1999 Sierra 1500 Z71...should I Buy?

[Davidsingletary]

Hey everyone...this is myfirst post so bear with me. I am looking at a GMC Sierra 1500 z71(sle package, reg cab, 5.3), it has 109,xxx on it and carfax shows that it has had dealership care every 3 or 4 thousand miles for about the first 90,xxx miles (oil change and lubrication of chasis, air filter, etc) It has had 3 owners and the current one is using it as a daily driver so i assume its in good running condition. But i will be looking at the truck in person tomorrow or the day after Christmas.

 

Owner is asking 6500, which seems very fair to me...but he says it will need 2 tires(ill prolly just get all 4) The only thing holding me back is reports about the transmissions have issues in these trucks, and that can be at least 2-3 thousand to fix. Heres a link to the truck if anyone is interested in seeing what it looks like.

truck

 

I dont know well...anything about these engines(other than theyre pushrod)...i am used to looking at my truck; a dodge ram (5.2 magnum) I know that its important to check for signs of leaks...but is there anything specific about these trucks i should look into?

 

thanks,

Dave

[rodram]

... if you buy this truck you will probably be very happy with it

... prices vary around the country so I am not sure if it is a good price in your area... (it would be a good price where I live...)

... but you are right about the GM 4L60E 4-sp auto transmission ... if this one has been abused, or even not abused and just worked hard, then you might be looking at a transmission rebuild somewhere in the 100k to 140k miles on the truck

 

despite that potential weak point, these are very good and reliable trucks... get a good flush and filter change on the transmission and maybe install servo kit and an extra transmission cooler ... these help the trans to shift quicker/smoother, and to keep the transmission temperature down ... all this helps to give a longer life to the transmission.

[joutlaw]

Not a bad price it seems if it's in good shape.

 

The 5.3 is a solid motor. 99 was the first year for the 5.3 so I'm not sure if there were any issues. I have 129K or so in my 04 and it's still very strong. They are in the LS engine family and get good gas mileage for a truck.

 

The 4L60E is an ok transmission. Being it's behind the 5.3 and it's a 4x4 it will be in the strongest case. There are tons of them on the road so it's a number thing that you hear about problems with them. A local reputable shop in my area wanted $1300 for a rebuild of mine so I think you can get a better price than 2-3K.

 

I'd do the usual stuff, check the fluids. Get under the truck and look for leaks. I'm sure you will find some minor ones. Drive the truck and check for vibrations. Get up to highway speed. Check the four wheel drive to make sure it will go to 4hi and 4lo.

[knipper_03]

I sold my 2000 RCLB 4x4 with a 4.8 with 136,000 miles for 7500 4 years ago.

 

Considering this one sounds like it has more options. Id say thats about what they go for.

 

100,000 mile used vehicles are GREAT for the backyard mechanic that doesn't mind the extra gamble cause they can fix stuff much cheaper (thats me)

 

You can put a new transmission in yourself for $400-600 that has maybe 50,000 miles on it. The truck I sold last I heard had almost 200k miles and no transmission work.

 

They way trucks hold there value after 50,000 miles is nuts. Honestly your better off spending the extra dough for a truck with around 50,000 miles if your not a self proclaimed mechanic. All my daily drivers I always buy with 100,000 miles on them. But my new 2006 truck with 27,000 miles I paid 17k and am glad I have al least one VERY dependable vehicle since my daily driver grand prix is pushing 167,XXX+ miles. Even on that car it shifts perfect and is on original transmission. Its not uncommon for a well serviced transmission to last 150-200k miles.

[KMGZ400]

its worth 5000... the trannys probably about to give but the 5.3 engine is bulletproof and will last forever... also check for cab rust i think that year of trucks had rusting problems

 

it was definatly worth the $2600 i paid for a new tranny on my 2003 5.3 suburban.. it will probably go through another tranny before the engine blows

[Davidsingletary]

the trucks in GA so i dont think rust will be a problem...thanks for all the replies so far!

[joutlaw]

It's unknown if the tranny is on it's way out. Check the fluid... is it burnt? Does it stink? If the fluid is burnt or has a foul odor then the clutches are probably toast. Ask the owner how much he towed with it. Did he tow in 3 or OD. 4L60Es should be towed in 3 for heavy loads.

 

Just some food for thought though on the price. I paid $7000 for my 2004 Silverado in May 2008. It had 119K miles and not as good as shape as the one in your pics. Gas prices were high then though and people weren't buying trucks. I still think you should be able to get at least a 1K off the price.

[amtz.zero]

The price could be a little better being that it's a '99 and it's a single cab. But, it sounds like a good truck.

[pj5454302]

Sounds like a good deal. Check it over and if everything is in good shape offer $5500 and work from there.

[Davidsingletary]

Actually Ive been looking for a reg cab z71 chevy/sierra for a while...Im a reg cab kind of guy! Maybe i just like them because theyre less common, but i like the way they look...

 

Btw, Im thinking BFG All Terrains for all four...Any other suggestions on good tires(hoping to squeeze on the biggest that will safely fit) I dont want noisy tires but i like them big

 

I also found out that its had 3 owners...first owner had it 2 years i think 20k

second owner had it from 01-09 i think 80k

third owner(current) has had it 11 months and around 10k

 

thats not exact just off thetop of my head but im hopeful that the truck will work out

[grayghost7]

First off you can't go wrong with a 5.3. I bought mine at 95k and it has 111k on it now [5 months later]..nothing leaking anywhere. The 4L60E is a good transmission as long as it hasn't been dogged. If your truck had a decent owner before you there may not be a problem for many thousand miles. I change my oil every 3000-3200 miles and flush everything every year....this helps with any motor and transmission. I hope to get over 200k on it before any major stuff happens.

[FlamesZ71]

I'll put in my 0.02 cents.

 

I have a 2000 Silverado Extended Cab Short Box w/ the 5.3 engine, 4x4 Z71 package, and I have had no severe issues with the truck thus far. I've had to replace the starter & tranny cooler lines. I bought the truck with 180,xxx KMS and I now have 208,xxx KMS on it within 8 months of driving. I've also done a fair bit of towing, and I've always used the Tow/Haul mode in either 3rd or OD, and she's never skipped a beat.

 

I recently switched over to Amsoil synthetic in the tranny & both axles, and did fresh Autotrack fluid in the transfer case.

 

I'd look under the truck for obvious leaks, and see if the grease zerks have been greased lately in the front suspension (10 in total). If it drives well, and you feel good while your driving it, then go for it.

 

Just to let you know, I paid just under $10,xxx Canadian ($9500 US), so that truck is a decent price to me. Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

[pistonslap]

The truck looks like it is in good shape.I am not familiar with the sle package,but in Canada where used vehicles cost more, that would be a good price if bought privately. And would cost more from a dealer in most areas.