1998 and older chevy/gmc ext cab 1500

[steveo2155]

I am thinking about buying a 1998 or older ext cab truck. It would not be my primary driver - I am looking around for a 2000 something jetta diesel - I have heard these things run forever and get amazing gas mileage - which is what I am looking for. However, I would like an older cheaper 4 wheel drive truck for the snow and maybe a couple days a week when I am sick of driving the car. I like the older trucks like these, don't know a whole lot about them though. I found a 98 in great shape - no rust, paint still looks great, etc - its a 5 speed with 125,000 miles on it. I was just wondering if anybody could tell me how the reliability of these older trucks are - could I expect to drive one of these for many more miles? Any common problems? Easy to work on? Also, don't have kids yet but might someday - will a rear facing and front facing child seat work in the back of these? Obviously I know a newer crew cab would be ideal, I just want to know if anybody has had kids in the back of these is it even possible?

 

 

[2018GMC]

If the truck has had regular maintenance then it should run for a long while. My 97 has 200k on the clock and all is original except a new steering box and of course pitman and idler arms. I have seen these trucks go 350K. It all depends on how hard it was driven and most importantly regular maintenance.

 

I have synthetic in everything (both differentials, Transmission, transfer case, and engine oil.) I have seen 21 - 23 mpg driving 60 - 65 on a 200 mile trip. This was hand calculated and I just did a complete tune up and replaced 02 sensors. Now if I drive 75 - 80 I get 16 - 17 mpg

 

I have a car seat in my extended cab and kid has enough room. It sure isn't know crew cab but definately bigger than a improt extended cab lol.

[swartzdesk]

I have a '97 Sierra Ext Cab, and couldn't love it more. I'm pretty much only experiencing the types of issues one would expect from a vehicle this old -- replacing hoses, fixing a leak here or there, little weird noises -- but nothing too major. Yours has 125K miles on it, so as long as it's been taken care of properly, you should easily get to 200K without any major issues. If you want to invest further, you should be able to take it 300K if you want to.

 

As far as a carseat, this is one of the only ones I've been able to find that fit properly:

http://www.target.com/p/eddie-bauer-xrs-65-convertible-car-seat/-/A-14293314

 

It's great, and worth every penny. It will fit an infant rear-facing for up to 40 pounds, and a child forward-facing for up to 65 pounds. Its smaller profile is specifically designed for vehicles with smaller rear seats.

 

Something important to note: This model truck does not have the child seat LATCH system, so you'll have to use the seat belt to install the carseat. This isn't an issue for rear-facing, and i would recommend using the center belt. This will make it easier to get your kid in the seat, because there is room for putting your knee on the each, so you aren't hunched all over strapping your future little Junior in there.

 

Once you switch your seat to forward-facing, you'll have no problem getting the center belt to apply enough tension to keep the seat securely locked into place. I took it one step further and installed a bolt right into the body of my truck (under the back seat) and a 2000-lb-grade chain so that I could use the center latch from the top of the seat. But I'm Mr. Overkill, and just love MacGyvering things.

 

When your little one switches to a convertible/booster, there's plenty of room for a kid back there right up until s/he's big enough to sit in the seat without a carseat.

 

I actually have both that Eddie-Bauer carseat and a booster in the back of my truck. Plenty of room for both the little buggers.

 

[bluestar97]

I have 3 of this model pickup and none of them ever give me problems. My 96 has 234k miles on it without a rebuilt engine or tranny and it still runs like a brandream new truck. You will not be disappointed with one of these. The only problems I van think of is that the door hinges aren't the best so after some wear they do begin to sag, also the door handles (inside and outside) break over the years also. On my 92 I go through about 3 starters a year but that's mainly my fault not because of how the truck was designed