Need some buying advice

Str8fan · November 24, 2013

Hey guys, I'm looking at buying a Silverado 1500 and was wondering if anyone could tell me a fair price for this 2001 extended cab? https://usedcars.truecar.com/car/Chevrolet-Silverado-1500-2001/2GCEC19T611317285

Are there any issues I should know about with these trucks at that mileage?

intheburbs · November 24, 2013

Well, the big-ticket items I replaced in my '01 Burb were the fuel pump (listen for a whine with the ignition on and engine off). front hubs/bearings, exhaust manifold gaskets and front and rear axles. The axles died more due to towing abuse on my part. Check the brakes, too - the rotors especially.

I'd suggest you have a mechanic check it out, including a compression test, and use his findings when negotiating a final price. $8k sounds a bit steep for a 2WD LS. $6500-$7000 sounds more reasonable to me.

govener71 · November 24, 2013

Too high, you can find those trucks closer to 5000 private party. It is already almost 14 years old, not that that is bad in any way but it seems pretty steep. You are going to be looking for castec heads, intake manifold gasket, fuel pump, tranny service. Pretty much the big things that could go out.

oldmann · November 25, 2013

I vote $3000-$4.500 k if it was a 4x4. $2500-$3500 for a 2wd.

rudyb · November 27, 2013

IMO the LS motors they put in these trucks are pretty solid. As long as the truck has been regularly maintained (engine oil, tranny oil, ect) I wouldn't be afraid to take one to 250k. Also, a little bit of whine from the fuel pump doesn't mean it's bad or about to quit. Mine usually only makes noise when it's below half full (especially in the summer months). I keep my tank above half full as often as possible. People say the gas actually acts as a coolant to disperse the heat away from the pump, which increases the life span of the pump. I currently have 116k on my Silvy and she runs fine, but I also change fluids on time and keep the front end greased. The front end is definitely something I would inspect before buying with 100K. I grease mine around every 3K and I think mine is going to need some work soon.

As far as the price goes, I agree with intheburbs. If you could tell this was a one owner and was taken extremely well care of, it might be worth the asking price.

rudyb · November 27, 2013

Oh, and it's always smart to see what the bank will even loan on it. Like someone else said. It's around twelve years old. They may only loan 5k. If so, maybe offer the dealership 5k.