Buying used

HeyJoe · May 15, 2002

Hi,

I've been following this board off and on for a while as I've been shopping and evaluating pickups, and as I'm now closer to a decision I wanted to ask for general opinions about anything I should keep in mind as I look at vehicles.

I was originally shopping new, but have decided I just don't want the overhead right now, so I've done some research and settled on a 1997 K1500, 5.7l V8, 4spd auto, extended cab, short bed, preferably with a third door. 2500 would be okay, too, but the 1500 should fit my needs. I'd like to stay under or around $15k.

My interests are towing ability (23' sailboat), cargo space (kayaks, bikes, camping and scuba gear, etc.) and passenger room. Specific interest in the 1997 includes dual air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and the upgraded 5.7l V8. It's these last few items that tip the scales for me to the Chevy over an F150 or Ram, although those others have their own strengths.

People here seem pretty happy with the 97. Is there anything specific I should look out for? Any "must have" options? Anything to avoid? Questions to ask?

Thanks in advance!

-- Joe

ClipperSkipper · May 15, 2002

2500 would be okay, too, but the 1500 should fit my needs. I'd like to stay under or around $15k.

Let me be the first to welome you to the forum! There are a

lot of used truks out there and depending upon where you live,

there are some great deals out there. The Senior members of

this forum have most of the dope on the older trucks, but I'd say the only thing stand alone is the 4L60E transmission on the 1997. It is prone to front pump failure, shell fracture, and palnuts coming loose.

You should be able to find something muh more recent for that money, and eliminate several headaches.

May 15, 2002

Look at the links posted in the general Forum on Car Buying. There are tips for used cars and links to help check out individual models for problems.

Dihappy · May 15, 2002

Welcome

Shaners · May 15, 2002

If you are planning on towing your boat very much, you better make sure you get at least 3.73 or better yet 4.10 gears in the rear-end.

Years ago my dad towed our '23 sailboat with a '78 Cparice with a 305 in it. I'm sure he worked the snot out of it, but it did the job...

99silveradoz71 · May 16, 2002

Welcome aboard. Taking a mechanic that you can trust along to look at a vehicle you're considering isn't a bad option either.

tfpary · May 16, 2002

Things to look for in 1997 Chevy Trucks

5.7l Vortechs of this vintage have a problem with leaking intake manifold gaskets - externally seems like they either leak drivers side front or passenger side rear. Internally - well it doesnt matter where they leak- all bad.

The OEM Delco batteries of this vintage often cracked/leaked on the positive battery cable. Look for corrision of the cable and in the area below the battery positive terminal, hopefully the cable and battery have been replaced.

The 4L60E sometimes will have a reaction shell failure, leaving the truck with no reverse and less than all of the forward gears.

The fuel pumps often whine - annoying but they work.

Water pumps seem to fail early (60-80k)

Do some searching here and on Google groups.

Good luck!

MarkD · May 17, 2002

I paid just a little more than that for my 99. I love it!

See link

HeyJoe · May 17, 2002

Thanks for all the info so far. I really appreciate it.

How do people feel about the 5.7l V8 versus the newer 5.3? I've read mixed things about the 5.3, which (together with price) is one reason I was considering pre-1999.

Quality is more important to me than saving a few bucks; I'd rather have less problems, and am willing to pay a little extra for an older vehicle in excellent shape, even if I could get a newer vehicle for the same price, as long as the older vehicle is reliable. I appreciate the "tried-and-true" factor.

But, I might add, I'm swayed by Mark's sharp '99.

DigUout · May 19, 2002

The 5.7 is a great motor as is the 5.3. The nice thing about the older 350's compared to the new engines is that just about everybody and there brother has access to 350 parts. In other words, if you break down in the middle of nowhere, someone will be able to help you get your '97 running again.

When you find a truck you like, ask to take it to your mechanic to look it over. If they balk, you walk. You'll want him to get it on a lift and do a real thorough check on the engine, tranny, brakes, axle, electrical, etc. Try and get the previous owners phone # and talk to them about it. Also, if you see a wave or wrinkle in the body, go over it with a small, flat refrigerator magnet. If it doesn't stick, there's probably some bondo under the paint.

Lastly, shop. A lot. Price so many online, that you know a good deal when you see it without having to go home, book it out with miles and options, etc. And most importantly, don't fall in love with a truck. There is always another around the corner with maybe a more motivated seller. Good luck -

radrado · May 19, 2002

In addition to what everyone already said there is one step I will never skip when buying second hand. Run a VIN check on a service like carfax.com. It could save you from a costly mistake.

96 Vortec · May 20, 2002

I have a 96 ext. cab. with the 350 auto. I don't have the 3rd door or the passenger side airbag, but I think this is all the truck you need.

I pulled my friends 23 foot Regal (run about boat) without any problems. If you've seen one of them out of the water, it ain't no small pleasure boat.

SilveradoMan is a good friend of mine. He has a 99 Silverado with the 5.3. Not too long ago we helped a friend move to Arkansas. I rode back to KC with him and on the big hills and passing people, it just seemed like my truck had more oomph than his. Granted I was judging from the back seat, but still...

I'm not going to lie to you about the water pump. Just changed mine at the start of the year.

Not going to lie to you about the intake manifold leaking. Mine will be fixed after the purchase of my house.

But, the 350 is the most common motor on the face of the planet. There are more parts available for it than any other engine, EVER. Plus from 96 to 99 they have the Vortec heads wich made a huge difference in drivablity, mileage and power over the 95 and previous TBI's. I can make this statement honestly after owning a 92 ext. cab for three years before the purchase of my 96.

The new trucks are more car like in their ride and they have more gadgets, but I will never part with my truck. It does everything I need it too and it just seems more like a truck than the new ones.

bassdog · May 20, 2002

But, the 350 is the most common motor on the face of the planet. There are more parts available for it than any other engine, EVER. Plus from 96 to 99 they have the Vortec heads wich made a huge difference in drivablity, mileage and power over the 95 and previous TBI's. I can make this statement honestly after owning a 92 ext. cab for three years before the purchase of my 96.

Well, I wasn't going to post, but thought about it again. I somewhat disagree with what you are saying here. I just had a similar conversation with my mechanic on Friday (wishing I had the power and such of the Vortec motor). He completely disagreed with me :ehh:

He said my motor ('94 5.7L) was a much better motor overall, solid and reliable. Now for me, I want the hp's and such, but to hear him say that made me think twice.

I have had two Pre-Vortec motors, both 350's and they are bulletproof in my opinion. Neither motor (knock on wood) needed as much as a gasket replaced and both went far past 100k miles without any failure what-so-ever.

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying Vortecs aren't any good, but to have a piece of mind that my motor will go another ....miles without worry....I'll take that over HP anyday!

96 Vortec · May 22, 2002

I would have to kind of agree with you. I owned an 87 K5 Blazer and a 92 K1500, both with a TBI 350. Both of them had to have the water pumps replaced around 120,000 but never had any gasket problems.

The Vortec 350 is WAY more drivable than the older ones though. That is due to the roller cam and lifters though. It does make quite a bit more power though. I also can get almost 16 mpg on the highway with this one. I could never crack 14 with my 92.

SilveradoWV · May 22, 2002

My dad has a '91 K1500 with a 350 auto and 3.42s. It has over 140,000 miles on it so far and no problems (knock on wood). It is a great motor and gets great mpg. It seems like my 4.8 will outrun it especially on the start, but the 350 has a bunch of torque you can just feel it when you give it the gas!