2004 Silverado in TX - Value compared to book?

Syzygy · March 25, 2017

Hey everyone! First I want to apologize if this is the wrong area to ask this.

It's been a while since I've bought this truck and I'm not sure how the market is compared to book prices. If anyone is in Texas and knows the market, I'd like to hear more about this. Do they generally sell for private party book values? Not sure if there's a demand for trucks that may drive the price up.

I have a 2004 Z71 RCSB Step side, 94k miles, dark spiral gray on charcoal, towing package and rear privacy glass (were these options?) leveled on new wheels/33" BFGs. It's a very clean truck. The only issues with it are 1) CD player finally called it quits 2) tailgate no longer releases 3) dash lights/display just started doing the random dimming thing. Other than that it's been a great daily driver for the ~7 years I've had it.

From what I see it books for around $8500 to $11000. What do you think I could realistically ask for it? I'm not in a rush to sell it as it's going to become my secondary vehicle until it sells.

O_J_Simpson · March 25, 2017

No anything close to what KBB says. No one wants RC pickups. Add the issues like you posted and the value plummets further.

Syzygy · March 25, 2017

No anything close to what KBB says. No one wants RC pickups. Add the issues like you posted and the value plummets further.

I wanted one. I was left a note on my truck from someone wanting to purchase it but I wasn't interested at the time. Just because you don't want one doesn't mean they're not wanted.

The issues are minor and cheap fixes. Not sure why that would 'plummet' the value. I may even fix that stuff before it sells. I'm just looking for a ballpark on what people think it's worth. Preferably people in Texas as the market varies widely across the country.

O_J_Simpson · March 25, 2017

I wanted one. I was left a note on my truck from someone wanting to purchase it but I wasn't interested at the time. Just because you don't want one doesn't mean they're not wanted.

The issues are minor and cheap fixes. Not sure why that would 'plummet' the value. I may even fix that stuff before it sells. I'm just looking for a ballpark on what people think it's worth. Preferably people in Texas as the market varies widely across the country.

If you get 4k you better jump on it. 13 years ago, that truck sold for well under 20k. No way would I even consider selling it with those flaws. It screams un-maintained truck with many more hidden issues, even if there are none. Fix that stuff & if the intake has not been resealed, do that too.

Since you are from Texas you know all about the notes. Mexicans leave them on all older trucks hoping to get them for next to nothing and ship them back to Mexiho. I can count on getting at least one a month.

Syzygy · March 25, 2017

If you get 4k you better jump on it. 13 years ago, that truck sold for well under 20k. No way would I even consider selling it with those flaws. It screams un-maintained truck with many more hidden issues, even if there are none. Fix that stuff & if the intake has not been resealed, do that too.

Since you are from Texas you know all about the notes. Mexicans leave them on all older trucks hoping to get them for next to nothing and ship them back to Mexiho. I can count on getting at least one a month.

Wow, is this really what this forum has to offer? I don't take your words worth the time you took to write them.

Daryl LBZ · March 25, 2017

My dealer claims they base prices on what stuff sells for at auction. Maybe look into that and get some ideas?

muddkatt · March 25, 2017

Wow, is this really what this forum has to offer? I don't take your words worth the time you took to write them.

I would not judge a forum based off of one persons reply that I did not agree with, especially when you posted the topic at 2 AM and it was the only response by 4 AM.

While I do not live in Texas, I know the market there pretty well. I have a son, daughter, and son-in-law that lives in The Woodlands. My brother lives in west Louisiana and works in west Texas.

I doubt that the truck will bring more than $10,000 if that is what you are asking. Without posting pictures so that we can see the condition of the paint and interior, its just anyone’s guess. What engine does it have? 4.3, 4.8, 5.3? that will make a difference. Does it need painting yet or have you had it repainted? Clear coat failure is common especially in the south where the sun bakes bakes it.

As for the issues, tail gate probably has the clips broke, 15 dollar fix if you do it yourself. CD player can be replaced with a used factory unit for under $200 that you buy from ebay , craigslist, or from a local salvage yard. Lighting issue, no clue....could be anything from a faulty rheostat , to a completely ruined electrical system because the truck was flooded from either playing in the mud or one of the past floods. You know what the truck has been through, I don't.

In the end, its all about the condition of the truck, and what someone is willing to pay. If the truck is totally ragged out, with a salvage title, engine smoking, transmission slipping, then its a $250.00 truck. On the flip side, it could bring 10 grand if its a clean, well maintained truck. Regular cab trucks will sell, but the market is not a big as it once was. Most people prefer the additional room that a DC or CC gives. Good luck!

diyer2 · March 25, 2017

Hey everyone! First I want to apologize if this is the wrong area to ask this.

It's been a while since I've bought this truck and I'm not sure how the market is compared to book prices. If anyone is in Texas and knows the market, I'd like to hear more about this. Do they generally sell for private party book values? Not sure if there's a demand for trucks that may drive the price up.

I have a 2004 Z71 RCSB Step side, 94k miles, dark spiral gray on charcoal, towing package and rear privacy glass (were these options?) leveled on new wheels/33" BFGs. It's a very clean truck. The only issues with it are 1) CD player finally called it quits 2) tailgate no longer releases 3) dash lights/display just started doing the random dimming thing. Other than that it's been a great daily driver for the ~7 years I've had it.

From what I see it books for around $8500 to $11000. What do you think I could realistically ask for it? I'm not in a rush to sell it as it's going to become my secondary vehicle until it sells.

OK you asked for advice and you disagree with what was offered. I agree the issues area a bad thing to try and sell it. What motor, 6 or v8? If you want top dollar fix the issues IMO.

Syzygy · March 25, 2017

My dealer claims they base prices on what stuff sells for at auction. Maybe look into that and get some ideas?

Also known as Black Book. I'm very familiar with the inner workings of car dealerships. Not looking to sell it to a dealer though.

I would not judge a forum based off of one persons reply that I did not agree with, especially when you posted the topic at 2 AM and it was the only response by 4 AM.

While I do not live in Texas, I know the market there pretty well. I have a son, daughter, and son-in-law that lives in The Woodlands. My brother lives in west Louisiana and works in west Texas.

I doubt that the truck will bring more than $10,000 if that is what you are asking. Without posting pictures so that we can see the condition of the paint and interior, its just anyone’s guess. What engine does it have? 4.3, 4.8, 5.3? that will make a difference. Does it need painting yet or have you had it repainted? Clear coat failure is common especially in the south where the sun bakes bakes it.

As for the issues, tail gate probably has the clips broke, 15 dollar fix if you do it yourself. CD player can be replaced with a used factory unit for under $200 that you buy from ebay , craigslist, or from a local salvage yard. Lighting issue, no clue....could be anything from a faulty rheostat , to a completely ruined electrical system because the truck was flooded from either playing in the mud or one of the past floods. You know what the truck has been through, I don't.

In the end, its all about the condition of the truck, and what someone is willing to pay. If the truck is totally ragged out, with a salvage title, engine smoking, transmission slipping, then its a $250.00 truck. On the flip side, it could bring 10 grand if its a clean, well maintained truck. Regular cab trucks will sell, but the market is not a big as it once was. Most people prefer the additional room that a DC or CC gives. Good luck!

Agreed regarding your first sentence, though it was really more of an expression of surprise. I was expecting more of a "best case scenario" but he was insistent on talking it down to a laughable $4k -- I've seen similar trucks with 180k+ miles go for more than $4k.

It has the 5.3 and the only issues are the ones I list. The exterior and interior are still a 9/10. I don't drive junk, I take care of my vehicles. The issues I listed just happened recently and I haven't been pressed to fix them as they're minor inconveniences for me.

I appreciate your more thought-out comment. While I don't have pie-in-the-sky dreams of making bank on the truck, I'd rather drive it into the ground than sell it for $4k.

Here's the only picture I have in it's recent state. Since this picture, the lugs were changed to black and the tint was redone: http://i.imgur.com/bvnITCM.jpg

OK you asked for advice and you disagree with what was offered. I agree the issues area a bad thing to try and sell it. What motor, 6 or v8? If you want top dollar fix the issues IMO.

It's not that I disagreed, it's that it was a low effort post with what seemed like a very negative attitude. Did the Z71's come in 6 cylinder? It's a 5.3L V8. The issues are minor and I'll hold back some money if I don't fix them before selling it.

Daryl LBZ · March 25, 2017

Didn't suggest selling to a dealer, only suggesting you could look at those prices that they are selling for an adjust your price to fit somewhere between that and a price that you'll be happy with.

Syzygy · March 25, 2017

Didn't suggest selling to a dealer, only suggesting you could look at those prices that they are selling for an adjust your price to fit somewhere between that and a price that you'll be happy with.

Understood. I get that something is only worth what someone is willing to pay. I'm sure I won't get what I'm expecting out of it but I'm also not going to give it away.

Daryl LBZ · March 25, 2017

Understood. I get that something is only worth what someone is willing to pay. I'm sure I won't get what I'm expecting out of it but I'm also not going to give it away.

I wouldn't give it away either, I would definitely keep it first. I feel the same way.

KARNUT · March 25, 2017

Funny answers if your crazy enough to sell it for 4K I live in Conroe and I'll buy it. 8-12k is pretty close, especially if you take your time, and it's clean.

muddkatt · March 25, 2017

Looked at the 1 picture and if it is as clean up close as it appears, then it may bring over 10K. I would repair the issues you mentioned so that it is "perfect" then put it up for sale for 12,900. Negotiate from there. The only problem with private sales on old vehicles is financing. It will take someone with cash available or super credit to get it financed. Banks usually will not loan money on older vehicles. With graduation coming, a parent might buy it for their kid.

Regarding my previous comments about the condition, take what I said literally. I know someone personally that bought a GMC 2WD truck new and went to trade it when it was 1 year old. I was there when he went to make the deal and told them it was 1 year old with 28K miles and in very good shape. After they looked at the truck their comment was it looks like a 25 year old truck with 228K miles. It was totally ragged out, but he thought it was in good condition. Lesson here is everyone has a different definition of "clean, mint, etc...."

Yes, they put the 4.3 in Z-71's.

Syzygy · March 25, 2017

Looked at the 1 picture and if it is as clean up close as it appears, then it may bring over 10K. I would repair the issues you mentioned so that it is "perfect" then put it up for sale for 12,900. Negotiate from there. The only problem with private sales on old vehicles is financing. It will take someone with cash available or super credit to get it financed. Banks usually will not loan money on older vehicles. With graduation coming, a parent might buy it for their kid.

Regarding my previous comments about the condition, take what I said literally. I know someone personally that bought a GMC 2WD truck new and went to trade it when it was 1 year old. I was there when he went to make the deal and told them it was 1 year old with 28K miles and in very good shape. After they looked at the truck their comment was it looks like a 25 year old truck with 228K miles. It was totally ragged out, but he thought it was in good condition. Lesson here is everyone has a different definition of "clean, mint, etc...."

Yes, they put the 4.3 in Z-71's.

Didn't know that about the Z71's, that's pretty cool.

My Credit Union uses NADA as a guide but are willing to loan a little more if needed. Luckily NADA is one of the more generous books out there. That's one of the reasons I switched to a Credit Union; my bank (Chase) didn't want to finance anything older than, I believe, 6 years old.

While I get the message of your friend's trade in deal, you also have to realize he was talking to a dealership. They're going to try and low ball you as much as they can. It's one reason why I'll never trade a vehicle in or sell a vehicle to a dealership. You're much better off selling private party unless you're in a pinch.