Help Me Buy a Used Truck

Paul_Aris · February 27, 2005

Ok, My wifes S blazer LT got totalled out a few weeks ago. So I am going to pass along my 99 Suburban LT to her. I am going to pay cash for a beater truck for myself. I have twin 4 year old boys so it must be an extended cab. I don't want to pay anymore than $9000. Right I don't want to have to borrow any money because I just purchased some property up north and don't want the extra payment.

Requirments are:

Chevy or GMC (silverado or sierra trim)

4x4

extended Cab

Clean and in good to excellent condition

No major dents or rips in interior

Model year 1996-2000

Prefer bucket seats with center council

So far I've looked at a lot of trucks. One was a 2000 LS quad cab with 173,000 miles which scared me away a bit. $8900 was the asking price, so I waited and it sold the first few day it was in the paper. I did drive it and it felt good and would peel the tires right off.

1996 GMC 3rd door sierra Z71. Nice truck and it has 134,000. Above average condition for its age. I drove it and it pulled a bit to the right and when the brake is depressed it makes a creaking noise. That scared me a little. This one is still available at $8950 at a local lot. Would try to work them down on price.

I just found 2 99's with over $100,000 for $8900. These are NBS trucks and I don't know the exact mileage but will call Monday. They appear to have what I want.

Everything else I looked at didn't even interest me due to condition. I know that intake manifold gaskets is one thing I should be aware of and maybe transmision. I already have replaced a 4L60E in 2 different trucks over the years. Anything else I should be aware of? Any suggestions. I am having a hard time finding what I want. I'm in Michigan.

Thanks for your help.

hvac1000 · February 27, 2005

Look at the 60 month free interest on a new one. Nothing wrong with used BUT they also come with problems.

Bgdsub72 · February 27, 2005

Look at the 60 month free interest on a new one. Nothing wrong with used BUT they also come with problems.

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he does not want payments

There are tons of 99-02 trucks out there for the 10K range but most will have high milage...

Paul_Aris · February 27, 2005

Look at the 60 month free interest on a new one. Nothing wrong with used BUT they also come with problems.

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I understand that but its a matter of having a payment and not having a payment. $450 a month with a down payment vs. 0 a month.

citydriver · February 27, 2005

In my opinion high mileage is not that big an issue if the vehicle was maintained properly. BUT the trick is to find out IF it was maintained. I was lucky when I found my '95 w/142,500mi for $7500, it was mostly highway miles and the previous owner left the maint. records with the truck....other than minor problems with wear items like brakes and exhaust and a water pump. I've had to put in an alternator, wheel/axle seals and replaced the intake gaskets, which are minor to me 'cause I did the work myself, the truck has been trouble free....Other than maintenance issue, I would also check for collision damage that may not have been repaired corectly, anyhow GOOD LUCK on your search! One thng you are probably finding is that the GM's definately hold their value longer than other manufacturers of the same model years....BONUS for the sellers and HARD on the buyers

p.s. I now have over 169,000 miles on my '95 after owning it for 2 years (next month)

Paul_Aris · February 27, 2005

Wow, Resale on a GM is much higher. It amazes me. Then I test drive a Dodge and then back in a Chevy and I understand why. The Chevy is just so much more truck. I agree, as long as you maintain your vehicle it will go the distance. I'm in Michigan by the way.

Greg · February 28, 2005

My father-in-law bought a '98 extended cab with a 350. Very nice truck and engine. There won't be quite as much room in the rear seat with the OBS, but you won't have to deal with the early 5.3 CSK problem, either.

Paul_Aris · February 28, 2005

My father-in-law bought a '98 extended cab with a 350. Very nice truck and engine. There won't be quite as much room in the rear seat with the OBS, but you won't have to deal with the early 5.3 CSK problem, either.

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I know the 350 Vortec for that is what is in my suburban. What is the CSK problem?

Truckman031 · February 28, 2005

Cold Start Knock. It usually occurs during the first minute or two after being started. Some trucks have it, some don't.

100R1 · February 28, 2005

Finding a good used truck is hard enough, deciding a reasonable price to pay is another.

Here is a link to the used vehicle pricing used by lending instutions and dealers.

the real "BLACK BOOK"

you need to go in thru the federal credit union from the link above, then in the upper left hand corner are "quick keys" under the quick keys click on "vehicle cost"

use this to cut your best deal.

good luck in your search

Paul_Aris · February 28, 2005

Is the 4.8L V8 any good. I found a good deal on a 99 with a 4.8L. Are the geared any different and will they tow ok.

Paul_Aris · February 28, 2005

Is the 4.8L V8 any good. I found a good deal on a 99 with a 4.8L. Are the geared any different and will they tow ok.

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Also. what kind of gas milage does the 4.8 get.

HiG4s · February 28, 2005

Is the 4.8L V8 any good. I found a good deal on a 99 with a 4.8L. Are the geared any different and will they tow ok.

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Also. what kind of gas milage does the 4.8 get.

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I get right at 20mpg with my 2001 4.8 manual trans. Tows fine.

Paul_Aris · March 1, 2005

After looking for 3 weeks and seeing a lot of trucks in rough shape I finally made a purchase on a clean one.

Well, I drove the truck and the motor felt like a 5.3L to me. I don't drive a 5.3 everyday so that is just a comparison of a few drives I have had with one. May even be a little quicker out of the hole than my 99 350 vortec in the burban.

I ended up buying the truck. It is a 99 extended cab 3rd door LS 4x4 with bucket seats and full center council. It has a charcoal interior in fabric. I could not see in flaws with the inside. No burn marks or nothing. The out side was very clean as well with full bedliner. It has 130,000 miles. I wanted to pay cash and get the most truck I could afford on my $9000 budget. This will be our second vehicle. Basically to haul my arse to work and back and a few trips up north a year. I got the truck for $8200.