We bought Essie over in Idaho after a long search. I test drove a brand new on in 03 that was black with gray interior, automatic transmission and a fleet side bed. I really wanted a 5 speed with a step side so I decided to wait until the 04 model came out. They dropped the Xtreme in 04.
It took about a year to find Essie because I wouldn't settle, I wanted either black or blue, 4.3/5 speed, extended cab step side and a tan interior.
So far I've put almost 40k on her and I average 19mpg in town and 22-23mpg mixed Highway with most straight Highway tanks being 24-25 and a best of 26.6.
She's been good to us. She's needed a radiator, heater core and that is it so far. Everything else has been maintenance.
She has a few mods, spray in bedliner, a bluetooth radio, hurst/core shifter, AEM air filter and of course the 17" Torque Thrust II chrome wheels wrapped in 275/40r17's on all 4 corners.
Future slow plans consist of Camaro front brakes with larger rotors, Blazer rear disc brakes, ghetto LS6/T56 and at least a partial repaint.
The ghetto LS6 is a gen4 all aluminum 5.3 bored out to a 5.7 with all of the LS6 trim. The LS6 is rated at 405hp and 400tq. I plan on a slightly hotter cam that will move the torque lower, obviously swap headers, and some minor head work. The heads are already done. The T56 is from an 01 WS6 Firebird and i have an aluminum flywheel and Spec clutch for it.