Is it worth buying a high mileage 00-02 Silverado 1500?

[WilliamBos]

I just went 200,000 miles on my 04 two weeks back.

 

there is a BIG difference in where the truck was from, as well as 4wd and 2wd. A 2wd is going to have less to work on as it gets older. The 4wd is going to need CV axles, transfer case maintenance, front differential seals, solenoids, and other parts that are part of the drive train and computer system.

 

They'll both need hub bearings (cheap as dirt on eBay) as well as the usual stuff like shocks, ball joints or tie rod ends. Rust as mentioned above is a deal breaker because of the likelyhood thaty the brake lines will need to be replaced and the calipers will also corrode up on you. It really sucks when you go to remove a rear caliper pin to do brakes and the bold head just snaps off.

 

Also, the trim level can also determine what work or maintenance you will need to do. On my SLT I have electronic shocks that one can select a ride setting on via pushbutton. Those damn shocks are $150 each. Still have my originals on but the fronts are shot now. So, I either get to spend the $$$ to keep the original design or scrap the ride control and put normal shocks on. You'll also most likely wind up replacing the dsh cluster because a stepper motor will fail. (Dorman through Summit Racing)

 

In the last few years here are the things that have gone bad on my 04 2wd;

Water pump

ABS controller (still haven't replaced)

Tach on my gauge cluster, (haven't gotten the replacement yet)

shocks

brake line

rear caliper

rear brake shields

Have a P0446 code, so maybe the EVAP solenoid?

Hub bearings

Rod ends

U Joints and carrier bearing

Exhaust cat back

tailgate cables and other hardware

I think the compressor clutch bearing went bad. I took the belt off for now but need to tear into the A/C system at some point.

Need to do an ATF fluid change in the near future as well as rear diff fluid change.

Bottom cab rocker panels are completely rusted out and needs to be fixed.

 

 

I'm also going to be doing the e-fan conversion. I've gotten the fan assembly and I've already installed the high amp alternator and belt. Just need the new radiator and wiring harness. I live in Cleveland so rust is a big issue as well as extreme temperature swings. You may not have the same issues where you live or get the truck from.

 

On the plus side, the engine only uses the normal quart of oil between oil changes (6,000 miles) and I still average 20mpg on the highway. Still cheaper than buying a new truck.

I Cut off the rear brake shields on mine when they rotted, was better off. I bought tailgate straps from Eric Merchant for the 04, kept the cables for when I traded it in. Gonna get a set for the 11.

 

Ive heard you can buy or rebuild your cluster with updsted stepper motors and power supply.

 

As for unit bearings, my head aches went away when I upgraded to LT tires.

[ManyCamaroz]

_{I bought a 2000 LT about 1 1/2 years ago with 196k on it just to kick around in. Anything about that vintage had 175 to 250k on them and knowing the LS type motor was a good motor with a long life as long it is cared for I decided to chance a high mileage one.it appeared to have been maintained and the tranny had about 25k on it. Since then the AC clutch started slipping under load so I replaced compressor, condenser and evap as I figured if the clutch is failing the compressor soon will also. I replaced the radiator prior to last winter because I saw a small white streak on one of the tanks when checking the anti-freeze and am now replacing the water pump due to a small leak at the gasket. I figured if I have to take the WP off to replace the gasket I might as well change it. The LS type motors are tough and durable as it uses no oil whatsoever between changes. I knew there would be some items that would require replacement due to its age and mileage. I don't regret purchasing it at all!}

[sportbikermed]

I'm picking up a '99 in 2 days with 200k on it. Was trying to avoid that mileage but to get a full size 4x4 extended cab truck in my current budget range I had no choice. The truck has been repainted due to a minor accident which also required a new front clip. There's no rust anywhere. Engine exterior is dry as a bone and the engine purrs like a kitten with no knocks, pecks, etc. The truck interior is even in great shape. I feel confident that even at 200k I'm getting a great truck that will give me another 100k if I keep it that long.