Worried about buying 2005 Tahoe with high mileage

sfulton2011 · April 6, 2012

Hello I am looking at a 2005 Tahoe Z71. My worry is it has 107,000 miles on it but it looks like it was taken very well care of. I have run the carfax and it has only had one owner. Gone from Florida to Ohio over the course of 7 years so I would think most mileage is highway. I wasn't sure if this would be ok to look at buying or if I should stay clear because of the high mileage. Looking for tips on what to look at because of the high mileage and if this would be a good idea or not. The price is just right and according to KBB it is spot on. Thanks for any tips or suggestions that can be given!

dataspng · April 6, 2012

I always listen the the little voices in my head...(aka gut feeling) If they say dont buy it because high miles then dont.

sfulton2011 · April 6, 2012

Well my gut is saying it's fine. But husband is a little leary about the mileage.

STINSAN3 · April 6, 2012

My truck had 102K when I bought it used, it was mostly on interstate/highway miles. Haven't had a problem of it, thus far. Going on 138K.

redjewel2ss · April 6, 2012

107,000 is low for a chevy truck! just because the warranty has expired, doesn't mean it won't be reliable. my dad's 04 silverado has 160k on the original powertrain with no problems at all. my brother just bought an 05 tahoe z71 with 140k miles and its running just fine.

if your worried about it, see if the seller will allow you to take it to a trusted mechanic to have an inspection done on it. they'll look at everything from top to bottom and will tell you whats wearing and whats broken that should get replaced. keyword: trusted

txab · April 6, 2012

107,000 is low for a chevy truck! just because the warranty has expired, doesn't mean it won't be reliable. my dad's 04 silverado has 160k on the original powertrain with no problems at all. my brother just bought an 05 tahoe z71 with 140k miles and its running just fine.

if your worried about it, see if the seller will allow you to take it to a trusted mechanic to have an inspection done on it. they'll look at everything from top to bottom and will tell you whats wearing and whats broken that should get replaced. keyword: trusted

+1

Head to a mechanic and have the vehicle checked for the "Castech head" issue.

http://www.agcoauto....2_articleid=148

This would be my main concern. Chances are good that you don't have the suspect heads, but I'd take it into consideration

dewfpo · April 6, 2012

100K miles is nothing nowadays as long as it's in good shape and has been maintained well. I've driven american made vehicles cross country with 240,000 miles on it and never thought twice about it but I maintain them well. You can pay to have a mechanic check it over if it would make you feel better before you decide.

DEWFPO

SouthCo · April 7, 2012

Just sold my 2003 Tahoe (fully loaded with autoride and all) with 189K miles to my cousin. It always did and still runs great. He is soo happy with it. His personal mechanic told him that all looked good and it should have plenty of miles left. If the price is good, I'd go for it. What is KBB? For a 2005 with just over 100K, I would think $8k would be my upper limit. Unless you know the owner. If it's at a dealer they are going to overprice it.

tesnoboy · April 7, 2012

Just sold my 2003 Tahoe (fully loaded with autoride and all) with 189K miles to my cousin. It always did and still runs great. He is soo happy with it. His personal mechanic told him that all looked good and it should have plenty of miles left. If the price is good, I'd go for it. What is KBB? For a 2005 with just over 100K, I would think $8k would be my upper limit. Unless you know the owner. If it's at a dealer they are going to overprice it.

KBB is Kelly Blue Book. Gives used car values. If it was maintained right those miles should be no problem. I bought a 2000 Malibu with 135000 on it, had it for 5 years now. Now has 175000 on it. Still running strong. GM makes some stout engines if maintained right.

brainpause · April 7, 2012

+1 on what 2010TexasEdition said.

If it is 4x4 have them check the transfer case for a pump rub hole.

Have them check transmissions fluid for sight and smell.

These two things, and the Castech heads are possibly the most common big problems with these trucks. 107k is not a ton of miles anymore. Buddy of mine has never had a GM vehicle, but just purchased an '02 Silverado with 308000 MILES (not km) on it. He has the pump rub hole, rear pinion seal leak (we'll probably fix), and possible rear main seal leak. But he already loves this truck.

If I were in the market, is check a few specific things or have a mechanic check it, and enjoy it!

KMGZ400 · April 7, 2012

107,000 isnt bad, you can tell how well the vehicle was maintained by how clean the interior is and what shape the body is in. and if your husband has a decent knowledge of vehicles he should be able to feel if the front end is ok or is the engine is good or the trans.

have a 2003 suburban that has 170,000 miles on it, best vehicle ever owned

Petro_58 · July 2, 2012

Just sold my '98 Tahoe LT 4x4, I had 301,212 miles on her, and she was still running great when I sold her. Bought an '02 Tahoe LT 4x4 with Autoride, My ole '98 got better mileage. My response is, if it's been Maintained Properly then Ya Can't go wrong with a Tahoe or Chevy Truck!! Do a proper pre buy check list, and if it checks out then jump on it.