ton full size cargo van.

 

[Mobilesport]

@ akrvbob
8400 pounds?
I have pretty close the same van except mine is a 1/2 ton Chevrolet Express  , I just weighed mine last week and it weighed in at 6400 pounds and thats with all my gear in there  , what are you haul'in that you have 2000 pounds on me?
Thanks for your time

 

[Mobilesport]

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[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I have 1996 G1500  with the 5.7 350, on the scale it weighs 6400 pounds. I consistently get 14-15 on the highway[/font]

 

[Gadget728]

My 2006 Savana G2500 has the 6.0 L engine and gets around 12 mpg mixed in town & highway miles. I'm getting an intake gasket replaced next week, maybe I'll get another mile per gallon.

 

[Gadget728]

Bob's van is extended and a 1 ton. Lot of difference between a 1/2 ton & a 1 ton. Everything is bigger & beefier.

 

[Mobilesport]

Bob's van is extended and a 1 ton. Lot of difference between a 1/2 ton & a 1 ton. Everything is bigger & beefier.

2000 pounds though?
And we have the same mpg which means Bobs is getting way better fuel mpg then mine considering he has more weight.

 

[highdesertranger]

the difference between a 1 ton and a half ton is probably in the range of 800-1200lbs. this is a rough estimate in my head.
if you are both getting the same MPG then Bob is not getting better MPG's then you, they are the same. now you could say he is moving more weight for the same MPG as you. highdesertranger