Need advice on buying a truck

uh6077 · October 11, 2006

I am looking at a truck and need some GM owner advice. It is a 99 GMC Sierra Z-71, 4x4, 5.3 liter, short bed, stepside, 4in lift, trailer brake control, rhino liner, leather, power everything, dual flowmasters, K&N intake, nice wheels. Truck is at a dealership and was traded in on Monday. They don't put anything out on the lot less than $12,000 so this will go to the wholeseller unless I buy it. Mileage is unknown because the they say the display has a short. They were told by the owner that it has 108,000 miles and by the looks of the truck that is correct. Truck is drity since it has not been detailed but it looks like it will clean up nice. Under side is rust free being a southern truck. If I buy the truck it will be AS IS, no inspections, not detailed, just as it sits now. They wanted $10,800 and I told them they were crazy. I offered $7000 cash since the mileage is unknown and it has not even beed checked out yet. They countered with $9800. I walked. What is this truck really worth. KBB private party value is $8200 ( not retail since they will not be standing behind it) but that is without lift, intake, exhaust and so on. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks

Scyry · October 11, 2006

General rule of thumb, any modification is worth $0. I wouldn't go above $8000, myself, especially with a non working display. I also have heard you can get mileage off the computers, maybe someone like MS3Dale could chime in.

Clavin78 · October 12, 2006

Yeah...you must remember, dealers will ALWAYS make money. They say they are losing money on this sale...but ont believe it. They are always making a LARGE profit on anything they sell...if they weren't making such a good profit how could they stay in business or why would they keep the job?

mmmikkke · October 12, 2006

I'd get a carfax on it and extrapolate the mileages known for various repairs and maintanance and see if it makes sense at 108,000. That is, if carfax gives you that kind of information... Like, maybe the dealer did a lube on it at 140,000 miles 2 years ago... That would be a red flag.