Looking at a high-mileage 2006 2005HD

got_a_F150 · September 2, 2006

I've decided I need more towing and hauling power than my current F150 can give me and am looking at a 2003 Silverado 2500HD Ext. Cab LB with 185,000 miles and the 6.0 vortec/4 spd auto combo.

I've done my research and read up on the GM 2500HD's and they appear to be a pretty hardy truck - but I thought I'd drop a note here and ask for some real-world exprerience and opinions.

Should I be leary of the 185,000 miles? A check with car-fax shows no known past issues - this just appears to be a well-driven truck. But what about mechanical failures? Anyone else up there in miles and any issues with failed components, lack of power with age, etc? I read in a couple places that GM validated the 6 ltr vortec for a 200,000 mile use before major component failure - but I'm not sure what that means. I didn't see anything that said the same for the 4 spd auto...

Any particular quirks associated with the 2003 2500 I should be aware of or specifically look for on this truck? For example, I've read the 4 spd has a tendacy to whine in 1st? I also read a couple posts about U-joints? Anything?

I don't want to get the truck and have an ass-load of repair bills during or after the first year - but any newer or lower-mileage trucks seem beyond my price range. It's rediculous what some used trucks go for... I have a local dealer asking $27,000 for a 2003 2500HD Ext. Cab SB with 8.1 diesel and 105,000 miles

Thanks in advance for the help and opinions.

J

Needgasmoney · September 2, 2006

No problems at all with my '03, but I don't have nearly the amount miles as the one you are looking at. At this point in my ownership, I would highly recommend an '03 with average mileage, but I've got to believe that one with that kind of time on the clock would start to nickel and dime you to death from here on out.

2004GMC2500HD · September 2, 2006

Just remember there is a reason the previous owner got rid of it. Probably due to the high miles. It might have started to nickel and dime him to death.

Another thing to think about if that truck is the max you can spend where is the money for the repairs going to come from?

I would probably look elsewhere due to the number of miles.

Just out of curiousity what are the specifics on the truck, model, options, 4x4 or 4x2 and what are they asking for the truck?

Be careful maxing out your budget on a vehicle. One of the worst things you can do financially is get yourself buried in a vehicle only to have it cost you even more money because it needs repairs.

Again, don't get caught up in the "I have to have that truck" mentality. There are thousands of trucks for sale and you will always find something better.

Go to www.nada.com, www.kbb.com or www.edmunds.com and see what the value is for that truck with those miles. Don't pay over the dealer trade in value if you do decide to buy it.

Good luck.

P.S. If it were me I'd go with the 8.1 liter diesel you found. That would surely be better then my 8.1 liter gas engine....